Extension Assistant Professor and Program Director, Florida Master Naturalist Program

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is seeking an Extension Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). The FMNP is an adult education program focused on promoting awareness, understanding, and respect for Florida's natural world. The program aims to educate citizens and visitors, encouraging them to share their knowledge and contribute to conservation efforts. FMNP courses cater to both lay and professional audiences, with over 1,000 participants graduating annually. This position is a non-tenure track, 12-month appointment with 80% Extension and 20% Teaching responsibilities within the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. The successful candidate will lead and manage all aspects of the FMNP, delivering an innovative Extension and teaching program to further its mission.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in wildlife ecology, forestry, biology, or another discipline with relevant professional experience establishing the applicant as a qualified candidate for leading the FMNP.
Knowledge of natural ecosystems and species.
Ability to collaborate effectively.
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Willingness to travel as needed.
Supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant university system.
Commitment to UF core values.
Eligibility to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

Instructing FMNP courses (or similar programs).
Managing educational programs and partnerships.
Familiarity with current conservation issues, especially those impacting the Southeastern United States and Florida.
Evidence of ability to work effectively with employees and colleagues.

Responsibilities

Oversight and decision-making for all aspects of managing the FMNP, including personnel, partnerships, finances/fund-raising, program registration, and maintaining an active FMNP Advisory Board.
Supervision of a half-time program assistant.
Managing the FMNP instructor network (~160 current instructors), including recruiting and training new instructors, providing support, recognition, and incentives for existing instructors, and ensuring consistent delivery of FMNP courses.
Keeping FMNP curricula relevant and accurate by updating and revising courses.
Creating new FMNP courses and/or educational opportunities.
Maintaining databases and quantifying program success and impacts (instructors, graduates, courses taught, evaluations).
Applying for grants and conducting fundraising to support the FMNP.
Maintaining finances and payment options for FMNP instructors and participants.
Teaching Florida Environments (WIS 2000), a 3-credit undergraduate course based on the three core FMNP courses (Coastal, Freshwater, and Upland Systems).