Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Educator and Researcher

This position is responsible for supporting research-based education and technical assistance to onsite wastewater professionals, homeowners, local units of government and others regarding subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTSs). The essential role is part of the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP) located within the Water Resources Center (WRC). Our OSTP education staff develop and teach our nationally acclaimed OSTP education courses for onsite sewage treatment professionals across the State of Minnesota and beyond. Strengths of the OSTP include our strong ties to professionals, active SSTS research projects and individual SSTS users/homeowners. To help advance these connections, this position may assist OSTP research by supporting research projects in a variety of roles from brainstorming research topics, identifying funding opportunities, proposal writing, data collection, analysis, literature review, and report writing.

Over the next 1-3 years, our program will transition from in-person training to a hybrid format consisting of in-person and remote learning. We seek applicants who will continue to support existing in-person education courses and/or coordinate or co-coordinate the development and implementation of online and remote learning opportunities.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Deliver OSTP educational programming across the state (70-80%)
  • Plan and deliver research-based education by leading or co-leading certification and continuing education training workshops.
  • Coordinate or co-coordinate the OSTP's hybrid educational pre-certification courses, including developing remote learning courses, troubleshooting learner challenges, and integrating in-person and remote learning.
  • Work with OSTP staff and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to develop and implement training materials and courses that address emerging needs and concerns.
  • Develop and update educational materials as needed, including lesson plans, handouts, and remote learning products.
  • Evaluate classes annually to meet the needs of the State of Minnesota to teach new regulations enacted by the legislature and incorporate new technology into the classes.
  • Co-lead the field components of education courses, including working with landowners and professionals to find suitable training sites.
  • Foster community development, promote lifelong learning, and support professional and/or personal growth through educational programming.
• Support research to advance onsite sewage treatment knowledge and respond to emerging needs (10-20%)
  • Develop or support proposal preparation for research funding.
  • Visit sites, collect soil and wastewater samples, conduct interviews, obtain administrative data from agencies, collect existing data, and carry out surveys, etc.
  • Independently analyze data and write summary reports, conferring with supervisor and research project team on interpretation of results and avenues of investigation.
  • Shared responsibility of mentoring and training research assistants, volunteers, and interns.
• Administer programs and provide technical assistance (10%)
  • Work with OSTP staff and existing partners to support the state-wide onsite regulatory and licensing program.
  • Participate in quarterly meetings with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency SSTS staff to advance the goals of the OSTP.
  • Actively explore, evaluate and expand the audiences for our UM OSTP education courses.
  • Work with OSTP and WRC staff to comply with University fiscal policies.
  • Coordinate with all OSTP staff on the development of the annual education course schedule and brochure.
  • Provide input and recommendations in discussions about the local and statewide onsite wastewater regulations.
  • Provide technical assistance to SSTS professionals and community members with questions via phone/email.

Location of Position

• The home office for this position is the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus (UM -Twin Cities). OSTP staff participate in a flexible work environment consisting of in-person and remote work. Information about the University's flexible work program, Work. With Purpose. can be found at https://humanresources.umn.edu/home/flex-work.

Travel

• In-person education requires overnight travel to locations across Minnesota, approximately five to eight (5-8) nights per month. Travel will be condensed in the winter workshop season (November-April) and will be less during the field season (May-October). With the development of hybrid courses, travel needs may decrease, but that change will not be effective immediately.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• B.S./B.A. in engineering, environmental science, water resources science, wastewater management, or closely related discipline or M.S. in engineering, environmental science, water resources science, wastewater management, or closely related discipline.
• Five (5) years (B.S. degree) or three (3) years (M.S. or higher) of experience designing, delivering, or evaluating educational programs in water resources, wastewater management, onsite sewage treatment, engineering, or related fields. This experience may include public speaking on technical topics in classrooms, conferences, or similar environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working with onsite wastewater treatment systems.
• Experience with technology in teaching and learning environments (e.g., online courses and distance learning, multi-media presentations, etc.).
• Certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency subsurface sewage treatment program as a Designer or Inspector or similar education/certification and/or licenses (e.g., sanitarian).
• Experience in applied environmental research, including proposal writing, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, or report writing.
• Experience with project management.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license. This position will have access to UM fleet services vehicles to travel to education events, research sites, etc.
• This position conducts fieldwork in and around wastewater and includes the potential exposure to disease causing bacteria and viruses. Training on safe wastewater handling and proper use of PPE will be part of onboarding for this position.
• This position also requires moving and lifting of heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds (e.g., service port covers). Tools and additional personnel may be available to assist, but physical labor will be required for fieldwork and data collection.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and ability to work remotely.

The Water Resources Center is an interdepartmental unit of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension. It is also Minnesota's member of the National Institutes for Water Resources, giving it a Congressional mandate to conduct and organize research relevant to water resource concerns in the state. The center is the administrative home of the interdisciplinary Water Resources Science graduate program, involving over 100 faculty members spanning over 20 departments at the Twin Cities and Duluth Campuses. The center also provides professional training programs and hosts numerous events including the annual Minnesota Water Resources Conference.

Pay Range: $73,000 - $85,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. Complete the online application and upload:

1. Cover letter describing qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying, and
2. Current resume or curriculum vitae.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there.

Transcripts and professional references may be requested during the application process. This position will remain open until filled.

Questions may be directed to Dan Wheeler, Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Manager (wheel027@umn.edu or 612-625-8791).

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

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

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).