Extension Educator, Assistant - WORTH (Tourism)

University of Wyoming; Wyoming (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous retirement contributions

Exceptional health coverage

Paid time off

Tuition waiver

Wellness programs

Job summary

The University of Wyoming seeks an Assistant University Extension Educator for the WORTH Institute, focused on enhancing tourism-related economic development. This position serves rural Wyoming communities, maximizing their natural resource-based tourism opportunities.

The role includes developing engagement strategies, conducting needs assessments, and collaborating with various stakeholders. A master's degree in a relevant field is required, along with effective communication and research skills.

The position requires on-campus presence in Wyoming, offering comprehensive benefits and a chance to impact local tourism positively.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Demonstrated experience in tourism or outdoor recreation required.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop tourism community engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with Extension Educators on beneficial programs.
• Teach remote courses related to tourism.

Skills

Experience in tourism development

Effective communication skills

Research ability

Experience in teaching

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in tourism, outdoor recreation, or related field

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

Overview

Join Our Campus Community!

Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming. Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, including four deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE:

Assistant University Extension Educator, WORTH Institute (Tourism), serving Wyoming

JOB PURPOSE:

We seek an Extension educator to improve tourism-related economic development for the State of Wyoming. This position provides support to rural Wyoming communities and businesses transitioning to maximize natural resource-based tourism opportunities in a responsible way.

The individual in this position works as a representative of the University of Wyoming Extension and the Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute to foster productive relationships with tourism providers, elected officials, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and other stakeholders in Wyoming.

The WORTH Institute at the University of Wyoming (UW) expands and diversifies Wyoming’s economy by supporting the outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. The Institute connects university expertise with industry, community, and government partners through three integrated areas of work: workforce development, statewide engagement, and applied research.

The University of Wyoming Extension (UWE) mission is to empower the people of Wyoming to make choices that enhance their quality of life. By actively involving Wyoming people, institutions, and communities, UWE shows a commitment to connectivity, relevance, accountability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and respect. With this in mind, UWE is responsive to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the people of Wyoming as we provide learning for better living.

The area of responsibility for this position is the state of Wyoming. The successful candidate must therefore be located in Wyoming, based either in a UW Extension office in Afton, Casper, Evanston, Gillette, Powell, Rawlins, Sheridan, Wheatland, Worland, or a UW campus office in Laramie, Wyoming, subject to the availability of office space and to be negotiated with the successful candidate. This is a non-tenured faculty position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary duties include but are not limited to:

• Develop and lead a tourism community engagement strategy and processes for the WORTH Institute and Extension.
• Implement an appropriate strategy to assess needs of clientele in the topic area of tourism, and evaluate the impacts of subsequent programming.
• Collaborate with other Extension Educators on mutually beneficial programs.
• Train others and serve as a subject matter expert on tourism in Wyoming.
• Work primarily within the Community Vitality and Health focus area of Extension, with the option to work secondarily within the Agriculture and Natural Resources focus area.
• Assist with applied research to support the tourism industry, including needs assessments, communicating about and connecting others to research findings, and programmatic evaluations.
• Serve communities throughout the state of Wyoming, which will include overnight travel, evening, and weekend work.
• Support the work of regional Outdoor Recreation collaboratives through the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office to enhance tourism-related initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Wyoming Office of Tourism to help local destination marketing organizations and communities enhance the visitor experience in their communities.
• Teach remotely (either synchronously or asynchronously) one 3-credit course per year.

Approximate Time Distribution

• 87.5% Extension
• 12.5% Teaching

Primary Clientele Served by this Position

• Individuals, organizations, private businesses, and ranches engaged in tourism-related enterprises in Wyoming.
• Local destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, and the Wyoming Office of Tourism.
• Non-governmental organizations such as the Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition, and local Chambers of Commerce.
• Federal land management agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and others.
• Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation.
• Wyoming Extension Educators.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned 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 must have been conferred in tourism, outdoor recreation, or closely related field.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.
• Demonstrated experience in the areas of tourism, tourism development, outdoor recreation, or related experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in synthesizing or conducting applied tourism research and associated data analyses.
• Experience teaching at the college level, preferably remote or online.
• Experience with natural or rural tourism in the Mountain West.
• Experience working with stakeholders in tourism-related fields.
• Experience in developing and delivering science-based outreach.
• Excellence in oral, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Experience in working with broad audiences.
• Experience in developing partnerships with other organizations/agencies.
• Experience fostering positive relationships with community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge/appreciation of rural communities and a commitment to travel and work in remote areas and 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.
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision.

Required Application Materials

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

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 7/15/2026 will receive full consideration.

Contact for application inquiries

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

For specific position information

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

Dr. Dan McCoy, Director
Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Work Location

On-campus: This position provides vital support to UW Extension clientele and requires the successful candidate to work in person at a UW Extension office in one of the listed Wyoming locations, subject to office space availability and negotiation with the successful candidate, located around 7,220 feet above sea level.

Work Authorization

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

Hiring Statement / EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 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 contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [e-mail].

About Laramie

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of about 30,000 residents. Laramie offers outdoor recreation opportunities and proximity to Colorado; learn more about Laramie at the About Laramie website. For region information, visit visitlaramie.org.