Extension Specialist—Wildlife Resources Management

West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, has a total enrollment of more than 28,000 students. The successful candidate will be a member of a statewide program team of West Virginia University Extension county faculty and specialists in plant pathology, entomology, sustainable agriculture, agronomy, farm management, horticulture, wildlife management, forestry, animal husbandry, and water quality. The successful candidate will be expected to provide significant contributions in teaching and research and will provide statewide leadership in the development and delivery of program in the management of wildlife and natural resources.

West Virginia University

Deadline: 2010/05/15

Major Responsibilities:

Provide leadership for wildlife resources Extension education programs, including such topics as urban wildlife, human-wildlife conflicts, wildlife management on private nonindustrial properties, and development of commercial wildlife recreational enterprises.
Support county WVU Extension faculty through teaching, research, and outreach partnerships. These partnerships might include teaching or coordinating Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Programs.
Develop program goals and objectives and identify needed financial and human resources.
Work with the forestry extension specialists in advanced training courses for landowners; for example, the W.Va. Woodland Stewards Program.
Serve as the primary WVU Extension Service point of contact for wildlife resources questions.
Maintain and foster relationships with the other University faculty, the public, and key stakeholders, especially the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.
Work closely with the WVU Division of Forestry and Natural Resources Wildlife and Fisheries Resources faculty in research and education activities. Serve on graduate committees and as guest lecturer in undergraduate wildlife and forestry courses.
Participate in developing proposals with other natural resources faculty and industry professionals to support wildlife-related outreach education and applied research programs.
Utilize appropriate technologies to plan and deliver educational programs in the area of wildlife management through diverse teaching methods, including newsletter articles, workshops, seminars, webinars, publications, one-on-one visits, conferences, and others.
Maintain an effective and timely public information program and respond to requests for information and assistance.
Develop and implement evaluation plans for key programs.
Identify and attract resources to support the delivery of programming.
Report impacts and outcomes to clientele, public, administrators, funding bodies, and other key stakeholders.
Assist with youth education programs, such as the 4-H forestry, wildlife, and shooting sports contests, CDE forestry contest, and the W.Va. State Conservation Camp.

Special Requirements:

Ability to meet extensive travel demands of the position.
Required to take and pass the WVU Driver’s Safety Training exam.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends
Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct trainings and perform duties
of the position

Qualifications:
Master of science degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Ph.D. preferred. Experience with forestry and wildlife management in eastern deciduous broadleaved ecosystems and at least one degree in wildlife resources management are required. If degree is not in the specified academic field, applicants may qualify with any master’s degree plus experience in the required fields. Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer skills are required, as is the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences. Demonstrated leadership and experience working with government agencies and other federal and state partners, community groups, etc., is desired. Must possess the ability to develop resources to meet program expectations.

Salary:
Salary range for position is $55,000 to $65,000.
Salary will be commensurate with professional qualifications.
This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track position with the West Virginia University Extension Service.

Benefits:

401k Retirement program with employer matching
Annual leave (24 days annually)
Sick leave (18 days annually)
Paid holidays (12+ days annually)
Workers’ Compensation
Optional benefits:
Group Health, Life, and Accident insurances
Disability Insurance
Optional pre-tax benefits:
Child care
Dental care
Supplemental retirement programs
Vision care
Tuition waiver (6 possible credit hours per semester)
Travel expense reimbursement
Moving expense reimbursement
Several additional programs and privileges

Application Process:
If you meet the stated requirements and would like to be considered for the position, all of the following information must be received:

A cover letter indicating the position that you are applying for and outlining experience and qualifications.
Resume or curriculum vitae of academic training and professional experience of all academic work using the suggested format that could include the following information:
Date(s) of employment
Supervisor(s) names
Contact information
A list of three references (including address, e-mail, and phone and fax numbers) who can reflect on your professional strengths.
All application material must be in electronic submissions in Word format by or you will not be considered for the position.
Transcripts: undergraduate and graduate (unofficial copies will be accepted. No fax accepted. Hard copies by mail or electronic only.)
Send to EHRRecruitment@mail.wvu.edu).
NOTE: All application material must be received or you will not be considered for the position.

For inquiries, call:

West Virginia University Extension Service
P.O. Box 6031, Morgantown, WV 26506-6031
Phone 304/293-4555; Fax 304/293-4565

Social Justice:
The incumbent in this position is responsible for fulfilling the legal and moral mandates of appropriate laws and University policies regarding civil rights compliance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and related social justice issues.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and applicants will be considered solely on the basis of individual qualifications and merit and without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Minorities, persons with disabilities, females, and other protected class members are encouraged to apply.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants needing reasonable accommodations during the employment process should advise as necessary.

For more information, visit: http://www.ext.wvu.edu