Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist

Earth Day; Madison, Stevens Point (WI, WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist within the UW-Madison Division of Extension translates and applies research-based information on PFAS and other emerging contaminants to help communities, professionals, homeowners, and decision-makers understand water quality issues.

The role builds relationships with federal, state, local, and university partners to identify concerns, develops outreach materials, and coordinates PFAS planning with the Wisconsin DNR and other agencies.

Responsibilities

• Translate research-based PFAS guidance into outreach materials
• Collaborate with agencies and communities to inform decisions

Job description

The Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist within the UW-Madison Division of Extension works collaboratively with state and local agencies, health and water quality professionals, community leaders, and university partners to translate and apply research-based information on PFAS and other emerging contaminants. The Specialist helps communities, professionals, homeowners, and decision-makers understand water quality issues by connecting them with current research findings, health and water quality guidance, risk assessment information, and available technical and financial resources.

A primary responsibility of this position is to build and maintain relationships with federal, state, local, and university partners to identify community concerns and information needs related to PFAS and other emerging contaminants. The Specialist serves as a trusted resource, bringing together expertise from across organizations and translating complex research, technical guidance, and environmental health information into practical, audience-appropriate outreach and educational materials. Working with communities, elected officials, and homeowners, the Specialist supports needs assessment efforts, facilitates risk communication and informed decision-making, and develops research-based responses to emerging questions and concerns.

In addition, this position serves as Extension’s primary liaison to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for PFAS-related community engagement activities and coordination with other state agency partners. The Specialist coordinates PFAS outreach, education, and planning efforts among DNR, other state agencies, UW System researchers, and community partners. Responsibilities include communicating technical information and research findings to support community planning and funding decisions; convening and sustaining statewide PFAS community networks in coordination with Extension’s Community Development Institute (CDI); supporting implementation of cross-agency communication and outreach tools; and ensuring Extension education and outreach activities align with DNR PFAS grant objectives and collaborative statewide priorities.