Agent Associate, Watershed Restoration Educator
About The Position
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park. In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties. The University of Maryland Extension seeks a Watershed Restoration Educator to carry out an educational outreach program in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties educating on watershed sciences and stormwater management. The Educator will perform a variety of duties and deliver educational activities including field days, fairs, meetings, field tours, workshops and seminars to a variety of stakeholders. Major responsibilities are listed below with an emphasis on providing support and assistance in implementing practices to help Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties meet their MS4 permit requirements and Chesapeake Bay TMDL WIP goals. This Educator will serve as a member of UME’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program and in that capacity will work alongside team members in developing educational programming and materials, sharing efforts to lead and delegate these tasks as needed. General supervision will be provided by the Assistant Director/Program Leader for UME’s Environment and Natural Resources Program and the Area Extension Director for Southern Maryland.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related environmental science field of study
- Five years of progressively responsible related work experience in teaching or providing educating on gardening, environmental science, biology or related fields, or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Experience with volunteers in a coordinating, oversight or managerial role
- Working knowledge in watershed and stormwater management and other general environmental practices
- Skill to establish and maintain successful working relationships. Use judgment and initiative in selecting priorities developing effective work methods/tools and determining proper course of action to produce a desired outcome/result
- Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction
- Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Database and Gmail, etc.
- Personal transportation and valid driver’s license
- Flexible working hours and must be available for evening and weekend programs and meetings
- Skilled in verbal and written communication, time management, and diplomacy
- Ability to tactfully respond in a timely manner to inquiries and concerns of the public
- Ability to work within and meet deadlines
- Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through Extension program model
- This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check
Nice To Haves
- MS in a related environmental science field of study
- Experience with educational program planning and implementation
- Experience working in marketing or public relations
Responsibilities
- Provide support in two of the six required elements of each County’s MS4 permit: Public Education and Outreach and Public Participation/Involvement
- Create and manage a network of volunteers that are versed on local regulations and goals as they pertain to water quality for increasing visibility of each County’s work
- Develop and conduct stormwater BMP-specific workshops and participate in annual public demonstration and engagement events
- Track and report on small-scale stormwater BMPs for potential future inclusion into State and Federal TMDL/WIP reporting
- Assist the County and local NGOs in acquisition of outside funding to support the implementation of small-scale stormwater projects
- Work one-on-one with the County, property owners, and HOA’s to solve stormwater issues
- Participate as a team member with the UME Watershed Protection and Restoration Program, and Water and Climate team to conduct educational programs that meet the needs of the citizens of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties
- Explore development and management of a Watershed Stewards Academy for the region if interest exists
- Present topics and lead discussion at meetings, workshops and other program activities as needed
- Participate in professional development opportunities to keep abreast of current research, educational methods, administrative procedures, etc.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
