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Director and UW Extension Specialist

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point · Stevens Point, WI · 1 mo ago
OTHR$74k–$85k/yrFull-time

Job Duties

This position is directly responsible for the management and supervision of the Extension Lakes (EL) program in the College of Natural Resources (CNR), including program development and delivery, fiscal management, and personnel. Extension Lakes provides lake‑management education and organizational assistance for lakeshore property owners, lake users, agencies, and local communities. The role supports capacity building for lake districts, associations, owners, and stakeholders, and addresses public‑policy issues. It collaborates on educational programming covering aquatic invasive species, lake monitoring, watersheds, lake ecosystems, land‑use decision making, water law, dispute resolution, and community‑organization options. Program planning and delivery are coordinated with UW‑Stevens Point CNR, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and the UW‑Madison Division of Extension (UWEXT).

Key Job Responsibilities

  • Fiscal Management (15%): Develop annual budget, one‑year budget projections, quarterly budget reports, and an annual budget report for review by CNR, WDNR, and UWEXT administrators. Maintain an accurate, accountable fiscal management system and balanced budget, completing regular updates and modifications as requested. Provide administrative oversight for all grants and contracts of EL in accordance with state statutes and requirements.
  • Personnel Management (10%): Supervise all students and staff of EL. Follow UWSP/CNR/UWEXT policies related to hiring and evaluation. Develop and implement a personnel management system that clearly specifies roles, responsibilities, and lines of supervision. Provide an overview of personnel management in an annual report to CNR, WDNR, and UWEXT administrators.
  • Facilities Management (5%): Provide oversight and leadership for the development and maintenance of all EL facilities and equipment.
  • Leadership (70%): Direct and supervise EL programming, budget, and personnel resources. Implement strategic planning and actions to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources. Leverage WDNR, UW‑Stevens Point, and UWEXT investments by securing extramural funding to support the EL mission, including involvement of undergraduate and graduate students and EL staff. Serve as the EL liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups to generate support for mission‑aligned programming. Oversee and manage the annual Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention in coordination with stakeholders. Provide an annual report for review by CNR and WDNR. Contribute to timely planning, evaluation, and reporting of programs through established UWEXT processes. Serve on CNR/UWSP/UWEXT committees and workgroups as appropriate. Represent UWSP and EL at local, regional, and national levels.

Department

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) is one of the largest comprehensive natural‑resources undergraduate programs in North America. Extension Lakes is a collaborative outreach and statewide‑engagement unit of UW‑Stevens Point, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and UW‑Madison Division of Extension. The unit serves as a statewide focal point for lakes outreach and education, providing resources, training, and support to thousands of waterfront property owners, scientists, water‑management specialists, educators, students, and the general public.

Compensation & Benefits

The Director and UW Extension Specialist is a full‑time, salaried, exempt, 12‑month limited‑term position. Starting annual salary ranges from $74,000 to $85,000, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications. Relocation assistance may be available. Eligible University of Wisconsin employees receive a comprehensive benefits package.

Required Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in an appropriate field (e.g., environmental education, communications, limnology, watershed management, natural resources, public policy, etc.).
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in organizational leadership, administration, natural resources, or environmental/conservation organizations.
  • Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated budget development and management skills.
  • Proven experience developing and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
  • Experience developing short‑ and long‑term strategic plans for outreach and education programs.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or other terminal degree in an appropriate field.
  • Track record of securing and implementing external grants and contracts.
  • Experience interacting with citizens, agencies, local officials, and assisting communities to affect change on a statewide or larger scale.

Education

A Master’s degree in an appropriate field is required at minimum. A Ph.D. or other terminal degree is preferred.

How to Apply

Applications received by 10/18/2026 are ensured full consideration; later submissions may be considered at the search committee’s discretion. Submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and unofficial/official transcripts (official transcripts required of finalists) in PDF format. Include three to five professional references (at least one current or former supervisor). Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation for in‑state travel, be eligible to work in the United States, and will undergo a criminal background check.

For questions, contact Kevin Masarik, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Watershed Science and Education (kevin.masarik@uwsp.edu, 715‑346‑4276). For accommodations or other inquiries, contact Human Resources (human.resources@uwsp.edu, 715‑346‑2606).

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