Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Salary: 40,000 to 48,000 for 100% or $20,000-$24,000 for 50%
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS SERVED:
Statewide
OFFICE LOCATION:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI, 53703; Environmental Resources Center, 445 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53707. The Environmental Resources Center is a programming unit within UW Extension, Cooperative Extension and UW Madison, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).
POSITION PURPOSE:
As an academic staff member of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, employed with the Environmental Resources Center (ERC), the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Outreach Specialist will work directly with the Environmental Resources Center AIS Program Coordinator to implement the outreach, communications, and engagement objectives of the Environmental Resources Center AIS Program. This person will collaborate with a network of state and local partners to achieve these objectives and will help ensure a coordinated message at the local, state, and regional levels. This person will also work to support the current network and expand it, targeting key geographic areas of the state.
INITIAL POSITION FOCUS:
The initial focus for this position will be supporting Environmental Resources Center AIS Program outreach, engagement, or partner coordination needs, as determined by the AIS Program Coordinator and partner organizations.
PRIMARY DUTIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Specific job duties will be determined by the strengths of the selected candidate. These job duties will be completed in collaboration with the existing Environmental Resources Center AIS Program Coordinator.
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Coordination of the Wisconsin Aquatic Invasive Species Partnership
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Facilitate communication between state, county, and local aquatic invasive species partners
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Develop and maintain resource sharing tools to enhance communication between partners
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Manage the development, revision, and distribution of program publications and outreach tools
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Provide guidance to county/local groups wishing to incorporate state AIS messages into local education tools
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Facilitate coordination among partners involved with AIS communications and outreach
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Develop consistent statewide aquatic invasive species messaging
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In close collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR), develop information/educational materials which may include newsletters, new releases, reports, web sites, Power Point presentations, etc. necessary to transfer relevant concepts to the target audience and administrative officials
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Develop and evaluate comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns to prevent the spread of AIS
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Develop communications and outreach tools to reach targeted audiences through a variety of media
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In collaboration with WI DNR and local partners, ensure effective communications response to new invasive species findings and other unexpected events
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Lead implementation of the Wisconsin DNR Invasive Species Response Framework
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Work within communities to organize response management teams
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Facilitate communications and coordinate response across diverse stakeholders groups
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Increase awareness of the Invasive Species Response Framework across the Wisconsin AIS Partnership to improve future response efforts
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Lead evaluation and reporting efforts on response efforts
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Develop and deliver extension programming to stakeholders across Wisconsin
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Conduct educational outreach programming in collaboration with federal, state and local partner teams
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Lead educational sessions at meetings and workshops statewide
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Evaluate the success of invasive species outreach efforts
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Identify and educate interested partners on AIS efforts and help connect them with necessary resources
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Interact with various public and agency audiences regarding AIS, including reply to email and phone information requests
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Assist with ERC natural resources outreach and evaluation projects when needed and when funding allows
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Other required duties and responsibilities
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Act as a liaison to build coalitions and cooperate with agencies including the WDNR; University of Wisconsin Extension; Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Sea Grant; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Wisconsin Lakes Partnership; UWEX/DNR Basin Educator Program; County and Municipal staff; Conservation and Environmental Associations and other entities deemed appropriate
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Participate as needed in the following teams/working groups:
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Wisconsin Invasive Species Council – Education Subcommittee
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Wisconsin DNR Invasive Species Team
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Wisconsin Lakes Partnership
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Mississippi River and Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Panels
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Develop an annual plan of work for UW-Extension, based on ongoing assessments of needs that include specific educational program priorities and performance measures
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Cooperate with other Extension personnel to develop strong, integrated educational programs that utilize the expertise of Extension, WI DNR, and other agencies and organizations
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Represent Cooperative Extension and provide educational leadership with program-related agencies and educational institutions
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General duties
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Reach and engage diverse audiences in ways that are inclusive and do not discriminate to ensure full access to programs, facilities and educational services
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Conduct and report on program evaluations to improve program effectiveness and demonstrate value to programmatic and funding partners
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Build, strengthen and sustain trust-based relationships to promote cooperative and respectful work environments
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Develop and maintain relationships with programmatic and funding partners in ways that effectively communicate the value of Cooperative Extension
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Regularly consult with and report to Extension partners at the county and state levels to ensure accountability
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Develop and follow a professional development plan to ensure proficiency in priority content, current research and relevant competencies
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Be responsive to evolving position, program, office and organizational needs; perform adjusted or additional duties as requested
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Contribute leadership, as needed, to ensure effective Extension office operations
WORKING CONDITIONS:
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Make arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions
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Occasional travel within the state
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Occasionally work evenings and weekends to meet program needs
ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIPS:
The primary accountability relationships for this position are with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator and the UW¿Extension, Cooperative Extension Water Resources Coordinator. This position works closely under the Environmental Resource Center Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator to implement programs and meet performance expectations.
