Title:                                  Extension Educator, Apiculture

Appointment:                   Part-time (50% time), Assistant Extension Professor, Job Code 9623

Program Area:                 Extension Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR)

Location:                          University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus

Application Deadline:     November 27, 2019; or until position is filled

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Interest in protecting many types of pollinators, including honey bees, is growing rapidly throughout Minnesota and the U.S. The successful candidate will work with key collaborators and beekeepers of all skill levels, including hobby and professional beekeepers, to provide research-based extension education to support pollinator health. The candidate will collaborate with the Bee Squad (UMN Bee Lab’s outreach team) to deliver Extension programs. The candidate will also be an active member of a leadership team to develop content for new outreach and initiatives as well as established programs such as Mite Check, Mentoring Apiaries, Bee Veterans, Bee Prisoners, and Sentinel Apiaries Extension program. The successful candidate must have the background and ability to address a wide range of disciplines and issues related to apiculture. The person must have a broad knowledge of apiculture and a strong commitment to the industry. This individual should be self-motivated, enjoy working independently, as well as in a team environment, and be effective in communicating with beekeepers, colleagues, and stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate unbiased research-based educational programs that strategically provide information to the apiculture industry
• Use a variety of educational techniques to optimize communication effectiveness consistent with the intended audience’s learning styles.
• Collaborate with faculty, beekeepers, industry, and stakeholders to conduct scholarly applied research.
• Secure funds and resources to support educational programs and research through grants and other means.
• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, university, state, and national partnerships that further develop the long-term viability of the apiculture industry.
• Foster and contribute to a productive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Participate in professional development and educational opportunities to remain current with demands of the industry.
• Make progress toward professional advancement by participating in annual performance review, self-evaluation, professional plan of work and promotion.

POSITION APPOINTMENT/LOCATION

This position is funded with allocated funds at 0.5 FTE with the opportunity for supplemental funding through grants and/or contracts. This position is accountable to the Program Leader in Livestock for program direction, performance evaluation, and personnel actions. This position will be located on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota.

SALARY/BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

1. The Extension Educator is an annual University academic professional appointment with Extension academic rank (not a faculty tenured-track position).
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is expected and is contingent upon accomplishments related to each of the promotion criteria, which include program leadership, Extension teaching, scholarship, engagement, program management, and service.
3. Some University of Minnesota benefits may be available with a 50% appointment.  (https://humanresources.umn.edu/new-employees/benefits-summaries)
4. Performance evaluation is conducted annually according to University and Extension policies.
5. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.  (Must provide own means for traveling throughout the state and vehicle insurance).
6. Salary commensurate with education and experience.