Extension Educator,Asst - Park County Ag & Natural Resources

University of Wyoming • Powell, WY

9d • $52,000 - $62,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Wyoming Extension (UWE) is seeking an educator with knowledge of irrigated cropping systems (e.g., sugar beets, barley, dry beans, grass seed) and familiarity with management topics common in Park County such as weeds, soil fertility, and center pivot irrigation technology. The educator will also address community questions about horticulture (e.g., trees, lawns, gardens, small acreages) and natural-resource issues relevant to agriculture near the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (e.g., agritourism, wildlife, water). While expertise in all areas is not expected, the candidate must be willing to learn and provide outreach on new topics to meet Park County's evolving needs. This role is based in Powell, Wyoming, with a secondary office in Cody, Wyoming. The University of Wyoming Extension's mission is to empower Wyoming residents to enhance their quality of life through educational programs focused on agriculture and natural resources, leveraging research-based information and leadership skills.

Requirements

• 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 (Master’s or Bachelor’s) must be awarded in agronomy, agroecology, plant protection, plant sciences, horticulture, soil science, agricultural engineering, agricultural systems technology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.
• Ability to participate in some overnight travel, evening, and weekend work.

Nice To Haves

• Training or experience in irrigated cropping systems plus one of the following topics: weed management, soil fertility, center pivot technology, agricultural technology, or other topics relevant to clientele needs in Park County.
• Training or experience in horticulture (e.g., trees, lawns, gardens, small acreages).
• Training or experience in natural resource issues relevant to agricultural operations near the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (e.g., agritourism, human-wildlife interactions, water)
• Experience in developing and delivering science-based outreach to meet needs identified by community members.
• Experience developing partnerships with external organizations or government agencies.
• Experience fostering positive relationships with clientele in a community served.
• Excellence in ability to communicate orally, in writing, and interpersonally.
• Experience or training in teaching youth and adult audiences.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and program impact evaluations.
• Demonstrated ability to use diverse approaches to develop and deliver science-informed outreach.
• Demonstrated knowledge/appreciation of agricultural 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.
• Experience in planning and implementing applied research activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in building mutual learning relationships with community members and leaders through educational outreach, technical assistance, and community coaching.
• Implement assessment and advisory strategies to identify educational needs by gathering input from agricultural and natural resource producers, agencies, organizations, community leaders, and other appropriate partners.
• Develop and maintain awareness of existing programs, resources, and businesses within local communities.
• Conduct impactful Extension programming informed by assessments of local needs and assets.
• Establish professional partnerships with Extension Specialists and other scientific experts to ensure outreach programming is rooted in research-based information.
• Provide primary leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continual improvement of educational programming responsive to ANR needs.
• Provide effective educational experiences using appropriate program delivery strategies such as presentations, workshops, and trainings.
• Support the development, delivery, and evaluation of signature programs or statewide initiatives of the ANR focus area.
• Support and promote general Extension operations and outputs in the county, including horticulture/Master Gardener needs and cooperation with other UW programs.
• Provide pesticide applicator training for individuals seeking certification or recertification.
• Develop and implement evaluation tools to measure and report program impacts.
• Provide support for 4-H Youth Development in partnership with the local 4-H educator.
• Establish and support volunteers/partners to increase the capacity and sustainability of the ANR focus area.
• Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of volunteers/partners through effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation.
• Address issues/conflicts that arise with volunteer/partner/clientele roles.
• Develop and maintain respectful and responsive working relationships and communications with colleagues, community leaders/partners, volunteers, clientele, and the general public.
• Use Extension resources to market educational programs and deliver outputs through various media sources.
• Develop and disseminate communication and reporting materials that reflect positively on the University and UW Extension.
• Collect data and prepare reports and presentations to share with local community members and leaders about the public value, impacts, and accomplishments of ANR programming.
• Ensure civil rights compliance.
• Implement strategies to expand the reach of educational programming to new audiences and ensure full access to programs, services, and facilities.
• Plan for and manage risk using established procedures and resources.
• Employ appropriate fiscal management practices.
• Secure external funding to support and expand educational programming.
• Engage in Collaboratives or similar internal funding opportunities.
• Demonstrate objectivity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Maintain organized records and provide accurate reports in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate continuing professional development to advance capacity as an Educator and/or technical expertise.
• Participate fully in UWE’s annual conference (EPIC or ENGAGE) as well as Spring Training.
• Participate fully in New Employee Welcome Day, New Employee Orientation sessions, and required Coaching Team sessions (for new employees).
• Participate in professional societies relevant to your discipline, Extension, and/or industry.
• Provide service to university, college, departmental, local government, and community efforts.

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