Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist

Division of Extension, Agriculture Institute, Agriculture Water Quality Program is hiring for an Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist.

About the role

The Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist will develop and deliver educational outreach for research and modeled assessments aligned with Wisconsin's Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. This position will have a lead role in translating and sharing the findings of newly developed Phosphorus and Nitrogen Science Assessments with farmers, farm advisors, and agency personnel. Through "train-the-trainer" initiatives and collaborative partnerships, this role will help practitioners understand how agricultural decisions impact local water quality and regional nutrient balances.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
• Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs, providing recommendations for improvement, with a focus on translating results related to Developing a Science Assessment for Wisconsin's Nutrient Reduction into accessible learning tools
• Delivers outreach program content and materials to conservationists, farmers, and other stakeholders
• Performs statistical analysis on water quality data and creates clear, engaging data visualizations of complex research for diverse audiences (e.g., farmers, conservationists, scientists)
• Schedules and secures resources, communicating logistics in support of outreach programs
• Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
• Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and volunteers
• May assist with monitoring outreach program budget spending

Requirements

• Master's degree in a field related to agriculture, conservation, applied research, or a closely related discipline
• 3 or more years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, conservation, applied research, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to effectively translate and communicate complex water quality, soil conservation, and nutrient management concepts to diverse audiences through written materials and public speaking
• Proven technical literacy in analyzing water quality or similar research data and translating findings into clear, engaging visual representations, graphics, and presentations
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and work collaboratively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including farmers, conservationists, researchers, and agency partners
• Hands-on experience developing, coordinating, and delivering educational programs or curriculum
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for periodic in-state work travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using R or RStudio for statistical analysis and generating high-quality data visualizations
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and solve problems collaboratively
• Deep experience tailoring highly technical scientific findings into clear, actionable insights for non-scientific audiences
• Experience writing successful grants and establishing partnerships that pool or leverage public and private funds

Location

Division of Extension headquarters are located in Madison, WI, but the position location is flexible and will be determined based on programmatic needs, the successful candidate’s preferences, and availability of suitable space. This is a partial remote position; some work may be performed remotely with an approved remote work agreement, while other work may require in-person attendance at a designated campus location.

Schedule

• This position may require occasional evening and weekend work to meet program needs and community priorities
• Travel within Wisconsin is expected; employees must arrange their own transportation
• Remote work of up to 2 days per week is possible under Extension's Remote Work Policy

Pay

The minimum annual starting salary for this 12-month position is $65,000, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off
• Competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

About Extension

Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea by developing and connecting the research and educational resources of UW–Madison with residents and communities to address local, statewide, and national issues. We teach, learn, lead, and serve, transforming lives and communities.

About the Institute

The UW-Madison Division of Extension Agriculture Institute addresses emerging issues related to Wisconsin’s agriculture and horticulture systems with research-based outreach to advance economically sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound practices.

About the Program

The Agriculture Water Quality Program delivers educational content for farmers, crop advisors, and conservation professionals on the relationships between agricultural production practices and water quality outcomes.