Extension Educator & Education Manager with University of Minnesota Extension in Regional Extension Office, Andover, MN

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land-grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. The mission of Extension is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Learn more at www.extension.umn.edu.

Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Summaries-Prospective-Employees
Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
Estimated Starting salary range for this position is: $58-68,000.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This position is part of Extension’s Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE) expanding program. The PSEE program provides statewide education and leadership for pesticide-related topics of appropriate use, safety, health, security and environmental protection using integrated pest management and occupational safety frameworks. PSEE provides education for Minnesota’s 17,000 certified farmers and other agricultural producers through its Private Pesticide Applicator Training program (PPAT). The PSEE program is the major provider in Minnesota of education to the more than 11,000 occupational and professional licensed and certified pesticide applicators in natural resources, agriculture, horticulture, public health and other industries and business sectors. The program also develops educational materials and presentations, provides a wide range of educational workshops, has a growing social media presence and is responsible for Minnesota’s various pesticide applicator certification categories study manuals.

This Extension educator and education manager position will provide statewide educational programming leadership primarily for the commercial/non-commercial pesticide applicator precertification and recertification program that encompasses the Minnesota rural environment including agricultural crops, seed treatment, livestock, and non-soil and soil fumigation. The extension educator and education manager will design, develop, implement and evaluate research-based educational programming via online and technology tools, seminars, and workshops. 

Major areas of responsibility:

• Provide leadership and management for educational curriculum and programming.
• Design instructionally effective and technology-enhanced strategies for meeting learning objectives and work with faculty, educators, and staff to implement these strategies.
• Identify and coordinate subject matter experts, including University faculty and industry experts, to develop curriculum for non-credit education programs.
• Facilitate needs analysis, collaboratively working with faculty and educators to produce technology-enhanced materials and generate sustainable production workflows.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with Extension county, regional, campus and other university faculty and staff in the development and delivery of PSEE education.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships and be a resource for educational expertise, content and curriculum with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, other government agencies, industry associations and other organizations involved with pesticide safety education for the people of Minnesota.
• Utilize current and appropriate technology for educational program design, development, delivery, reporting, communication and marketing.
• Continue professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery via conferences, self-directed study and/or other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.
• Participate and advance in professional performance through annual performance reviews, professional plan of work and the six promotion criteria–program leadership, extension teaching, scholarship, engagement, program management and service.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in pest management or related subject areas (agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, or forestry) or associated plant or environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
• Professional experience and/or educational specialization related to one or more of the following: extension education or other forms of adult education; communications; pest/production systems management in horticulture, agriculture or natural resources.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills and experience.
• Strong formal and interpersonal verbal, written, social media and/or other communication skills.
• Ability to work successfully with audiences and colleagues with diverse backgrounds, demographics, educational levels, etc.
• Able to travel to workshops across the state and region as needed with overnight stays up to a weeklong, have a valid MN driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and applicable insurance.

Additional Qualifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and own means of reliable transportation with required liability insurance.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee’s own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience in extension education or other forms of adult education; communications; pest/production systems management in horticulture, agriculture or natural resources.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize principles of adult education in the development of educational materials or courses.
• Ability to work independently in educational program design, development and delivery.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to conduct and manage multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to integrate researched-based and technical information from scientific and educational literature and from subject matter experts across academic disciplines, industries and professions to produce effective learner-focused educational materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a changing environment and changing work responsibilities.
• Experience using educational software and technology including webinars, internet conferencing, social media or on-line course management.

For questions about applying online, contact:
Lisa Brownstein, Extension Human Resources, [email protected]

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click 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:

Resume that includes your qualifications based upon the job requirements
Cover letter
Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
Personalized views and experiences
Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
Demonstrated learning and growth
Three (3) professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

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, email [email protected] or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

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.