*University of Connecticut Visiting Assistant Extension Educator Position* The Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA) at the University of Connecticut is seeking applicants for the position of Visiting Assistant Extension Educator of the NRCA. The NRCA is housed in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources' Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. The NRCA’s (http://nrca.uconn.edu/) mission is to engage high school students from across Connecticut in natural resource science and to provide transformative learning opportunities for students to interact physically, intellectually, and creatively with local environments while contributing to environmental solutions in their own communities. The NRCA comprises two fundamentally linked parts: a weeklong summer field experience at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and a 10-month conservation project. Students complete the program when they present their conservation work at the Connecticut Conference on Natural Resources.
*Primary Responsibilities:* The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating program services and activities; supervising the day–to-day operations of the program including developing and disseminating promotional materials as related to the NRCA; promoting the program through visits to CT high schools, education forums, workshops, etc.; coordinating recruitment and selection of students; providing assistance in the delivery of programming as needed; coordinating and managing all aspects of the summer field program; managing the hiring, training and supervision of summer program staff; recruiting community partners throughout the state to co-mentor students during conservation projects; tracking each students' progress on community projects and assisting students as needed from project initiation to completion; preparing reports and additional administrative duties; exploring funding opportunities and writing proposals to public and private funding sources to enhance the NRCA and infrastructure. The successful candidate will work closely and under the supervision of Dr. John Volin, Professor and Head, and Dr. Laura Cisneros, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, to coordinate efforts between the NRCA and other related environmental programming. *Minimum Qualifications:* A Master’s degree or higher in a natural resource science, environmental science or closely related field by the time of hire; experience working with youth and environmental education programming; proven ability to manage a team of co-workers, staff or volunteers; willingness to occasionally work nonstandard hours, including nights and weekends; excellent written and oral communication skills; excellent work ethic; good organization skills; ability to set and meet deadlines; ability to work independently; and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. *Preferred Qualifications:* PhD in scientific discipline; demonstrated experience in developing and delivering educational programs; proven ability to mentor students on community projects; experience in research or experimental design; and grant writing experience. *Appointment Terms:* This is an 80 percent time, 11-month non-tenure track position with full benefits. The anticipated start date is January 2017. The position is subject to annual renewal, based on performance and availability of funding. Applicants will be subject to a background screening. *To Apply:* Please visit www.jobs.uconn.edu and select “faculty positions” to submit a *cover letter* and *curriculum vitae*. Applicants should also request * three (3) professional reference letters* be sent to: Faculty Search Committee, Search #2017217, 1376 Storrs Road, Unit 4087, Storrs, CT 06268-4087 Attn.: Laura Cisneros, or e-mailed to [email protected]. Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately. For full consideration, applications should be received no later than December 14, 2016. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check, physical examination and a psychological evaluation. (Search # 2017217) For more information regarding the Natural Resources Conservation Academy, please visit the program website at http://nrca.uconn.edu/. Laura Cisneros, Ph.D. Natural Resources Conservation Academy Dept. of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Connecticut 1376 Storrs Road Storrs, CT 06269-4087 Phone: 860-486-4917 Fax: 860-486-5408
