Extension Educator, Food Systems (Cloquet, MN)

Working Title: Extension Educator, Food Systems

Classification: Assistant Extension Educator, Job Code 9625ST

Appointment: Full-time (100% time); U of M benefits

Salary: $60,000-68,000

Extension Dept: Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Office Location: Extension Regional Office in Cloquet, MN.

Apply By: January 13, 2025

ABOUT THIS POSITION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. The mission of University of Minnesota Extension is: "Making a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota." More information about Extension can be found at http://www.extension.umn.edu/mnext.html

The University of Minnesota Extension is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable professional to serve as a Local Extension Educator specializing in Food Systems for underserved audiences, with a focus on working with Tribal Nations. This position will focus on supporting underserved audiences in Minnesota in strengthening their food systems, fostering food sovereignty, and enhancing health and well-being through culturally appropriate education, program development, and collaboration.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of local and regional food systems, strong relationship-building skills, and a commitment to promoting equity and sustainability with targeted audiences.

This position will have the classification of Extension Educator without rank and will be part of the network of local Extension Educators. Supervision will be provided by a Program Leader who also supervises other Extension Educators without rank.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Educational Program Development and Delivery (70%)

• Design, develop and deliver culturally relevant educational programs for new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences, with a focus on tribal communities, in topics such as food security, nutrition, food sovereignty, traditional foodways and sustainable or regenerative agriculture.
• Develop and maintain effective state, regional, industry, and university partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Actively and consistently engage with Tribal Nations communities, community members and organizations, and others to form ongoing relationships and connections to tribal audiences.
• Develop and use evaluation strategies to determine if programming is effectively meeting the needs of audiences.
• Use appropriate technology for gathering information and resources, program design, program delivery, communications and reporting.
• Assume program leadership on specific programs, projects, or priorities, as agreed to by the Program Leader.

Technical Assistance (20%)

• Develop an active engagement with identified audiences and serve in a technical assistance role in addressing food systems issues.

Professional Development (10%)

• Continue professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery via conferences, additional graduate work, self-directed study and/or other appropriate means.
• Participate and succeed in progress regarding professional performance including the systems of annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a field closely related to food systems, including but not limited to: food science, nutrition, horticulture, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, natural resource science.
• Two-year minimum professional work experience in fields of food science, nutrition, horticulture, sustainable agriculture or related fields.
• Documented experience engaging with and/or demonstrated knowledge of tribal community cultures.
• Demonstrated strong English oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled in Microsoft and Google Suite applications.
• Evidence of technology-enhanced instructional skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, program participants and industry groups)
• Experience successfully working with diverse populations and communities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented experience in designing, developing and/or delivering educational programming with tribal audiences.
• Experience developing and delivering informal education
• Experience using distance technologies and social media to market and deliver educational programming.
• Ability to engage in web-based communication, education, and training.
• Ability to articulate the public value of educational programming in food systems.
• Five or more years' experience in a field related to the position.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 20 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely, as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming to tribal communities throughout Minnesota, with overnight travel anticipated to occur 1-2 nights per month. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/

Pay Range: $60,000 - $68,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume or Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://humanresources.umn.edu/find-job/using-job-app-system.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:
Sarah Chur, Program Leader, ANR, bergsj@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.