Extension Educator - Forest Dependent Wildlife

Position Overview

The Forest-Dependent Wildlife Extension Educator will develop Extension programming at the nexus of production-oriented forest management and habitat improvement for forest-dependent wildlife species of conservation concern. The position will cultivate and maintain strong stakeholder connections to deliver targeted programming to Minnesota woodland owners and professional forest and natural resource managers.

Responsibilities

• Develop new Extension Programs for Minnesota woodland owners and the resource managers who serve them to promote forest management activities beneficial to forest-dependent wildlife of conservation concern on private woodlands. 
• Assess needs, develop, deliver, and evaluate new Extension programming to help public and private land managers to develop silvicultural and forest management plans that enhance habitat for forest-dependent wildlife species of conservation concern.
• Working with key partners, conduct integrated applied research and demonstration treatments to identify, test, and report the results of habitat-driven forest management activities. Publish this work through outlets like the Great Lakes Silviculture Library and other appropriate locations.
• Collaborate internally with faculty, staff and teams from the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Sciences, University of Minnesota Crookston, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and other units and partners. 
• As a member of the Extension natural resources team, contribute to Extension programming addressing forest ecosystem health, forest adaptation and resilience, and/or related issues and areas. 
• Actively contribute scholarship and service as a member of the Extension, and broader University of Minnesota community. Document professional performance using the annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion processes for Extension educators with rank.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet all REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS and must document them in application materials (cover letter and resume/CV):
• A master’s degree addressing applications of natural, physical, or social science to wildlife conservation, silviculture, forest management, or natural resource conservation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely in appropriate formats for various audiences, particularly in natural resource sectors (may include scientists, community members, decision makers, students, media, or others).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats and the ability to use technology to enhance learning.
• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement are provided according to University policies. Includes some overnight travel, typically once a month.
• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.

Preferred Level of Education

Master's degree addressing applications of natural, physical, or social science to wildlife conservation, silviculture, forest management, or natural resource conservation.

Benefits Offered

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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 Tuition Benefit Program
• 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 cost

Compensation/Salary

Pay Range: $68,000-$78,000;depending on education/qualifications/experience

How to Apply

Please apply from the Extension Careers page, Job Opening ID: 367007.  https://extension.umn.edu/about-extension/careers

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
Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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 application instructions.

Application deadline: March 20, 2025

About University of Minnesota Extension

University 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. Find further information on the Extension website.

Learn more about University of Minnesota Extension

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University recognizes and values 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