POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Official Title: Area Extension Educator
Working Title: Regional Extension Educator for Hardwood Biofuels in
the Pacific Northwest. This is a twelve-month, non-tenure track
faculty position with a two-year renewable appointment.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Hardwood biofuels Extension Educator will be part of a new four-
person team to develop curriculum and outreach materials for use by
Extension personnel region-wide (WA, OR, ID, MT, N. CA) in working
with private landowners to grow hybrid poplar for biofuel production.
The Extension Educator will have responsibility for outreach and
communication, web-development (including social media), and in-
person, print, and online program delivery (e.g. webinars).
General Responsibilities:
1. Develop education and outreach programs for farmers, forest owners,
policymakers, and the general public related to growing hybrid poplar
as woody feedstock for sustainable biofuel production.
2. Coordinate the development of educational materials with emerging
research being conducted on growing/harvesting methods, conversion
processes, sustainable production, economic feasibility, and social
acceptance.
3. Conduct research on the barriers, needs, and opportunities around
the adoption of hybrid poplar biofuel crop systems by landowners
throughout the region.
4. Facilitate regional meetings and conferences to inform Extension
personnel about hybrid poplar biofuel research developments and “train
the trainer” for delivering education and outreach materials to
constituents.
5. Develop and maintain a comprehensive regional web site, social
media sites, and a mailing list in order to communicate the mission,
goals, and activities of the Hardwood Biofuels Program to regional
Extension personnel, landowners, policymakers, the general public, and
other stakeholders.
6. Coordinate with other sustainable biofuel projects around the
country, including a WSU-led softwood biofuel project.
7. Write and/or solicit newsletter articles, bulletins, and other
publications relevant to growing hybrid poplar for biofuel production.
SALARY:
Salary is commensurate with the candidate’s academic and professional
qualifications.
LOCATION:
The positions are located in Everett, WA. Everett is 30 miles north of
Seattle along the shores of Puget Sound. This is an environmentally
sensitive, rapidly urbanizing region, with a diverse and dynamic small
farm sector. The area has a maritime climate, with mild winters and
pleasant, dry summers. The area is also known for quality schools
districts, including Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, and Northshore. Mass
transit offers easy access to downtown Seattle. Puget Sound beaches,
the Cascade Mountains, and ferry access to Whidbey Island and the San
Juans are all within a close distance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Earned Master’s degree in agriculture (or horticulture, agronomy,
agricultural/resource economics), forestry, natural resources, or
related field.
2. Proficiency in computer technology, including word processing,
spreadsheets, electronic slide presentations, and email.
3. Demonstrated experience planning, organizing, and delivering
effective educational programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in
writing with diverse audiences.
2. Demonstrated proficiency in online technology, including web
development, social media, and online educational delivery tools.
3. Knowledge and understanding of successful agriculture and/or
agroforestry models.
4. Understanding of agricultural marketing, value-added agriculture,
and grower coop systems.
5. Experience writing publications for the general public; such as
short articles, newsletters, and brochures.
6. Ability to author and/or co-author academic papers, Extension
publications, and reports.
7. Ability to plan, organize, and deliver regional-scale meetings and
conferences.
8. Experience with public speaking and group facilitation.
9. Experience engaging and conducting needs assessment with farmers,
community-based, grassroots organizations and other program
stakeholders.
10. Demonstrated ability to design culturally competent educational
programs in order to engage diverse constituents (dimensions of
diversity include gender, culture, age, sexual orientation, race,
ethnicity, education, and income).
11. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
The screening date for this position is April 15, 2012. Apply by
visiting www.wsujobs.com. Be prepared to submit a letter describing
how your experience and training meet the qualifications for this
position (cover letter); a curriculum vitae or resume (CV); copies of
official transcripts (other document); and the names and contact
information for three professional references (reference contact info).
For further information about the position contact:
Kevin Zobrist,
Biofuels Grant PI
WSU Extension
Snohomish County Extension
600 128th Street SE
Everett, WA 98208-6353
425-357-6017
Email: [email protected].
Laura R. Lewis, Ph.D.
Jefferson County Extension Director
Small Farms & Economic Development
Washington State University
201 W. Patison
Port Hadlock, WA 98339
360-379-5610 ext. 202
[email protected]
--WSU Extension employment and programs are available to all without
discrimination.
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