About UMass Amherst - Mount Ida Campus
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst is located in Newton, MA adjacent to the Newton-Needham Innovation District, and the tech-focused Route 128 corridor. At Mount Ida, UMass Amherst offers an array of experiential learning opportunities to its undergraduate students, as well as a growing number of graduate and professional degree programs. The campus is growing its undergraduate career development programs with expanded access to internships and co-ops in the thriving Greater Boston area.
Job Summary
The Extension Educator III - Pollinators develops and maintains current scientific knowledge of pollinators and pollinator habitat and provides expertise on these topics to internal and external stakeholders and develops and delivers Extension educational programs, publications and services to address the statewide need for research-based information on pollinators and their habitat in settings including rural and urban farms, professionally-managed lawns and landscapes, and home yards and gardens.
Essential Functions
- Develops and maintains strong scientific knowledge and a professional network at UMass Amherst and beyond in order to provide reliable and current information regarding pollinators and their habitat, including honeybees.
- Develops, organizes and teaches educational programs and provides research-based information to stakeholders including rural and urban farmers, landscape and turf professionals, beekeepers, master gardeners, and the public. Responds to pollinator inquiries from stakeholders and develops resources in a variety of media to increase understanding and implementation of pollinator-friendly practices. Collaborates in the preparation, editing, layout and publication of research-based educational materials such as newsletters, management guides, fact sheets, and articles. Provides pollinator-related content and expertise for Extension publications and develops new pollinator-focused offerings.
- Conducts needs assessment, develops program objectives, designs delivery methods and develops evaluation procedures in collaboration with supervisor and other Extension Faculty and Staff. Conducts periodic evaluations of program effectiveness. Uses evaluation to inform future programs. Develops relationships with diverse stakeholders to inform program goals and measure desired outcomes. Develops, cultivates and stewards an audience for pollinator and beekeeping education and services using available technology.
- Develops and delivers fee-based services that promote pollinator habitat and/or sustainable beekeeping. Develops program business plans and manages program revenues in coordination with supervisor and bookkeeper. Seeks out and applies for external funding, including public grants. Coordinates with appropriate University entities and complies with relevant fundraising and grant-related policies.
- Collaborates with Extension and other staff, faculty, public agencies, and external partners to deliver programming with state and regional impact. Works closely with supervisor and other Extension program leaders to integrate activities across multiple Extension program areas.
- Participates in overall program management, including staff coordination and evaluation, reporting and financial administration. Participates in short- and long-range planning. Determines need for temporary staff and/or volunteers and prepares job descriptions. Collaborates in recruiting and training. Supervises, supports, evaluates and recognizes volunteers and/or student and paraprofessional employees.
- Maintains and increases personal and professional competence through participation in in-service training, professional association activities, and continuing education. Prepares and implements professional development plan.
- Represents UMass Extension at the campus, regional or state level in routine matters of organization and procedure relating to the Production Agriculture Programs.
Other Functions
- Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
- Works in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree (preferably in biological, horticultural or agricultural science or closely related field).
- 3-5 years of relevant experience. Experience can be as part of work towards a graduate degree.
- Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate scientific information.
- Ability to legally drive a vehicle in Massachusetts within 60 days of start date.
- General proficiency using computers to perform work independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, regional, and statewide activities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of staff, students and stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s Degree in biological, horticultural or agricultural science or closely related field.
- Academic and/or professional expertise in entomology or ecology relevant to pollinator biology and/or habitat.
- Demonstrated ability to implement effective educational programs with diverse audiences.
- Hands-on experience with beekeeping and/or creation of pollinator habitat.
- Demonstrated success in program and/or business management.
- Demonstrated professional working relationships with agricultural groups, farmers, non-profits, government agencies, and/or other groups related to the position.
- Demonstrated ability to use current electronic media for education and outreach.
- Proficiency with data analysis and/or layout and publication software (e.g. SAS, In-Design, Drupal).
- Demonstrated ability to secure and manage external funding to support program activities.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Includes office and outdoor conditions that may require physical activity in all weather and uneven terrain.
Additional Details
- This is a grant-funded, 24-month position that may be extended pending additional funding.
- This position is located on the Mt. Ida campus of UMass Amherst.
- This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Work Schedule
- Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm or as required to carry out program activities.
- Some evening, weekends and travel are required.
Salary Information
Level 27
PSU Hiring Salaries
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a letter of application, resume, a Diversity Statement (see below), and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search may remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.
As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. In addition to application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.