Assistant University Extension Educator, Community Vitality and Health

Joe; Laramie (WY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Community engagement activities

Job summary

A University Extension Department is seeking a community educator based in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The role focuses on leadership in educational outreach, community development, and collaboration with local organizations. Ideal candidates possess a Master's degree, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to serving rural communities. This position includes responsibilities like program development, volunteer coordination, and communication with community members, aiming to enhance community vitality and health through effective education and outreach strategies.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.
• Ability for overnight travel and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in building relationships with community members.
• Develop and maintain awareness of existing programs.
• Conduct impactful Extension programming based on local needs.

Skills

Community planning

Public administration

Leadership development

Financial literacy

Excellent verbal skills

Education

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• One degree (Master’s or Bachelor’s) must be awarded in community planning, rural development, geography, business administration, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, economics (e.g., regional, agricultural), public administration, family consumer science, or a field related to community/economic development from an accredited institution.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.
• Ability to participate in some overnight travel, evening, and weekend work.

Desired Qualifications

• Training or experience in one or more of the following topics: rural economic development, housing, business incentive packages, business diversification, entrepreneurship, workforce development, leadership development, financial literacy, financial management, participatory community planning, or other topics relevant to local needs.
• Experience in developing and delivering science-based outreach to meet needs identified by community members.
• Experience developing partnerships with external organizations or government agencies.
• Experience fostering positive relationships with clientele in a community served.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience and/or training in teaching youth and adult audiences.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and program impact evaluations.
• Demonstrated ability to use diverse approaches to develop and deliver science-informed outreach related to improving economic, community, family, or individual health and well-being.
• Demonstrated knowledge/appreciation of rural communities and a commitment to work and travel in rural counties in Wyoming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Extension and the land-grant university system.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively in and contribute positively to teamwork.
• Experience in planning and implementing applied research activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Delivery

• Provide leadership in building mutual learning relationships with community members and leaders through a blend of educational outreach, technical assistance, and community coaching.
• Implement assessment and advisory strategies to identify educational needs (e.g., by gathering input from community members, leaders, and organizations about educational needs in the county).
• Develop and maintain awareness of existing programs, resources, and businesses within local communities, being careful not to compete with or favor any.
• Conduct impactful Extension programming informed by assessments of local needs and assets.
• Establish professional partnerships with Extension Specialists and other scientific experts to ensure outreach programming is rooted in research-based information. As an Extension Educator advances in their career, this should involve collaborating on applied research projects or demonstration studies to inform educational programs.
• Provide primary leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continual improvement of comprehensive educational programming in community vitality and health (CVH) that is responsive, relevant and impactful in addressing needs identified in assessments.
• Provide effective educational experiences using appropriate program delivery strategies, such as presentations, workshops, trainings, and other modes of outreach relevant to target audiences, which could range widely from youths to adults, and the general public to professionals.
• Support the development, delivery, and evaluation of signature programs or statewide initiatives of the Community Vitality and Health (CVH) focus area.
• Support and promote general Extension operations and outputs in the county, and cooperate with other UW programs or efforts in the county (e.g., interacting with the public in ways supportive of UW recruiting).
• Develop and implement evaluation tools (formative and summative) for measuring and reporting consistent program impacts across the short and long term.
• Provide support for 4-H Youth Development in partnership with your local 4-H educator.

Volunteer/Community-Partner Systems

• Establish and support volunteers/partners that have the ability to increase the capacity and long‑term sustainability of the CVH focus area (e.g., Master Food volunteers).
• Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of volunteers/partners through a support system consisting of effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation (e.g., for 4‑H programs).
• Serve as a community‑based representative of the University.
• Address issues/conflicts that arise with volunteer/partner/clientele roles.

Communication and Reporting

• Develop and maintain respectful and responsive working relationships and communications with colleagues, community leaders/partners, volunteers, clientele, and the general public.
• Use Extension resources, including Communications & Technology, to market education programs and deliver outputs through various media sources (e.g., newspapers, radio, newsletters, websites, social media, podcasts, etc.) that attract community members from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Develop and disseminate communication and reporting materials that reflect positively on the University and UW Extension.
• Collect data and prepare reports and presentations to share with local community members and leaders about the public value, impacts, and accomplishments of CVH programming.

Program Operations

• Ensure civil rights compliance.
• Implement strategies to expand the reach of educational programming to new audiences, and ensure all participants (potential and current) have full access to programs, services, and facilities.
• Plan for and manage risk through established procedures and resources.
• Employ appropriate fiscal management practices to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Secure external funding to support and expand educational programming.
• Engage in Collaboratives or similar internal funding opportunities to grow and contribute to team capacity for providing robust programming.
• Demonstrate objectivity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Maintain organized records and provide accurate reports in a timely manner.

Professional Development

• Demonstrate continuing professional development to advance capacity as an Educator and/or technical expertise relevant to the CVH focus area. These activities should support annual professional development goals approved by your supervisor.
• Participate fully in UWE’s annual conference (EPIC or ENGAGE) as well as Spring Training.
• New employees: participate fully in New Employee Welcome Day, two New Employee Orientation sessions, and required Coaching Team sessions.
• Participate in professional societies relevant to your discipline, Extension, and/or industry.

Service

• Provide service to university, college, departmental, local government, and community efforts.

Approximate Time Distribution

Educational programming in CVH – 85%
Support of 4-H Youth Development programs – 15%

Remote Work Eligibility

This position provides vital support to UW Extension clientele and requires the successful candidate to be available to work in person at the Sweetwater County Extension Office in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Required Application Materials

• Completed UW application.
• A detailed letter of intent that specifically addresses your qualifications relative to the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Copies of all college transcripts; official transcripts required at time of hiring.
• Contact information for four (4) references who can address your professional qualifications.

This position will remain open until filled.

Contact for application inquiries

Ann Roberson, Business Manager
University of Wyoming Extension
1000 E. University Ave., Dept. #3354
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

For specific position information, contact

Dannele Peck, Associate Director
University of Wyoming Extension
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Work Authorization Requirements

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States, as sponsorship for work authorization or work visas is not available for this position.

Hiring Statement

UW is an Affir­mative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer (UW Reg 4‑1). The University does not discriminate in employment or personnel practices on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, creed, ancestry, political belief, pregnancy, or any other protected category or participation in any protected activity. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307‑766‑2377 or email [e-mail]

About Sweetwater County

This position serves all of Sweetwater County and is based in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Located in the southwestern part of Wyoming, Sweetwater County is strategically situated at the crossroads of Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 191, with a population of 42,272. Rock Springs has historically been named the “Gateway to the West” and offers unique off‑road and water recreation resources as well as a variety of wildlife species. Among the extraordinary natural sites are historic Flaming Gorge, Killpecker Sand Dunes, and the beautiful Red Desert. Sweetwater County is also a major cattle and sheep shipping point and the center of large natural trona mines. Other major industries of the area include oil and gas production, coal mining, electric‑power distribution, food processing, and tourism. More information can be found at:
https://www.explorewy.com/
https://www.sweetwatercountywy.gov/