Extension Educator - Climate Adaptation, Resilience, and Public Health

Working Title: Extension Educator - Climate Adaptation, Resilience, and Public Health

Classification: Assistant Extension Professor, Job Code 9623

Appointment: Full-time, Academic Professional, annually renewable

Estimated Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 DOQ

Program Area: Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems

Office Location: This position will be located at an Extension regional office in Andover, Mankato or Morris, MN. A map of Extension regional offices is available at . Hybrid work arrangements may be considered.

Apply By: April 28, 2024

We are looking for a dedicated individual to join our team at the University of Minnesota who possesses expertise and hands-on experience working at the intersection of climate change, public health, and emergency preparedness. If you have a genuine passion for collaborating with people to promote climate adaptation and resilience while helping to improve health outcomes in communities facing the impacts of climate change, this opportunity is for you.

By joining our team at the , you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact toward building resilience and readiness for climate change in Minnesota and the Midwest. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be at the forefront of community-centered climate adaptation and resilience efforts.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

We are seeking individuals who understand the interconnectedness of our natural and social systems, climate change, and its implications on public health and community well-being in alignment with frameworks such as Planetary Health. Successful candidates will have the expertise and experience to help community health organizations and public health and emergency management professionals from all corners of the state to understand and prepare for and manage climate-driven health threats, such as extreme weather, exposure to high heat, changes in air quality, and vector-borne diseases. This will include serving as a trusted expert and educator capable of working with a transdisciplinary Climate Extension team to integrate health and climate science and develop educational training and resources to support the adoption of different climate, public health, and community well-being resilience strategies. Individuals will work with a diverse set of partners and communities, such as:

• Nurses, doctors, and other professionals working on behalf of public health
• Tribal, state, municipal, and county leadership
• Federal and state agency leadership and staff
• Diverse community groups and organizations
• Emergency managers and disaster preparedness educators
• Non-profits and foundations
• Climate science professionals and researchers
• Colleges and universities

Focus Area Description

Human Health and Community Well-being. Climate change impacts public health by exacerbating existing threats, such as exposure to high heat events and vector-borne disease, and presents new challenges by exposing communities to more hazardous weather and climate conditions, with risks substantially higher for frontline communities and rural communities who have access to fewer medical facilities and personnel. MCAP Extension efforts to address impacts to human health and well-being require engaging with community members, community organizations and medical and emergency planning professionals in holistic, coordinated, community-centered emergency preparedness and climate adaptation approaches to achieve long-term, sustained exposure and risk reduction. Partners include community organizations, emergency managers, nurses, doctors, other public health professionals, researchers and state, county and municipal governments working to advance health equity, community well-being and planetary health.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help Community Members and Organizations Use and Apply Climate Information: Engage with and actively assist tribal, rural, and urban public health and emergency preparedness professionals, as well as community health organizations in using climate change information for their planning and preparedness efforts.
• Cultivate Climate Understanding: Create, develop and deliver educational programs and resources to help public health and emergency preparedness professionals and their service communities understand how climate change affects human health and well-being and how to deploy effective strategies to reduce exposure and improve health outcomes.
• Measure Program Effectiveness: Develop evaluation systems to determine if our programs and resources are working well, use results to iteratively improve programming, and learn what the people we're helping need most.
• Support Climate Research: Support research that helps us teach people and communities about the intersections of climate change, resilience, and public health, and how to be more resilient to climate change impacts on human health and well-being.
• Adapt Programs for Everyone: Design and change our programs and resources so they work for people with different levels of knowledge, backgrounds, and cultures.
• Contribute to our Long-term Strategy: Work with MCAP Leadership and the MCAP Advisory Board to create strategic plans and actions that strengthen communities in the face of climate change.
• Collaborate with Others: Work together with people in the University and other groups, like MCAP, Extension programs, regional climate services organizations, and people who have a stake in this work.
• Help with Research and Grants: Contribute to research and writing grant applications related to climate science, its effects, and the actions we take to manage it.
• Be Part of the University Community: Be an active member of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, Extension, and the wider University of Minnesota community.

MORE ABOUT THE CLIMATE ADAPTATION PARTNERSHIP

This position will be a significant contributor to the Extension and research activities of the (MCAP), a joint program of and the (CFANS). MCAP works to develop critical climate science knowledge, champion climate adaptation leadership and support climate resilience actions and collaborations across communities, sectors, and levels of government to ensure Minnesota is making needed progress to prepare for our changing climate. MCAP is a leading multi-sector group and partners directly with state, federal and local governments, the private sector, non-profits, Tribes, community organizations, and individuals.

TRAVEL

This person will travel overnight to locations across Minnesota approximately 1-3 nights per month and day trips approximately 1-3 times per month.

BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT/SALARY

• This is a full-time, Extension Educator position with an annual University Academic Professional appointment at the level of Assistant Extension Professor, Job Code 9623.
• This is an annually renewable position where the renewal occurs in June of each year; this position currently has funding through 6/30/2025 with possible continuation and renewal dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs.
• The position carries Extension academic rank. Rank is assigned at hire contingent on education and professional experience and accomplishments. Successful advancement in rank is expected and contingent on accomplishments as an Extension Educator as governed by Extension's promotion system policies and procedures.
• University of Minnesota appointment and benefits, including health and life insurance,
• Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• The intended starting salary for this position is $65,000 - $75,000), depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be negotiated at the time of hire.

Candidates must meet all REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS and must document them in application materials (cover letter and resume/CV).

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree in a field closely related to human health and well-being including, but not limited to public health, planetary health, medicine, nursing, or climate adaptation science with a focus on human health, or closely related fields.
• Two years of post-bachelor's professional experience designing, delivering, and evaluating community health, public health, or emergency preparedness outreach and engagement efforts related to managing threats like extreme weather, exposure to high heat, changes in air quality, and vector-borne diseases.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language appropriate for diverse audiences, particularly in public health, emergency management sectors, and community-based health organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities with diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-faceted projects and work independently with little or no supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Climate change and health certification(s) offered by organizations like the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Climate and Health Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Training in climate science, adaptation, planetary health, and/or climate change and health, evidenced by publications or previous professional experience.
• Experience utilizing climate projections to inform public health, medical, and/or emergency management decision-making.
• Experience with participatory research, community engagement, and knowledge co-production.
• Experience engaging with networks, professions, and organizations passionate about community climate resilience.
• Experience writing and administering grants.
• A proven ability to use technology to enhance learning, communication resources and stakeholder engagement.

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 mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number 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.
• Must be able to travel within designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force, and frequent repetitive motions.
• 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 .

Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

To be considered for this position, please click 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:

1. CV/Resume- Include your qualifications based upon the job requirements.
2. Cover letter- Expressing how your experience and skills match the required and preferred qualifications.
3. 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, .

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

For questions about this position, contact:
Nathan Meyer, Program Leader, Natural Resources, .

For questions about applying online, contact:
Lisa Brownstein, Extension Human Resources,

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: .

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).