Wild Blueberry Extension and Research Professional

at University of Maine System in Orono, Maine, United States

Job Description

The Wild Blueberry Extension and Research Professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension is responsible for creating agricultural outreach materials and assisting with data collection in support of the Wild Blueberry program led by Dr. Lily Calderwood. This work will be done in partnership with farmers, faculty and their lab groups within Cooperative Extension, the School of Food and Agriculture, the School of Biology and Ecology, and the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine. The hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $45,000 to $47,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description (https://drive.google.com/file/d/153ytSz4LNxVT0A16vQ6ROpTeYLg5glHm/view?usp=sharing)

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System’s flagship institution. UMaine is the state’s public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits (https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/benefits/) for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here (https://www.visitbangormaine.com/about-the-region/the-region-at-a-glance/) .

Cooperative Extension (https://extension.umaine.edu/) is the doorway to UMaine expertise. For over 100 years, Extension has been putting university research to work in homes, businesses, farms, and communities – in every corner of Maine. These educational efforts focus on the Maine Food System (https://extension.umaine.edu/maine-food-system/) and Positive Youth Development (https://extension.umaine.edu/umaine-extension-4h/) through 4-H programs. In addition to state offices in Orono, there is a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally-based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and many others. Cooperative Extension actively strives to be an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work. We are interested in candidates who can contribute diverse experiences and perspectives to the department and campus

Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing UMaine is quality of life. From harbors overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Maine offers a myriad of natural beauty and landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures. About 90% of the state is forested with 3,500 miles of shoreline. Residents living in Maine experience all four seasons; including cold and snowy winters, short and beautiful summers, and incredible foliage changes in the fall. Forestry, agriculture, tourism and, of course, lobsters play a large role in Maine’s economy. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic and a reasonable cost of living make Maine a wonderful place to live.

Qualifications:

Required:

+ B.S. or B.A. in scientific communication, media studies, biology or related field

+ At least two years of relevant work experience with a focus in agriculture, biology, scientific communication, graphic design, or closely related discipline.

+ Ability to communicate effectively using oral, written and electronic methods.

+ Proficiency with computer programs such as InDesign, Gutenberg, Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as video editing software, Google Drive and document management software.

+ Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in an autonomous work environment as well as work effectively as part of a team.

+ Ability to travel normally requiring a driver’s license.

Preferred:

+ Master’s degree in related field.

+ Knowledge of University of Maine Cooperative Extension and its educational programs.

+ Demonstrated skills at collaborating with other agencies and organizations.

+ Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights policies.

+ Demonstrated skills in designing and evaluating programs with an emphasis on subjects related to agricultural production.

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position

2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by November 8, 2024.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Dr. Lily Calderwood, lily.calderwood@maine.edu.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report by clicking on this link: https://umaine.edu/police/clery-annual-safety-report/. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.