This position is located in Extension’s Rockingham County office in Brentwood, N.H.
The Extension field specialist in community conservation for Rockingham County will implement University of New Hampshire (UNH) Cooperative Extension’s mission through the application of research-based knowledge and information from UNH, the nationwide land-grant system, and other sources of reputable research to ensure informed decision-making that strengthens youth, family and community, sustains natural resources, and improves the economy.
The field specialist develops, implements, monitors, evaluates and reports on county and regional (N.H. coastal watershed) support for land and community conservation, including technical land conservation assistance to local conservation commissions, land-use regulations in support of natural resource conservation, support of regional land conservation efforts, land stewardship, land conservation options and estate planning, conservation funding sources, and cost share programs. The field specialist also develops, implements, monitors, evaluates and reports on statewide programming in land and community conservation in one or more of these areas: land conservation best practices, conservation planning, land-use regulations, land stewardship and management, land conservation options and estate planning, and social marketing for natural resources. The field specialist provides leadership and collaboration in determining needs; establishing priorities; developing marketing; and implementing, evaluating and reporting on educational programs in an assigned Area of Expertise (AoE) in alignment with the natural resource program team’s vision and goals.
This work will be done both individually and in cooperation with UNH colleagues, land trusts, conservation organizations, natural resource professionals, communities, county advisory councils, state and federal agencies, and other partners. Audiences and clientele include primarily conservation commissioners, land trusts, conservation organizations, municipal/government staff, communities, natural resource professionals and volunteers, but may also include private landowners, youth and the general public.
- Work with a team of Extension state and field specialists to plan, develop, implement and evaluate innovative educational programs in a specific field of study as specified in the plan of work, under supervision of the program team leader.
- Involve the County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council and local agencies and organizations in educational needs assessment and program development.
- Cooperate with colleagues to support, develop, implement and report on disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs that benefit Rockingham County and the entire state.
- Serve on internal committees and external boards at the local, state or national level as appropriate to the position’s plan of work.
- Prepare appropriate reports required by UNH Cooperative Extension, county government, partners and funders.
- Ensure programmatic involvement of underserved and underrepresented audiences and that all educational programming is designed and conducted in full accordance with the spirit and policies of civil rights, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and procedures.
- Develop and implement county, regional and statewide marketing strategies to promote UNH Extension and its programs in accordance with good public relations and the organization’s established marketing policies.
- Build and maintain relationships with UNH faculty in relevant disciplines.
- Develop partnerships with local and state agencies and organizations.
- Develop productive relationships with elected and appointed officials.
- In consultation with the program team leader and the area of expertise chair, and in accordance with UNH and Cooperative Extension external funding guidelines, seek external funds to enhance programs and achieve educational goals.
- Participate in grant-funded projects with Extension colleagues as appropriate and as approved by the program team leader.
- Utilize sound management strategies with county and state funding to enhance delivery of effective programs and assist clients.
- Assist communities in the development of Natural Resources Inventories, including supporting the use of the N.H. Method for Wetland Assessment, incorporating N.H. Wildlife Action Plan data and N.H. Forest Action Plan strategies.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal verbal and written skills.
- Make effective and innovative use of media and computer technologies in educational program development and delivery and in disseminating information to the public.
- Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.
- Build productive working relationships with Extension colleagues in N.H. and other states.
- Maintain regular communication with the program team leader and area of expertise chair (an appointed Extension colleague who leads the field specialist’s work team). Keep them fully apprised of county issues, programs, needs and accomplishments and involve them in programs to address these needs as appropriate.
- Serve as the UNH Extension county office administrator (COA) when the need is identified and as advised by the program team leader and Extension administration.
- When it is another colleagues’ time to serve as COA, support that person in the performance of their duties and carry out appropriately delegated responsibilities.
- Serve in UNH Extension organizational leadership or committee roles.
- Welcome new Extension staff and engage in their success.
- Serve in a mentor capacity as needed and where appropriate.
- Provide input into the evaluation of co-workers.
- Develop and implement a professional development plan to maintain and enhance competence in appropriate subject areas and professional skills such as leadership, group process and facilitation.
- A master’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience is preferred. One degree must be in forestry, wildlife, natural resources, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A strong candidate with a bachelor’s level degree in an appropriate discipline with related experience may be considered if willing to obtain a master’s degree within seven years of hire.
- High degree of subject matter competence in land conservation. Additional expertise in working with communities is desirable.
- Experience working with at least some of the following audiences: conservation organizations, city/town boards, state government and federal agencies.
- Demonstrated competency in presenting educational programs and using computers and current communication technology (e.g., presentation software, video conferencing).
- Able to accomplish extensive, year-round field work
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Able to work effectively and cooperatively with co-workers and people with a variety of values and interests and of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, income and education levels.
- Willing to participate in professional development activities to add and enhance knowledge in land and community conservation, land stewardship and management, land conservation best practices, land conservation options and estate planning, and land-use regulations.
- Willing and able to work some nights and weekends for programs, events or meetings
- Maintain a valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for frequent local travel. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.
- At least two years of relevant professional experience in the area of land and water conservation/management, with Extension education and/or similar outreach experience.
- Demonstrated competency with computers and current technology, such as Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and online mapping software.
The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status, genetic information, and political orientation. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.
