Extension Specialist, Regional Watershed (lower Eastern Shore)

MD, US, United States

Job Description

Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:

The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeks to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in watershed-based education with a particular focus on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions using technologies and data science, where applicable at individual and community landscape levels. The Regional Watershed Specialist for the Lower Eastern Shore will work in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties in Maryland as well as statewide to provide non-formal education and technical assistance to stakeholders, including local and county governments, watershed groups, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), communities, and individuals. Education programming will focus on practices that improve water quality and quantity at the local level that lead to quantifiable reductions in non-point sources of pollution, as well as improvement of water quantity/quality issues in the face of a changing climate, increasing catastrophic weather events, and intensities in a rapidly urbanizing region and state. The educator will be a member of the University of Maryland Extension's Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP), which consists of faculty members with similar educational responsibilities in other regions of the state.



Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position frequently presents information through verbal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from field research areas and teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set up and teardown of research machinery, project displays, tables, and chairs will be necessary at many teaching sites. This position requires the employee to work outdoors conducting field research, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations. Field work may involve walking on uneven terrain, wooded areas, or wetlands.


Preferences:

PhD or equivalent in environmental engineering, landscape architecture or design, or related social science or green infrastructure scientific field with an emphasis on technology and stormwater best management practices. Experience in the above fields Extension or similar work experience (e.g., work in education, university outreach). Experience working with volunteers is desirable. Demonstrated ability in acquiring grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming.


Licenses/ Certifications:
Additional Job Details
Location: This position is located off campus on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The candidate will have the choice between the following office locations: Wicomico County Extension Office (Salisbury, MD) or the Somerset County Extension Office (Princess Anne, MD)

Responsibilities:The educator aids with efforts such as implementing educational components of local watershed implementation plans (WIPs), local Watershed Stewards Academies (WSA), and actively participates in the Watershed Assistance Collaborative (WAC). The individual will provide educational leadership on important issues and utilize scientific and traditional local ecological knowledge when relevant and appropriate. The educator will conduct needs assessments to identify research and education program priorities of targeted audiences. The educator will be responsible for working intentionally and collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the needs of audiences. The position will interpret and disseminate the latest research findings using a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for intended target audiences, including, but not limited to, presentations, one-on-one technical assistance, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media, and community coalitions. In addition to base program funds, the educator will be responsible for securing resources through grants, contracts, program fees, partnerships, and sponsorships to develop a robust Extension program that uses innovative teaching and learning strategies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs that engage participants in a collaborative learning environment and encourage adoption of research-based information in decision-making. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the defined timeframe, and will fulfill the teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a University of Maryland faculty member. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Program Leader & Assistant Director for the Environment and Natural Resources and Sea Grant Program.


Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements -Master of Science or equivalent in environmental engineering, landscape architecture or design, or related social science or green infrastructure scientific field with an emphasis on technology and stormwater best management practices. Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering educational and/or Extension programs to audiences in formal or informal settings using a variety of media. Experience in conducting program evaluation to measure outcomes and appropriate economic, environmental, and social impacts. Demonstrated leadership and management abilities and evidence of working with colleagues, students, agency personnel, and other clientele. Evidence of the ability to work effectively as a team member. Evidence of scholarship in research, extension, and outreach. Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management. Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Personal transportation and a valid driver's license are required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out-of-state travel may also be required. Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and need. This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and a University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.


Additional Information: Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work-visa requirements.

Required Application Materials: All candidates must apply online. A complete application packet must include the following documents:Cover Letter CV Copies of Transcripts Three (3) references, each with name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.


Please note that you may upload multiple documents within the same upload field when submitting your application.

Best Consideration Date: 11/30/2025

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
AGNR-UME-Dorchester
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
Master's salary range: $64,763.00 - $78,763.00, Ph.D. salary range: $77,350.00 - $91,350.00.
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD6338982
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    64763.0 91350.0 USD
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    MD, US, United States
  • Education
    Not mentioned