Regional Extension Project Director for Hardwood Biofuels in the Pacific Northwest
Position #114431
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION • RECRUITING THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The screening date for this position is August 9, 2013. Apply by visiting www.wsujobs.com. Be prepared to submit a letter describing how your experience and training meet the qualifications for this position (cover letter); a curriculum vitae or resume (CV); and the names and contact information for three professional references willing to provide a letter (reference contact info).
For further information about the position contact:
Jim Kropf, NR Program Director
WSU Extension
WSU Puyallup
7612 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup, WA 98371
253-445-4526
Email: jakropf@wsu.edu
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Washington State University (WSU) Extension Regional Project Director for Hardwood Biofuels in the Pacific Northwest. Official title: Extension Regional Specialist, E-2. This is a twelve-month, non-tenure track faculty position. The initial appointment is for one year, with annual renewals for up to two additional years contingent on funding.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Hardwood biofuels Extension Project Director will lead a four-person team in developing the Extension component of the Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest initiative. A successful candidate will manage outreach efforts to prepare stakeholders for hardwood biofuel production in the Northwest. The Project Director will be expected to have strong organizational, management, outreach, and communication skills.
General Responsibilities:
1. Lead the expansion, completion and implementation of education and outreach programs for farmers, forest owners, policymakers, and the general public related to growing hybrid poplar as woody feedstock for sustainable biofuel production.
2. Manage a team of faculty and staff.
3. Manage the project budget and ensure that project milestones are met.
4. Coordinate the development of educational materials with emerging research being conducted on growing/harvesting methods, conversion processes, sustainable production, economic feasibility, and social acceptance.
5. Oversee the implementation of local/regional meetings and events to inform Extension personnel and stakeholders about hybrid poplar biofuel research developments and “train the trainer” for delivering education and outreach materials to constituents.
6. Design and conduct research related to the adoption of hybrid poplar biofuel crop systems by landowners throughout the region.
7. Coordinate the project with local, state, regional, and national partners, including other sustainable biofuel projects around the country such as the WSU-led NARA and other national USDA AFRI CAP biofuel projects.
EMPOWERED MOTIVATED DIVERSE ADAPTABLE ENTREPRENEURIAL
8. Oversee the expansion and implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy including newsletters, bulletins, peer-reviewed publications, videos, webinars, online resources, and presentations relevant to developing a Northwest hardwood biofuel system.
Line of Responsibility:
The position is responsible to the Project PI and Ag/Natural Resources Program Director.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
The position supervises two full-time faculty, a program specialist, and various part-time and/or internship positions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Earned Master’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, natural resources, or related field.
2. Proficiency in computer technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, electronic slide presentations, and email.
3. Experience in managing large, complex projects, supervising personnel, creating and maintaining a positive work environment, and managing budgets.
HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. PhD in relevant field and experience in grant writing.
2. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
3. Experience on bioenergy or related energy issues.
4. Experience working directly with farmers and community-based, grassroots organizations.
5. Knowledge and understanding of successful agriculture, agroforestry, and/or economic development models.
6. Experience with public speaking and group facilitation.
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse audiences.
8. Understanding of agricultural marketing, value-added agriculture, and grower coop systems.
9. Ability to author and/or co-author academic papers and reports.
10. Ability to plan, organize, and deliver effective educational programs.
11. Ability to plan, organize, and deliver local, regional and national meetings and events.
12. Demonstrated ability to design culturally competent educational programs in order to engage diverse constituents (dimensions of diversity include gender, culture, age, sexual orientation, race, education, and income).
JOB EXPECTATIONS:
1. Ability to travel year-round using own reliable transportation (mileage reimbursed) is required. While using a private vehicle for official business, the successful candidate must obtain current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW 46.30.020, and RCW 46.09.090) and
possess a valid driver’s license.
2. Understand and carry out the principles and specific requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Affirmative Action Plan, and all pertinent rules and regulations.
3. The successful candidate will be required to work flexible hours that include some evenings and weekends as needed. There is an expectation that the candidate will need to drive to various
locations around the county and region. Some overnight travel is required throughout the year.
4. Extension faculty are hired into the organization, not into a specific geographic location. It is possible that future circumstances may require relocation.
EMPOWERED MOTIVATED DIVERSE ADAPTABLE ENTREPRENEURIAL
RELATIONSHIPS:
1. Establish and maintain cooperative internal relationships with WSU faculty and specialists from multiple disciplines and locations, including agriculture and natural resource faculty and staff at county, department, and state levels throughout the PNW region.
2. Assist the Hardwood Biofuel Extension Team with building and maintaining a regional advisory committee that includes citizens, stakeholders, and Extension personnel.
3. Collaborate with the other hardwood biofuel teams (e.g. research teams) and other USDA-funded biofuel projects around the country.
4. Conduct external communications and effective partnerships with elected officials, agricultural and
forestry leaders, farm organizations, small farm producers, and government agencies at the county, state and federal levels.
5. Maintain effective working partnerships with community-based non-profits and other non- governmental organizations concerned with agriculture, the environment, and sustainable energy.
SALARY:
Salary is commensurate with the candidate’s academic and professional qualifications.
LOCATION:
This position is located in Everett, WA. Everett is 30 miles north of Seattle in the north Puget Sound region. Western Washington is an environmentally sensitive, rapidly urbanizing region, with
a diverse and dynamic small farm sector. Parts of the Pacific Northwest that are west of the Cascade Mountains are known for a maritime climate. Areas east of the Cascades have a warm, arid climate with a very large, diverse agricultural economy.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER.
Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
WSU is committed to excellence through diversity, has faculty friendly policies including a partner accommodation program, and a NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant (see http://www.excelinse.wsu.edu/.)
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Washington State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability
accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521(v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.