Extension Program Coordinator, Offal Wildlife Watching

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Crookston
Posted on: January 27, 2023

Job Description:

Apply for JobJob ID353720

LocationTwin Cities;Morris

Job FamilyEducation-Extension

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular

Job Code8316A2

Employee ClassCivil Service

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Working Title: Extension Program Coordinator, Offal Wildlife WatchingAppointment: Extension Program Associate 2 (8316A2), Full time, Civil ServiceProgram Area: Extension Center for Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (AFNR)Salary Range: $19.50-$23.00/hour; commensurate with education and experienceOffice Location: Option of St. Paul Campus OR Extension Regional Office, MorrisApply By: February 10, 2023 ABOUT THIS POSITION This position will support the Offal Wildlife Watching (OWW) project through outreach, recruitment, and communication. The successful candidate will co-lead the Offal Wildlife Watching project's hunter recruitment, training, coordination, as well as manage camera inventory, lending, and data management. This position has the opportunity to be part of a large lab group with a range of research interests, gain experience with community science research, human dimensions research, and an opportunity to help publish results of the research. This position has current funding through March 31st, 2024. The position has the option of being located at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus or the Extension Regional Office in Morris, MN. The candidate is required to check in regularly online or in person (when possible) with the OWW team members to coordinate tasks (see below). This is a 100%, 40 hour a week position, and the schedule to be set by the team. The person in this position will work with Extension and University employees and must be flexible with switching tasks from week to week. Responsibilities

• Help recruit hunters to the OWW project by meeting with different hunting organizations, attending meetings to promote the project, and promoting the project on media and social media outlets. The position will be required to maintain a social media presence (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc.) and maintain a project website.
• Create training material for hunters to use when participating. This includes How-to videos on camera setup and image upload as well as updating procedure documents. Training workshops may also be required.
• Coordinate hunter communication and camera lending. This position will be required to mail cameras and equipment to hunters that need to borrow them while also communicating with hunters that will be using their own equipment (will need to be able to prepare and bring equipment to mailing location as part of this role). The position will also be required to collect and clean cameras and equipment once they are returned.
• Data acquisition of image submitted via online platforms and mailed SD cards. The position will be required to upload images to a repository, maintain backup storage, organize image, and upload them to the Zooniverse site.
• The position may also be required to look through images that do not have a positive ID from Zooniverse.
• Some travel may be required to communicate with hunting groups and to retrieve cameras from the field that hunters cannot retrieve themselves.
  
  Qualifications
  
  
  
  
  
  Required Qualifications:
  • BA/BS in ecology, conservation, or closely related field with at least 2 years of experience; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal six (6) years
  • Experience with biological field surveys or monitoring
  • Experience recruiting, training, and retaining citizen volunteers/community scientists and/or teaching adults or youth
  • Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate scientific and technical concepts both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.Additional Requirements:
    • Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
    • Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
    • Travel (in-state) is necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person will be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
    • Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
    • Ability to work nights and weekends
    • Must be able to lift, push, pull, carry, transport 15 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
    • Must be able to place, adjust, retrieve cameras from field/forest/farm locations
    • Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement.
    • Use of a personal cell phone/smartphone; reimbursement is not provided.
    • This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.Preferred Qualifications:
      • Experience or familiarity with deer hunting
      • Experience coding in R and/or python
      • Experience with website and/or social media management
        
        About the Department
        
        
        
        
        
        ABOUT EXTENSIONUniversity of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.
        
        Benefits
        
        
        
        
        
        Working at the UniversityAt the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
        • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
        • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
        • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
        • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
        • University HSA contributions
        • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
        • Employee wellbeing program
        • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
        • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
        • Financial counseling services
        • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costPlease visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
          
          How To Apply
          
          
          
          
          
          Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:
        • Cover letter- Please include qualifications for the position based upon the job requirements and position responsibilities.
        • Resume- Your resume must include your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.Three professional references will be requested for those invited to interview.Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). For questions about this position contact:Amy Rager, Extension Educator, Master Naturalist & Volunteer Manager, rager001@umn.edu. For questions about applying online, contact:Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.
          
          Diversity
          
          
          
          
          
          The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
          
          Employment Requirements
          
          
          
          
          
          Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax.
          
          About the U of M
          
          
          
          
          
          The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
          
          

Keywords: University of Minnesota, Fargo , Extension Program Coordinator, Offal Wildlife Watching, Other , Crookston, North Dakota