A curriculum development GRA position with the new National Loon Center has been posted on the UMN Student Jobs Site (https://humanresources.umn.edu/student-jobs/find-student-job) for fall semester. Interested students can search for it under National Loon Center. The person hired must be enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program at the U of M.
We're hoping to spread the word far and wide, so we greatly appreciate any outreach you might be able to share with your networks. The team is aiming to conduct phone interviews with selected students the week of July 29, so please encourage students to apply right away. Job Posting Title: Curriculum Developer for Northern Lakes Initiative, part of National Loon Center Position Number: Job Code: 9521 Job ID: Desired Start Date: 8/26/2019 Job Open Date: Total % Appointment: 0.25% Salary: $19.33 Qualifications This is a 195 hour appointment for Fall Term (8/26/19- 1/10/20). Required Must be enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program at the U of M. Preferred Degree in environmental education, science/STEM education, water resources sciences, Natural science education, aquatic biology, a combination thereof or a closely related field Demonstrated background and strong interest in water resources, water quality and/or wildlife conservation Knowledge of environmental education or environmental learning center curriculum development. Job Duties Graduate student will work with the project team for the new Northern Lakes Initiative of the National Loon Center to develop an innovative, hands-on, experiential curriculum for the National Loon Center’s floating classroom and other programming areas. It will be important for the student to have a background and interest in curriculum development and water resources and/or wildlife conservation. The position will include occasional travel to the National Loon Center site in Crosslake, Minnesota (expenses reimbursed). Tasks * Meet with project team and community members to develop project scope * Gather input from project team, community members, and representatives from local schools on floating classroom and other programming goals, education objectives, State of Minnesota academic standards and aspirations * Research curricula framework or lesson plans at similar facilities * Research existing, related freshwater and wildlife conservation curricula and education resources * Draft curriculum outline and equipment needs for project team review and feedback * Write full curriculum including equipment needs for project team review and feedback * Work with project team to refine and finalize the curriculum, as time allows * Identify any concepts that could be interesting exhibits, kiosks, signage, hands-on activities, etc. that would support the curriculum for further development. * Communicate effectively (submit examples of writing skills and preparation of educational curriculum if possible) About the National Loon Center The National Loon Center, currently being developed, will be dedicated to engaging, educating, inspiring, and motivating visitors to improve the coexistence of people and Loons in our shared natural habitat, the Northern Lakes. The Loon has been around for ten million years. There are, however, signs that are alarming with regard to the animals in our freshwaters. The World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report 2016 shows an alarming trend: “on average the abundance of populations monitored in the freshwater system has declined overall by 81 percent between 1970 and 2012.” The Earth Day Network stated in 2019, that “Animal populations in freshwater ecosystems have plummeted by 75 percent since 1970”. The Living Planet Report 2016 also noted that for the first time, humans may be largely responsible for what “might be characterized by the world’s sixth mass extinction event.” This negative trend could have devastating consequences for the Loon. Human impact on the Earth is unbelievable and only we can reduce the negative impact. This proposed project phase will concentrate on developing the program curriculum and based on that curriculum, develop the National Loon Center educational exhibits, kiosks, and hands-on activities. The community project team would like to work hand in hand with University of Minnesota graduate research assistants to develop the curriculum and exhibits. The Northern Lakes activities will use indoor displays, models, graphics, and laboratory testing facilities in the newly built National Loon Center (by 2022), use dedicated, permanent dockage and boat slips on an adjacent bay of Cross Lake for lakeside signage, displays, and demonstrations, and a floating classroom for hands-on activities, observations, and presentations. An outreach program, including the floating classroom will also be designed to carry the Loon and lake preservation and protection message to other lakes in the region. All will be designed and used to engage, educate, inspire, and motivate visitors about preserving and protecting the Loon and the Northern Lakes. The curriculum will “weave” together information about interesting and unique characteristics of the Common Loon and on the Northern Lakes as the shared habitat that needs protection and preservation. There will be a strong emphasis on citizen science with on-the-water measurement, data collection and recording. The National Loon Center and Northern Lakes Initiative is projected to attract in excess of 200,000 visitors annually ranging from grade school age through college and adults from their 20’s to Seniors. Curriculum will need to be adaptable based on the composition of the visitor groups. About the Department CURA is an all-University applied research and technical assistance center that helps the University of Minnesota fulfill its land grant and urban missions by connecting faculty and student researchers with nonprofit organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, local governments, and state agencies in Minnesota. CURA supports research and publishes policy-oriented reports on a wide range of urban and regional issues. The CAP program is conducted in partnership with the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. How to Apply Application Instructions: Applications taken until filled. Apply online only via the U of M Employment System by submitting resume, cover letter, and three references. Materials submitted other than through this website will not be considered. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there. For further information regarding University of Minnesota, please contact Molly Zins at [email protected]. For further information regarding the Northern Lakes Initiative, part of the National Loon Center, please contact John Forney at [email protected]. Diversity The University recognizes and values 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. About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
