Job Summary:
The Lake Superior Reserve, based in Superior, WI, seeks a Climate Resilience Specialist to implement and support programs that enhance the resilience of human and natural infrastructure and coastal landscapes in the St. Louis River estuary and Lake Superior watershed. The Climate Resilience Specialist will primarily support two existing Reserve programs: the Coastal Training Program, by supporting new and existing programs promoting resilient land and water decision-making in the Lake Superior watershed; and the Stewardship Program, by supporting volunteer engagement activities and land caretaking training.
Based on the St. Louis River Estuary in Superior, WI, the 16,697-acre Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 30 reserves in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The Reserve is a part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and is supported through a network of innovative regional partnerships. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal leadership and guidance to the Reserve system.
This position is a part of the Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute. The Natural Resources Institute works at the crossroads of communities, natural resources, and agriculture to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions that benefit our shared natural resources.
The duties of the Climate Resilience Specialist include:
Supports local community climate resilience through targeted and responsive assistance to participants in programs that center a local decision-maker audience.
Brings creativity and capacity to augment core Reserve programming centered on increasing climate resilience at the local landscape and community scale. Actions may include tailored climate change resource curation, applied use of climate resilience tools and frameworks, development of workshops and learning events, and consistent thought partnership with program leaders and participants. Works in collaboration with a team to appropriately scope and scale tailored climate assistance to meet the expectations of participants within the structure of supportive programming.
Implements training and learning events that advance land and water stewardship principles and enhance resilience of local coastal places.
Grows the capacity of the Reserve's Coastal Training and Stewardship Programs to bring place-based, professional and culturally relevant learning events to regional coastal stewards and practitioners. Prioritizes programs and partnerships that focus on locally relevant land and water management and caretaking concepts.
Designs and implements activities that engage volunteers and community in land and water stewardship in the Reserve.
In collaboration with the Reserve Stewardship Coordinator, identifies opportunities to continue and potentially expand the Reserve's opportunities for volunteer engagement in land and water caretaking. Plans and executes seasonally appropriate volunteer and community events, and gathers feedback about participants' experiences and impacts, and modifies events based on evaluation.
Cross program support
Supports Reserve operations including planning and facility development, research, monitoring, education and outreach efforts, and other projects related to the overall role and function of the Reserve.
The initial period of employment will be 3 years, with the possibility to become renewable or be extended contingent upon available funding. Full time funding for this position is secured for three years, with partial funding secured for two additional years.
The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expand access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non- biased, and inclusive organization. As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion. See our Call to Action: Extension's Strategic Commitment to Inclusivity & Anti-Racism Work (https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/oaic/call-to-action/). Download our informational brochure (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/04/UW_Ext_brochure_web.pdf) to learn about our mission and our educational outreach.
Responsibilities:
Instructs and/or assists individuals and families engaged in various outreach programs. Delivers research-based educational programs to support and empower people where they live and work. Provides general support on public issues for the benefit of the community. Strives to expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services to diverse audiences.
- 15% Teaches culturally relevant educational programs to adults and youth using learner-centered activities and lessons
- 40% Implements initiatives and events that serve the target audience
- 10% Procures and maintains course materials and supplies
- 10% Tracks program evaluation and incorporates feedback for improvement
- 15% Helps design marketing materials and promotions for programs
- 10% Assists in the development of new programs and learning opportunities
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Required
H.S. Diploma or equivalent
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in a field that relates to the position, including but not limited to family science, human development, child psychology, education, social work, counseling, criminal justice, forensic psychology, juvenile justice
Qualifications:
Required:
-Ability to build effective relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity
-Prior experience and/or educational background in natural resources management, resilience planning and policy, water resources, land conservation and stewardship, ecological restoration, climate change communication, and/or adult environmental outreach
-Demonstrated communication skills and self-awareness that contribute to positive and productive workplace relationships
-Successful experience with both independent and collaborative work
-Ability to engage respectfully with tribal and Indigenous collaborators with appropriate recognition of cultural practice and Tribal sovereignty
Preferred:
-Knowledge of ecology, history, culture, local governance, and resource management settings related to Lake Superior, the Great Lakes, estuaries, and/or freshwater resources
-Knowledge of impacts to communities and landscapes from a changing climate in a northern Wisconsin context
-Prior work and/or demonstrated experience communicating with a local decision-maker and/or natural resource management audiences
-Prior work and/or demonstrated experience developing programs, lesson plans, learning events, public engagement events, or facilitated learning for adult audiences
-Experience working with volunteers and the public to support outreach and stewardship programs or projects
-Ability to navigate uneven terrain outdoors or on boats, occasionally in cold, hot or wet conditions
Work Type:
Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Minimum $45,013 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).
Additional Information:
It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Information about UW-Madison Driver Authorization can be found at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/
Applicants are required to: Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
How to Apply:
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
-Resume
-Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)
Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.
For additional guidance and resources on how to tailor your application materials to the job posting, please visit: https://extension.wisc.edu/careers/
Contact:
Karina Heim
karina.heim@wisc.edu
715-399-4089
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:
Outreach Associate(OE017)
Department(s):
A47-EXTENSION/ANRCD/NR/NERR/LSNERR
Employment Class:
Academic Staff-Renewable
Job Number:
301137-AS
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings,
click hereIf you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:
https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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