Extension Educator, Assistant - WORTH (Tourism)

University of Wyoming • WY, WY

10d • $58,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Wyoming is seeking an Extension Educator to improve tourism-related economic development for the State of Wyoming. This position will provide support to rural Wyoming communities and businesses in maximizing natural resource-based tourism opportunities responsibly. The individual will represent the University of Wyoming Extension and the Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute, fostering relationships with tourism providers, officials, agencies, and stakeholders. The WORTH Institute aims to expand and diversify Wyoming's economy by supporting outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries through workforce development, statewide engagement, and applied research. The University of Wyoming Extension's mission is to empower Wyoming residents to enhance their quality of life through learning and community involvement. The position is state-wide, requiring the candidate to be located in Wyoming, based in a UW Extension office or a UW campus office in Laramie. This is a non-tenured faculty position.

Requirements

• An earned master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered, but degree must be completed by hire date. One degree must have been conferred in tourism, outdoor recreation, or closely related field.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.
• Demonstrated experience in the areas of tourism, tourism development, outdoor recreation, or related experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in synthesizing or conducting applied tourism research and associated data analyses.
• Experience teaching at the college level, preferably remote or online.
• Experience with natural or rural tourism in the Mountain West.
• Experience working with stakeholders in tourism-related fields.
• Experience in developing and delivering science-based outreach.
• Excellence in oral, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Experience in working with broad audiences.
• Experience in developing partnerships with other organizations/agencies.
• Experience fostering positive relationships with community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge/appreciation of rural communities and a commitment to travel and work in remote areas and rural counties in Wyoming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Extension and the land-grant university system.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively in and contribute positively to teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a tourism community engagement strategy and processes for the WORTH Institute and Extension.
• Implement a strategy to assess client needs in tourism and evaluate program impacts.
• Collaborate with other Extension Educators on mutually beneficial programs.
• Train others and serve as a subject matter expert on tourism in Wyoming.
• Work primarily within the Community Vitality and Health focus area of Extension, with the option to work secondarily within the Agriculture and Natural Resources focus area.
• Assist with applied research to support the tourism industry, including needs assessments, communicating research findings, and programmatic evaluations.
• Serve communities throughout Wyoming, including overnight travel, evening, and weekend work.
• Support the work of regional Outdoor Recreation collaboratives to enhance tourism-related initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Wyoming Office of Tourism to help local destination marketing organizations and communities enhance the visitor experience.
• Teach remotely (synchronously or asynchronously) one 3-credit course per year.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, including 4 deductible options.
• Paid Time Off: Ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level