Job Openings

EXTENSION EDUCATOR, HORTICULTURE

University of Minnesota Extension

Location: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN
Application Deadline: 2023-10-09

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Extension Educator, Horticulture

Appointment:                        100% Time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Professional & Administrative

Location:                                University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN

Program Area:                       Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Salary:                                       Estimated Starting salary range: $60,000 - $72,000

Application Deadline:           October 2, 2023

 

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Horticulture Extension Educator. In this role, the educator will be responsible for promoting managed horticultural landscape systems through multiple perspectives such as ecosystem support, climate change, clean water (watershed impact), lower input landscapes, native and resilient plants, decorative landscapes, and others in collaboration with property owners, community organizations, urban stakeholders, and others at the University of Minnesota. Topic areas to include plant selection, landscape maintenance, soil health, climate resiliency, and

As a Horticulture Extension Educator, you will work closely with the Extension Horticulture team, the Extension Master Gardener team, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and other stakeholders to develop and deliver educational programs. The position will require working with a range of public, private, and non-profit stakeholders who can both inform Extension education programming and amplify messaging in local networks across the state. These stakeholders include diverse property owners and managers including; home scale landscapes, community landscapes (community parks, shared spaces, etc), property associations, urban stakeholders and others as identified through audience analysis processes.

The Extension Educator will develop, implement, and evaluate online and in-person educational programs to educate intended audiences. Education formats and forums will include; in-person experiences, distance learning, Extension web pages, print materials, interpretive signage, social media, and emerging education technologies.

This position is accountable to the Program Leader in Horticulture for program direction, performance evaluation and personnel actions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead and contribute to high-quality, research and best practice based, Extension education programs to advance managed horticultural landscape systems:
    • Identify educational needs and audiences;
    • Design curricula and materials;
    • Plan and implement education formats and forums
    • Evaluate the impact of this work and how it may need to change in the future.
  • Develop and maintain effective stakeholder collaborations that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
  • Collaborate with the Extension Master Gardener program and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
  • Participate in team meetings and serve on committees
  • Throughout this work, collaborate with new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences to develop programs that are customized to the needs of different cultural communities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

  • A master's degree in a field relevant to managed horticultural landscape systems.
  • Documented successful experience communicating educational messages and content in a variety of forums and formats.
  • Academic or work experience expertise in one or more horticulture/managed landscape content areas such as ecosystem support, climate change, clean water (watershed impact), lower input landscapes, native and resilient plants, decorative landscapes, and others.
  • A proven ability to develop and sustain working relationships with diverse intended audience stakeholder groups such as the gardening public, homeowners’ associations, gardening/growing nonprofit organizations, Master Gardener volunteers and other relevant groups including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Three (3) or more years of professional work experience relevant to managed horticultural landscape systems.
  • Portfolio of research and/or best practice driven education program development in horticulture or a related field
  • Direct experience with plant-based research techniques and projects.
  • Work experience in the green industry
  • Experience working with diverse populations and communities.

Additional Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance
  • When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
  • Reliable internet when working outside of assigned office location.
  • Ability to travel within Minnesota and provide in-person programming. Occasional overnight travel across Minnesota will be required an average of 6-10 times per year.
  • Working ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying 10 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
  • This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

The educator will participate in annual performance reviews and more frequent team and individual check-in conversations. Long-term success will be evaluated through the Extension promotion process and these criteria.

ABOUT THE HORTICULTURE TEAM

This position is a part of the Extension Horticulture Team, a group of Extension professionals at the University of Minnesota.  Other closely associated teams include the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, and the Arboretum Education team that includes adult education and interpretation. 

SALARY/BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

  1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
  2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
  3. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits.  Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Summaries-Prospective-Employees
  4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. 
  5. The estimated starting salary for this position is $60,000 - $72,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be negotiated at the time of hire.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/

TO APPLY

Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/home/careers, Job Opening ID: 357641

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume/Vitae
  • Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
    • Personalized views and experiences
    • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
    • If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
    • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Jon Trappe, search committee chairperson, jtrappe@umn.edu

For questions about applying online, contact:

Lisa Brownstein, Extension Human Resources, brow1806@umn.edu

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

DIVERSITY

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.