Agent (#125331): Working Title: Extension Specialist, Wildlife Management

University of Maryland Extension is seeking a specialist for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for Maryland agricultural and forest landowners, communities and citizens throughout the state. Topics include, wildlife management, wildlife damage and control methods of both game and non-game species in the rural and urban environments of MD. Master’s degree in Wildlife Science to include management, conservation, or biology or closely related field required; PhD preferred.

Campus/College Information:

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Position Summary:

This is a State Specialist position located at the Wye Research & Education Center in Queenstown, MD.

The Wildlife Management Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for Maryland agricultural and forest landowners, communities and citizens. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to wildlife management, wildlife damage and control methods of both game and non-game species in the rural and urban environments of Maryland. The Specialist will facilitate partnerships with university colleagues, local, state and federal agencies, elected officials, landowners and environmental groups in developing wildlife management practices, control methods, and damage assessment tools.

The Specialist is expected to be part of the AGNR and UME faculty team as well as provide leadership for Wildlife related programs within the Environmental and Natural Resource Focus Area, one of four UME strategic programming initiatives. It is the responsibility of the Specialist to work intentionally and collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of Extension programs through education designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The Specialist will interpret and disseminate the latest research findings using a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to workshops, classes, demonstration projects, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media and community coalitions. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a timeframe defined.

The Specialist will report to the Assistant Director and Program Leader of the Environmental and Natural Resource Program.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a robust extension program with emphasis on wildlife management and wildlife damage control for game and non-game species in both the rural and urban ecosystems.
• Providing support to County Extension Faculty on wildlife management and damage related topics.
• Development of innovative Extension educational materials directed at enhancing wildlife resources and wildlife damage and control measures to include game and non-game species in both the rural and urban environments.
• Conduct surveys of agricultural and forest landowners to determine economic impact of wildlife damage and recreational activities.
• Collaborate with a network of wildlife biologists and other natural resource managers within state and federal agencies, and non-governmental conservation groups.
• Contribute to the Maryland 4-H wildlife programs and the Adult Master Naturalist Programs.
• Develop and disseminate educational resources, such as fact sheets, bulletins, newsletters, web-based resources and videos as appropriate for a diverse audience on topics such as damage control methods, management recommendations for specific native species, invasive species, FID habitat, warm season grass management and economic impact of wildlife damage and recreational activities.
• Procurement of extramural funding sources for supporting Extension and applied research activities.
• Design and conduct applied research projects as necessary to address wildlife management, control and damage assessment related issues on both private lands and University Research & Education Centers. 
• Provide expertise and manage extension’s on-line wildlife management correspondence course for private landowners and environmental educators.
• Collaborate with diverse science disciplines and stakeholder groups and work closely with federal and state agencies to support long-term partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Wildlife Science to include management, conservation, or biology or closely related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work with a diverse clientele. 
• Evidence of excellent teaching & communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft office suite.
• Knowledge of federal farm bill conservation programs.
• Knowledge of wildlife management/conservation related issues and opportunities in working agricultural and forested ecosystems.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Personal transportation and valid driver’s license. Must be willing to travel statewide.
• Flexible work schedule for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
• The position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences:

• PhD degree in Wildlife Science to include management, conservation, or biology or closely related field.
• Experience in Extension, outreach or service related to wildlife management or conservation.
• Demonstrated ability in garnering grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming.
• Evidence of scholarship in research, extension and/or outreach.
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.

Additional Information:

SALARY & BENEFITS:
Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $54,500; Ph.D. Base: $65,090. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

 START DATE:
The start date for this position will be January 1, 2020 or later.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. 
• A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at programs and events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Diversity Statement:

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.