Agent Associate, Watershed Restoration Educator

Job description

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park. In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties. Position Summary/Purpose of Position: The University of Maryland Extension seeks a Watershed Restoration Educator to carry out an educational outreach program in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties educating on watershed sciences and stormwater management. The Educator will perform a variety of duties and deliver educational activities including field days, fairs, meetings, field tours, workshops and seminars to a variety of stakeholders. Major responsibilities are listed below with an emphasis on providing support and assistance in implementing practices to help Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties meet their MS4 permit requirements and Chesapeake Bay TMDL WIP goals. This Educator will serve as a member of UME’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program and in that capacity will work alongside team members in developing educational programming and materials, sharing efforts to lead and delegate these tasks as needed. General supervision will be provided by the Assistant Director/Program Leader for UME’s Environment and Natural Resources Program and the Area Extension Director for Southern Maryland. Responsibilities: • Provide support in two of the six required elements of each County’s MS4 permit: Public Education and Outreach and Public Participation/Involvement; • Create and manage a network of volunteers that are versed on local regulations and goals as they pertain to water quality for increasing visibility of each County’s work; • Develop and conduct stormwater BMP-specific workshops and participate in annual public demonstration and engagement events; • Track and report on small-scale stormwater BMPs for potential future inclusion into State and Federal TMDL/WIP reporting; • Assist the County and local NGOs in acquisition of outside funding to support the implementation of small-scale stormwater projects; • Work one-on-one with the County, property owners, and HOA’s to solve stormwater issues; • Participate as a team member with the UME Watershed Protection and Restoration Program, and Water and Climate team to conduct educational programs that meet the needs of the citizens of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties; • Explore development and management of a Watershed Stewards Academy for the region if interest exists; • Present topics and lead discussion at meetings, workshops and other program activities as needed; • Participate in professional development opportunities to keep abreast of current research, educational methods, administrative procedures, etc. 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. • Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. • Physical Demands: 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. • Environmental conditions vary; primarily in office, but also exposed to gardens, farms and other outdoor conditions. • Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations. Qualifications: Required – • Bachelor’s degree in a related environmental science field of study • Five years of progressively responsible related work experience in teaching or providing educating on gardening, environmental science, biology or related fields, or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; • Experience with volunteers in a coordinating, oversight or managerial role; • Working knowledge in watershed and stormwater management and other general environmental practices; • Skill to establish and maintain successful working relationships. Use judgment and initiative in selecting priorities developing effective work methods/tools and determining proper course of action to produce a desired outcome/result; • Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction; • Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Database and Gmail, etc.; • Personal transportation and valid driver’s license; • Flexible working hours and must be available for evening and weekend programs and meetings; • Skilled in verbal and written communication, time management, and diplomacy. • Ability to tactfully respond in a timely manner to inquiries and concerns of the public. • Ability to work within and meet deadlines. • Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through Extension program model. • This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check. Preferences- • MS in a related environmental science field of study • Experience with educational program planning and implementation • Experience working in marketing or public relations Licenses/ Certifications: N/A Additional Job Details Location: This position is located off campus and alternates between the St. Mary's County Extension Office (Leonardtown, MD) and the Calvert County Extension Office (Prince Frederick, MD). Required Application Materials: A complete application packet must include the following documents: Letter of Application Resume Unofficial Transcripts Three (3) references , each with name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address. Please note that you may upload multiple documents within the same upload field when submitting your application. Additional Information: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Best Consideration Date: 5/14/2026 Posting Close Date: n/a Open Until Filled: Yes Financial Disclosure Required No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website . Department AGNR-UME-St Mary's Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range Bachelor’s range: $49,073 - $63,073, Master’s range: $51,290 - $65,290 Benefits Summary For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link . Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. 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