Oak Wilt MITPPC Project Manager / Extension Educator Dual Appointment

Oak wilt is a fungal disease that kills oak trees. Centers of oak wilt mortality can alter forest composition, degrade the financial value of oak wood products, and create hazards, particularly from trees near home sites. The recent range expansion of oak wilt into central and north-central Minnesota has increased the need to support land stewards by evaluating low-cost oak wilt management strategies and to understand the broader ecological impacts of the disease in Minnesota's oak forests. This position will coordinate and lead field- and lab-based research, working closely with the research team and forest stewards to address factors affecting oak regeneration, the impacts of oak wilt on forest structure and composition, and the effectiveness of herbicides to control oak wilt spread. In addition to research, this position will develop outreach and extension materials related to oak wilt biology and management for a broad audience. Priority audiences for engagement include homeowners, woodland owners, and professional natural resource managers throughout Minnesota, and particularly in areas where the disease does not have a long history of establishment. The position will be split approximately evenly between research and extension/engagement/outreach. The position will be based in the University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources and is funded by the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, UMN Extension, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Responsibilities
Research Coordination and Implementation

• (20%) Oversee planning and preparation for oak wilt treatments and vegetation surveys in disease infection centers, including engaging with land managers and assessing potential research sites
• (25%) Conduct field and laboratory work related to oak wilt treatments and vegetation surveys; collect, organize, and summarize research data
• (5%) Supervise and mentor undergraduate research assistants

Extension and Outreach

• (25%) Synthesis of published and emerging research on oak wilt distribution, management, and control options in language accessible to non-technical audiences.
• (25%) Production and dissemination of educational materials with a focus on short video, but also including written fact sheets, photography, and other web-based content, for non-technical audiences.

Location
This position is located:

• 60% on Saint Paul Campus; 40% Virtual/Flexible as needed
• Position may include occasional travel to and from field sites within three hours of the Twin Cities
• Employee is expected to live in Minnesota

Duration

• The position is fully funded for two years, with the possibility of an extension if funds are available

Required Qualifications

• B.S./B.A. in Natural Resource Sciences, Forestry, Entomology, Forest Pathology, or a related field and two (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience to equal five (6) years.
• Demonstrated strong science communication skills
• Experience conducting and coordinating field research related to forest ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Natural Resource Sciences, Forestry, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating with public and private sector land managers.
• Experience producing educational video and/or written outreach materials.
• Experience with forest or disease management, forest ecology, and/or laboratory diagnostics.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a varied mix of internal and external partners from diverse communities and cultures.

The Department of Forest Resources (https://www.forestry.umn.edu/) is one of the country's oldest and most highly-regarded forestry programs. Its mission is to inform and advance the science and management of forest and related natural resources. The Department has 18 faculty and approximately 50 full-time researchers, scientists, postdocs, and staff representing a breadth of disciplines in the biological, physical, social, and managerial sciences. The Department hosts BS, MS, and PhD programs, supports many nationally and internationally recognized research programs, and has a long tradition of public engagement and outreach. Faculty and scientists use several University centers across the state including the 3,400 acre Cloquet Forestry Center (currently in consultation with Fond du Lac Band regarding returning land), Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, and North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids.

Pay Range: $30.24 - $32.17 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Applications are strongly preferred to include the following: (1) detailed CV/resume that details how the applicant meets each of the required and preferred qualifications of the position; (2) cover letter that describes the applicant's interest in the position (1 page). Combine all parts of the application into a single document before uploading. Documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

In instances where the Search Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate's application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

This position will remain open until filled.

Application review will begin on February 10th, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Rebecca Montgomery (rebeccam@umn.edu) or Dr. Eli Sagor (esagor@umn.edu). If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Amber Grupe (argrupe@umn.edu).

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).