Education/Training Spec II, FFL Regional Coordinator

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

16d

About The Position

Train, evaluate and service IFAS and non-IFAS trainers to effectively deliver the GI-BMP training following the guidelines set forth by the GI-BMP Instructor Manual, and assist in recruiting, training, and managing a team of GI-BMP instructors in Florida to address the needs of English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole audiences. Consult/coordinate with Extension faculty statewide in continually evaluating the GI-BMP curriculum, the GI-BMP Certified Instructor Training curriculum, and developing/implementing new program materials, and facilitate and support the other FFL programs and certifications as needed. Coordinate/deliver the existing GI-BMP training including in-person, online and DVD trainings and other FFL trainings as needed, for landscape and lawn care professionals. Will be required to drive to different training locations. Activities may include scheduling dates, obtaining speakers and locations, teaching in-person courses, managing registration, tracking payment, attendance, materials, issuing certificates, arranging logistics, evaluation, preparing quarterly and summary training reports, and other duties as directed by the FFL Training Manager and FFL Director. Review and consult with Faculty to analyze training resources including software and instructional guides, ensuring trainers are using the most up to date and accurate information. Collaborate with statewide coordinator in conducting on-going assessments of related target audiences working in the region to determine their training needs and conduct pre- and post-training surveys to measure behavior change and quantification of variations in nonpoint sources of pollution because of this program effort. Verify and update information on fertilizer ordinances in the region in order to keep the Fertilizer Ordinance App information current and up to date. Meet regularly as a state coordination team with appropriate Extension program leaders, Water Resources Agents (RSA) Team, Water Initiative Team members and other water resource faculty, and GI-BMP state office staff to plan effective and collaborative statewide programs, extension materials, and in-service training for county faculty. Collaborate with UF/IFAS stakeholders and external partners and groups, including the media, to gain visibility, recruit community support to ensure the success of the position and program. Identify and pursue opportunities for local Extension Agents to partner with landscape management companies and municipalities to educate homeowners, homeowner associations, garden centers and other related entities in support of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program. Provide additional statewide support, as needed, to the FFL and GI-BMP programs, and perform other duties as assigned by GI-BMP state coordinator and FFL director. Follow all university policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must currently have a valid Florida driver’s license.
Must be able to load and unload boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.
Must obtain GI-BMP certification and GI-BMP instructor certification within the first month of employment
Must have ability to travel frequently throughout Florida, often for multiple nights.
Must be able to meet strict deadlines & work well with a variety of people.
A basic understanding and working knowledge of the UF/IFAS Extension land grant mission, funding and reporting practices.
Past working experiences or acquired professional credentials, such as Toastmasters or other institutional or civic group involvement, that demonstrates effective speaking, listening and group facilitation skills.
Past work experience demonstrating good organizational skills and sound judgement, including the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate time, manage overall workflow, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated proficiency in computer application/technical skills regarding the use of standard office equipment, and desire to learn and further incorporate new technologies to enhance overall performance.
An understanding of water as it relates to natural resources and the environment: wetlands; watershed education; ecosystems services; and consensus between water users, the regulatory community and environmental stakeholders.
Professional experience working with corporate, governmental, environmental, or other personnel associated with the management of lawn and landscape services.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a water science or related field; for example, soil and water science and at least two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
Master's degree preferred.
Bilingual expertise (written and verbal) in both English and Spanish is preferred

Responsibilities

Train, evaluate and service IFAS and non-IFAS trainers to effectively deliver the GI-BMP training following the guidelines set forth by the GI-BMP Instructor Manual
Assist in recruiting, training, and managing a team of GI-BMP instructors in Florida to address the needs of English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole audiences.
Consult/coordinate with Extension faculty statewide in continually evaluating the GI-BMP curriculum, the GI-BMP Certified Instructor Training curriculum, and developing/implementing new program materials, and facilitate and support the other FFL programs and certifications as needed.
Coordinate/deliver the existing GI-BMP training including in-person, online and DVD trainings and other FFL trainings as needed, for landscape and lawn care professionals.
Review and consult with Faculty to analyze training resources including software and instructional guides, ensuring trainers are using the most up to date and accurate information.
Collaborate with statewide coordinator in conducting on-going assessments of related target audiences working in the region to determine their training needs and conduct pre- and post-training surveys to measure behavior change and quantification of variations in nonpoint sources of pollution because of this program effort.
Verify and update information on fertilizer ordinances in the region in order to keep the Fertilizer Ordinance App information current and up to date.
Meet regularly as a state coordination team with appropriate Extension program leaders, Water Resources Agents (RSA) Team, Water Initiative Team members and other water resource faculty, and GI-BMP state office staff to plan effective and collaborative statewide programs, extension materials, and in-service training for county faculty.
Collaborate with UF/IFAS stakeholders and external partners and groups, including the media, to gain visibility, recruit community support to ensure the success of the position and program.
Identify and pursue opportunities for local Extension Agents to partner with landscape management companies and municipalities to educate homeowners, homeowner associations, garden centers and other related entities in support of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program.
Provide additional statewide support, as needed, to the FFL and GI-BMP programs, and perform other duties as assigned by GI-BMP state coordinator and FFL director.
Follow all university policies and procedures.