Job Description
University of Illinois Extension
Visiting Extension Unit Educator
Natural Resources
Madison-St. Clair Unit
Search 0901
Location
Madison County Extension
900 Hillsboro, P O Box 427
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Nature, Purpose, and Scope of Position
The Visiting Extension Unit Educator is a temporary full-time, twelve-month academic professional position, Continuation as a non-visiting position is dependent upon the availability of funds. The visiting extension unit educator will be responsible for delivering educational programs supporting the local mission of University of Illinois Extension. The primary responsibility of the visiting extension unit educator is to work as a team member with the County Extension Director, other Extension Educators and Extension Specialists, and community organizations with primary emphasis on the Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville to assess needs, determine program priorities and deliver and evaluate high quality programs within the unit. The unit educator fosters sensitivity to the needs of diverse audiences while working with the local leadership in program planning.
This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide local program leadership and teach in the field of designated expertise; develop and deliver educational programming and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
- Assist with local program coordination and delivery pertaining to rural/urban relationships.
- Assist with the total University of Illinois Extension program.
- Participate in program and professional development team programs in the field of designated expertise, and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence through in-service education, formal coursework, applied research, personal study, and periodic study leaves.
- Cooperate with the County Extension Director, other unit staff, councils and committees to assess local programming needs to develop the Plan of Work for the unit. Develop, deliver and coordinate educational programs identified in the Plan of Work.
- Develop a plan for involving volunteers in specific educational programs, which includes recruitment, training, support and recognition.
- Use professional experience, academic training, and networks created in the community and on campus to implement the Plan of Work.
- Network and/or collaborate with community organizations and groups to assess needs and develop educational programs to address those needs.
- Develop financial resources to support programs through sponsorships, cost recovery and grant writing.
- Develop marketing plans and goals to recruit participants for educational programs; develops advertising and publicity for the programs.
- Cooperate with the County Extension Director, Extension Specialists, Program and Professional Development Team members and advisory groups to develop new educational programs.
- Accept, on a limited basis, regional and statewide leadership responsibilities for program and professional development when opportunities arise and that compliment unit priorities.
- Cooperate with the County Extension Director, Extension Educators and Extension Specialists in evaluating educational programming. Improve program impact and be conscious of the need for accountability to various shareholders. Share the results with local groups, decision- makers, and administrators.
- May supervise open range civil service staff and assist staff employees in planning, development and delivery of the Unit’s programs and assess the needs and opportunities for program delivery.
- Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines.
- Perform other duties that contribute to University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.
Administrative Relationship
The Visiting Extension Unit Educator, Natural Resources, is administratively responsible to the University of Illinois Extension Southern Regional Director.
Program Relationship
The Visiting Unit Educator, Natural Resources is responsible to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences for the subject matter content of programs delivered.
Qualifications
Required
- Master's degree in natural resources and environmental sciences or other studies related to subject matter from an accredited institution of higher education. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interview, but degree must be completed by hire date.
- Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours and be self-directing.
- Personal transportation.
Preferred
- Experience working in the specialty field or in a closely related field of study.
- Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.
- Organizational skills with ability to prioritize.
- Experience in the area of grantsmanship and developing external funding opportunities.
- Familiarity with Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences issues and opportunities throughout Southern Illinois.
Application Deadline
To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by July 17, 2009.
Start Date
Negotiable
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Base salary with Master’s degree and no experience is $40,000.
Application Process
Application will consist of two (2) each of:
- Letter of interest (including title and search number)
- Current resume
- Transcripts of all college work (at least one official copy)
- Three (3) current letters of reference (preferably sent directly by those providing the reference).
Send application materials to:
Becky McMurray
Southern Regional Office
4202 Williamson Place Suite 2
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
bmcmurra@illinois.edu
Phone: 618/242-9474
Fax: 618/242-9386
To ensure full consideration, all materials must be received by July 17, 2009. Applicants should include an email address as part of their application materials.
For further information, contact:
Dale Law
Regional Director
Southern Regional Office
4202 Williamson Place Suite 2
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: 618/242-9474
University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. |
