Extension Educator - Climate Adaptation & Resilience Decisions

Extension Educator - Climate Adaptation & Resilience Decisions

Organization

University of Minnesota Extension

Organization Summary

This position will be a significant contributor to the Extension and research activities of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP), a joint program of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (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.

Posting Date: 03/24/2025

Closing Date: 03/30/2025

Location: Central, Metro, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, West Central MN

Job type: full-time

Salary: $68,000-$78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Hours: Full time

Primary Duties

We seek applicants capable of helping communities across the state and region understand and use resilience frameworks and approaches to plan and implement strategies to manage climate change challenges like increased flood risks, extreme heat, and poor air quality. This will include serving as a trusted expert and educator capable of collaborating closely with a transdisciplinary Climate Extension team to develop and deliver educational training and resources. You will provide hands-on education and technical support to assist communities across Minnesota in understanding climate risks and comparing, selecting, and implementing different resilience strategies. Individuals will work with a diverse set of partners and communities, such as:

• Local government leadership and staff, including townships, cities, and counties;
• Tribal communities, members, and Inter-tribal organizations;
• Natural resource managers and conservationists;
• Federal and state agency leadership and staff;
• Diverse community groups and organizations, including frontline communities;
• Community-based organizations, non-profits and foundations;
• Private sector;
• Climate science professionals, researchers, and;
• Colleges and universities.

Responsibilities

• Help Community Leaders and Decision-makers Incorporate Climate Change Into Planning and Decision-making: Provide education and technical support for rural, urban, and tribal community leaders, land and water managers, and other key decision-makers in utilizing resilience planning frameworks and methodologies for understanding their climate risks and comparing, selecting and implementing appropriate resilience solutions to address climate change threats like food risks, extreme heat, and poor air quality.
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Collaboration: Support a growing network of community leaders and decision-makers who are seeking information about how to integrate climate considerations into their work and community planning and decision-making processes.
• Measure Program Effectiveness: Develop evaluation systems to determine if educational programs and resources are working well, use results to iteratively improve technical support, and programming.
• Support Climate Resilience and Solutions Research: Lead research that helps advance the field of climate adaptation and produces results that help us teach professionals and communities about the intersections of climate change, adaptation, and how to implement solution strategies.
• 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 stakeholders.
• Help with Grants and Contracts: Contribute to developing and delivering grant and contract-funded projects and programming related to climate science.
• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in climate adaptation science, social science, decision science, urban planning, environmental science, education, geography, or related fields.
• Two years of full-time, post–bachelor’s professional experience designing, leading, and evaluating community engagement and stakeholder collaboration efforts.
• Experience with applying decision-making frameworks and models.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead multi-faceted projects and work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developing mitigation and adaptation plans.
• Expertise with resilience planning frameworks and approaches.
• Experience with participatory research and community engagement.
• Experience working with decision-makers or providing technical support.
• Experience writing and leading grant proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology to enhance learning and communication.
• Relevant training or certifications.

How to Apply: Apply online on the Extension website; visit job listing to view full application instructions.