Natural Resources Youth Education Extension Specialist

About the role

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment is seeking a calendar-year, restricted, Administrative and Professional (AP) faculty member to serve as Natural Resources Youth Education Extension Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, organize, implement, manage, market, and evaluate youth natural resources education programming at the state and regional levels
• Collaborate across CNRE, VCE, and State 4-H systems to deliver engaging, high-quality youth learning experiences, youth natural resource events, competitions, and experiential learning programs
• Develop and sustain partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, industry partners, and government agencies to build statewide capacity for youth Extension programming
• Develop and deliver educational curricula, publications, and materials using web-based, in-person, and virtual platforms
• Secure extramural funding through grants, contracts, and philanthropic partnerships to support Extension programming efforts
• Track, document, and report program outcomes and impacts in alignment with VCE and CNRE expectations
• Operate effectively in a high-energy, multi-tasking environment with multiple concurrent priorities
• Provide strong leadership within interdisciplinary Extension and youth development initiatives
• Support and mentor Extension personnel, volunteers, and partners engaged in youth natural resources programming
• Represent VCE and CNRE in nonprofit, foundation, professional, and agency networks related to youth education and natural resources
• Contribute to statewide and regional strategic initiatives that advance youth workforce development and environmental literacy

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in natural resources, environmental education, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in youth-focused natural resources education, outreach, or Extension programming
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programming for youth

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate coursework in Extension leadership, youth development, or education
• Experience in natural resource outreach or Extension programming with a youth emphasis
• Demonstrated success in acquiring external funding
• Experience in curriculum development and educational assessment
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, and agencies