POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Official Title: Area Extension Educator.
Working Title: Washington State University (WSU) Regional Extension
Project Manager for Hardwood Biofuels in the Pacific Northwest. This
is a twelve-month, non-tenure track faculty position with a two-year
renewable appointment.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Hardwood biofuels Extension Project Manager will lead a new four-
person team to develop curriculum and outreach materials for use by
Extension personnel region-wide (WA, OR, ID, MT, N. CA) in working
with private landowners to grow hybrid poplar for biofuel
production. The Project Manager will be expected to have strong
organizational, management, outreach, and communication skills.
General Responsibilities:
1. Lead the design and implementation of education and outreach
programs for farmers, forest owners, policymakers, and the general
public related to growing hybrid poplar as woody feedstock for
sustainable biofuel production.
2. Manage a team of faculty and staff.
3. Manage the project budget and ensure that project milestones are
met.
4. Coordinate the development of educational materials with emerging
research being conducted on growing/harvesting methods, conversion
processes, sustainable production, economic feasibility, and social
acceptance.
5. Design and conduct research on the barriers, needs, and
opportunities around the adoption of hybrid poplar biofuel crop
systems by landowners throughout the region.
6. Oversee the implementation of regional meetings and conferences
to inform Extension personnel about hybrid poplar biofuel research
developments and “train the trainer” for delivering education and
outreach materials to constituents.
7. Coordinate the project with local state, regional, and national
partners, including other sustainable biofuel projects around the
country such as the WSU-led softwood biofuel project.
8. Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive
communication strategy including newsletters, bulletins, peer-
reviewed publications, webinars, online resources, and presentations
relevant to growing hybrid poplar for biofuel production.
SALARY:
Salary is commensurate with the candidate’s academic and
professional qualifications.
LOCATION:
This position is located in Everett, WA. Everett is 30 miles north
of Seattle along the shores of Puget Sound. This is an
environmentally sensitive, rapidly urbanizing region, with a diverse
and dynamic small farm sector. The area has a maritime climate, with
mild winters and pleasant, dry summers. The area is also known for
quality schools districts, including Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, and
Northshore. Mass transit offers easy access to downtown Seattle.
Puget Sound beaches, the Cascade Mountains, and ferry access to
Whidbey Island and the San Juans are all within a close distance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Earned Master’s degree in related field.
2. Proficiency in computer technology, including word processing,
spreadsheets, electronic slide presentations, and email.
3. Demonstrated experience managing large, complex projects,
supervising personnel and managing budgets.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in
writing with diverse audiences.
2. Knowledge and understanding of successful agriculture and/or
agroforestry models.
3. Understanding of agricultural marketing, value-added agriculture,
and grower coop systems.
4. Ability to author and/or co-author academic papers and reports.
5. Ability to plan, organize, and deliver effective educational
programs.
6. Ability to plan, organize, and deliver regional-scale meetings
and conferences.
7. Experience with public speaking and group facilitation.
8. Experience engaging and conducting needs assessment with farmers,
community-based, grassroots organizations, and other program
stakeholders.
9. Demonstrated ability to design culturally competent educational
programs in order to engage diverse constituents (dimensions of
diversity include gender, culture, age, sexual orientation, race,
education, and income).
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The screening date for this position is April 1, 2012. Apply by
visiting www.wsujobs.com. Be prepared to submit a letter describing
how your experience and training meet the qualifications for this
position (cover letter); a curriculum vitae or resume (CV); copies
of official transcripts (other document); and the names and contact
information for three professional references (reference contact
info).
For further information about the position contact:
Kevin Zobrist,
Biofuels Grant PI
WSU Extension
Snohomish County Extension
600 128th Street SE
Everett, WA 98208-6353
425-357-6017
Email: [email protected].
Laura R. Lewis, Ph.D.
Jefferson County Extension Director
Small Farms & Economic Development
Washington State University
201 W. Patison
Port Hadlock, WA 98339
360-379-5610 ext. 202
[email protected]
--WSU Extension employment and programs are available to all without
discrimination.
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
Laura R. Lewis, Ph.D.
Jefferson County Extension Director
Small Farms & Economic Development
Washington State University
201 W. Patison
Port Hadlock, WA 98339
360-379-5610 ext. 202
[email protected]
--WSU Extension employment and programs are available to all without
discrimination.
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
