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Invasive Plant Tiered Training Coordinator
Description of Duties
Program Overview
The UF/IFAS Invasive Species Council seeks a detail-oriented and highly organized candidate to lead an interdisciplinary, interagency effort to develop a standardized curriculum for a new tiered training program in invasive plant management. Standardized protocols can enhance workforce mobility, improve resource management outcomes, and increase public support by professionalizing the field.
The program will design an operationally focused training curriculum that centers on the skills and knowledge needed for progressive roles within invasive species management. The four identified tiers are: Volunteer/Crew Trainee, Crew Member, Crew Lead, and Invasive Manager.
Position Information
This person will coordinate the development of a multi-tiered training program for invasive plant management in Florida. The coordinator will oversee program coordination, support tier leads, collaborate with UF faculty and stakeholders, assess existing resources, and develop new materials as needed. This two-year position, based in Gainesville, FL, offers a starting salary of $60,000 with OPS benefits. The ideal candidate will have experience with Integrated Pest Management including herbicide use in natural areas, invasive plants of southeastern U.S. landscapes, and some knowledge of invasive plant management field operations.
This position is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on extension, natural resource management and/or invasive species management. The role involves leading the development of an innovative training program, with the potential for topical expansion into broader aspects of invasive species management in the future. This program is expected to have significant impact in the state and potentially beyond.
Key Responsibilities
• Facilitate Program Coordination: Ensure seamless collaboration across program tiers to maintain alignment with project objectives and achieve timely progress.
• Support Curriculum Development: Assist tier leads in organizing and leading stakeholder meetings and in the development of curriculum content to address diverse needs effectively.
• Evaluate Existing Resources: Conduct a thorough review of available curriculum materials to assess their relevance and alignment with program goals.
• Create New Educational Content: Collaboratively design and develop new curriculum materials in consultation with UF faculty and other key stakeholders to address identified gaps.
• Assess Program Impact: Design and implement robust evaluation tools, including surveys, feedback mechanisms, and performance assessments, to measure program outcomes and inform continuous improvement.
Required• Master’s in invasive plant science and management, forestry, weed science, natural resource management, agricultural education, or a related field OR• Bachelor’s degree in the same fields and 3+ years of experience in invasive plant management.• Excellent facilitation, organizational and communication abilities.Preferred• Strong background in herbicide use in natural areas.• Experience with invasive plants of southeastern U.S. landscapes and knowledge of invasive plant management field operations.