Extension Assistant Professor and Program Director, Florida Master Naturalist Program

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•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 (18 and older) developed by the University of Florida/IFAS and delivered by a statewide network of certified instructors. Its mission is to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world. FMNP graduates share their knowledge and contribute to conservation efforts. The program consistently graduates over 1,000 participants annually and is suitable for anyone interested in learning about Florida's environment, including both lay and professional audiences.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in wildlife ecology, forestry, biology, or another relevant discipline with 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

Preferred experience includes instructing FMNP courses (or similar programs).
Preferred experience includes 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. This includes supervision of a half-time program assistant.
Managing the FMNP instructor network (~160 current instructors), including recruiting and training new instructors, providing training, 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, and creating new courses or educational opportunities to ensure program growth.
Maintaining databases and quantifying program success and impacts, including FMNP instructors, graduates, courses taught, and evaluations.
Applying for grants and conducting fundraising to support the FMNP, and managing finances and payment options for 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).