University of Minnesota Seeks Research & Extension Coordinator

The Water Resources Center (WRC) is hiring a Research and Extension Coordinator (REC) to manage major grant programs, develop an independent research and/or Extension program, and assist WRC leadership with other strategic activities. This position is responsible for managing the Watershed Innovations (WINS) program and all USGS-funded programs. The position also coordinates activities funded by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and large-scale extramural grants. The REC will develop an Independent research or Extension program with a water-related focus dependent on the individual’s background and training. Responsibilities

This position can be appointed at either of two job classifications - Research Project Specialist 1 or Research Project Specialist 2 - based on individual qualifications and experience described below. Base responsibilities of the position are described for appointment as a Research Project Specialist 1 with additional expectations noted for a Research Project Specialist 2.

Responsibilities

Coordinate Grant Programs (60%): The majority of this position will focus on managing WRC grant programs and other grant activity. The WINS program and some USGS programs allocate funding through requests for proposals (RFPs). The REC will manage all aspects of the RFP process in consultation with the WRC director, including identifying research priorities, developing and disseminating RFPs, obtaining proposal reviews, coordinating funding recommendations, tracking progress of funded projects, and communicating program outcomes to relevant audiences. Additionally, the REC is responsible for coordinating work and compiling progress reports on projects funded by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and other large-scale sponsored projects. For appointment as a Research Project Specialist 2, the individual will be fully responsible for the RFP processes, with occasional guidance from the WRC director.

Develop an independent research or Extension program (30%). Commensurate with the individual’s background, expertise, and interests, the successful applicant will develop a research and/or Extension program. This work should relate to one or more of the focus areas in the WRC’s Strategic Plan and complement the programming of WRC Extension Educators. While applicants with training in any water-related field will be considered, expertise areas of particular need are social science, agricultural and resource economics, informatics and data science, and integrated modeling. Appointment as a Research Project Specialist 2 includes an expectation of seeking grant support for research or Extension activities, with desire for the successful applicant to eventually support 30% of their salary from their extramurally funded projects. Research Project Specialist 2 appointees also can seek an affiliate status with the Water Resources Science graduate program to advise graduate students.

Service and other administrative duties (10%): The REC will assist WRC leadership with strategic activities such as coordinating the WRC advisory board, representing the center on boards and councils, and contributing to professional development workshops for graduate students.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

· (Research Project Specialist 1) MS or equivalent degree in a water related field

· (Research Project Specialist 2) PhD or equivalent degree in a water related field

· At least two years of relevant work experience

· Evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills and experience communicating research findings and information

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience seeking extramural grant funding

· Record of peer-reviewed research-based publication

· Record of successful Extension programming

· Experience in reviewing grants

· Experience with research program planning and administration, including ability to work with senior administrators and researchers