TO BE CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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Bachelor’s degree in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as natural resources, aquatic ecology, adult education, life sciences communication
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Demonstrated skills in planning, implementing or teaching education and outreach programs
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Ability to work at a community level and partner with others to address educational needs
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Knowledge and skills to effectively engage with people from diverse backgrounds including differences in culture, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, physical and cognitive ability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity
BEST QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL ALSO DEMONSTRATE MANY OF THE FOLLOWING PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
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A Master’s degree in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as natural resources, aquatic ecology, adult education, life sciences communication
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Current content knowledge in fields related to the purpose of this position, such as aquatic invasive species, community outreach, science communication, program evaluation and/or social marketing
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Demonstrated educational program development skills including planning and implementing programs; evaluating learning experiences; and communicating program impact and value to stakeholders
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Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing and applying evidence-based information and research findings
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Knowledge of adult learning principles
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Effective group facilitation skills
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Successful experience developing volunteers and managing volunteer-delivered programs
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Experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments
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Successful volunteer or paid experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
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Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining professional work environments
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Strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting
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Effective communication and presentation skills using a variety of methods and technologies
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Ability to promote Cooperative Extension and its programs through various media and public relations strategies
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Knowledge of the legacy of Cooperative Extension, as part of the U.S. system of land-grant institutions, dedicated to service in the public good
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
This position is fixed term terminal academic staff appointment in the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Division of Cooperative Extension and is subject to UW System, UW-Extension and Cooperative Extension human resource policies. Under UWEX 10.01 (1), fixed term terminal academic staff appointments are for a definite period of time as specified in the appointment letter and do not carry a guarantee of employment beyond the stated term, regardless of how many times an employment contract is offered to the employee. Fixed term terminal appointments are not subject to the notice periods in UWS 10.05 and UWEX Chapter 10.07. Reappointment to this position after the initial term is dependent upon availability of funding and performance.
POSITION CLARIFICATION:
This position is subject to University of Wisconsin System and University of Wisconsin-Extension human resources policies. This position description is not intended to be comprehensive in nature given the changes in primary duties/essential job functions and position expectations that can occur over time in response to emerging and assessed community, program and organizational needs. Changes to this position description are subject to the approval of the Extension Office of Human Resources and those to whom the position is accountable.
POSITION BENEFITS AND SALARY:
State of Wisconsin benefits (https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/), including retirement, vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and other insurances. Starting salary range commensurate with qualifications: $40,000 to $48,000 at 100% FTE ($20,000-$24,000 for 50% FTE).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
As an affirmative action employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. University of Wisconsin-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service, arrest record or non-program related conviction record. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
It is the policy of UW-Extension to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at hrstaff@uwex.uwc.edu. Please call 711 if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK:
A background check will be conducted for the finalist candidate. Employment is contingent upon a completion of a successful background check and establishment of identity and verification of employment eligibility as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Additionally, UW-Extension reserves the right to verify any/all information you state or imply within your application materials to confirm your qualification(s) prior to appointment to the position.
HOW TO APPLY:
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APPLICATION DUE DATE: To receive full consideration, application materials must be received by June 18, 2017 and include all of the following (WHEN UPLOADING DOCUMENTS, PDF FORMAT IS PREFERRED):
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COVER LETTER (up to two pages) in which you summarize how your qualifications meet those of the position. Please note that your response will be evaluated not only for content but for written communication skills as well. You are encouraged to refer to formal education, training, professional work history, volunteer work, research and any related life experiences in your response. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure your cover letter is as complete a summary of your qualifications as possible:
-Prepare a summary paragraph for each of the listed Minimum Qualifications.
-Include a paragraph that summarizes the knowledge, skills and abilities which you possess as particular strengths, beyond the minimum qualifications (see Best Qualified section).
-If an “Initial Position Focus” is specified on the first page of the position description, describe any relevant experience you have related to the “Initial Position Focus”.
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PROFESSIONAL RESUME including related education, professional work history and volunteer experience.
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WORK SAMPLES PDF files or picture formatted (i.e., .jpeg) files of 1-3 outreach or other communications materials you have developed or helped develop, along with a description of your contribution to each item provided.
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CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THREE (3) PROFESSIONAL WORK REFERENCES including at least one person who has been your immediate supervisor. For each reference, please indicate the nature of your professional relationship and include the person’s title, e-mail address and telephone number.
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FINAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS for each of your degrees. Unofficial copies of final college transcripts are acceptable when applying for this position. Official final college transcripts are required upon hire.
Please upload only the materials requested above. Any documents, other than those requested, will be deleted from your application. Application materials that do not comply with these instructions are incomplete and will not be considered. Applications received after the application due date will be accepted through the conclusion of the initial application screening process.
The University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality during the application process, unless or until they become “final” candidates. The identities of “final candidates” must be revealed upon receipt of valid public records requests. According to the Attorney General, “final candidates” under Wisconsin Law means the five candidates who are considered most qualified for the position. See Wis. Stat. Sec. 19.36(7)(a).
For questions regarding the position, please contact Tim Campbell at tim.campbell@ces.uwex.edu at (608) 267-3531. For technical questions or assistance, please contact UW Service Center at (888) 298-4159. For all other questions please contact: hrstaff@uwex.uwc.edu
