Extension Educator, Private Wells and Groundwater

Working Title: Extension Educator, Private Wells and Groundwater

Appointment: Full-time,Assistant Extension Professor (9624NR), P&A

Location: Extension Regional Office - Farmington (preferred), Andover (or similar office location), or St. Cloud (Hybrid work options may be available; minimum of 3 in-office days)

Extension Area: Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Starting Salary Range: $68,000 - $78,000 annually for Assistant Extension Professor (9624NR)

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

The Private Wells and Groundwater Extension Educator will work with an existing team to co-lead high-quality, research-based education programs to help private well users and groundwater professionals understand and manage drinking water from private wells. Specifically, the position will:

• Lead education programs for private well users and local government staff (e.g., soil and water conservation districts);
• Develop resources for private well users, including a "Knowledge Hub" to empower well owners to take charge of their drinking water and decision-support tools to help well users understand their testing needs and results;
• Build well-informed peer-to-peer capacity in community by leveraging knowledgeable volunteers who will provide educational resources for private well owners; and
• Continue implementation of statewide programs to encourage private well users to test their water on a regular basis.

Through this work, the Extension Educator will develop, deliver, implement, and evaluate online and in-person programs to educate private well owners and other audiences about groundwater quality and quantity, drinking water testing and treatment, and related topics. These programs may include seminars, workshops, and materials such as newsletters, fact sheets, articles, blog posts, and podcasts. This work will build on existing work happening in Minnesota, including ongoing well water screening clinics.

This position is part of a program team consisting of other Extension educators, groundwater researchers, program coordinators, and support staff, and the individual in this role will be a critical connection within the team and between the team and external partners. These partners include the Minnesota Department of Health, local governments, and non-profit organizations.

This position is accountable to the Program Leader in Water Resources for program direction, performance evaluation, and personnel actions. Long-term success will be evaluated through the Extension promotion process.

This program is funded through an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health and supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

Percentages listed below express the relative workload for these tasks. They may vary slightly depending on the evolving needs of the position and experience of the individual hired, and other duties may be assigned. Throughout all of this work, this role is expected to collaborate with new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences to develop programs that are customized to the needs of different cultural communities.

• Design, develop, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based educational programs to advance private well education across Minnesota.
• Identify educational needs and audiences, and design educational curricula and materials to meet those needs.
• Teach at in-person and online Extension and partner programs so attendees can gain knowledge and skills and change behavior.
• Collaborate with the Water Resources Center, Extension, and U of M communications staff to design, develop, and implement program materials and marketing via websites and social media
• Plan and implement workshops, well screening clinics, and other activities
• Evaluate and report on the impact of this work and how it may need to change in the future.
• Other related duties as assigned

• Develop and maintain effective state, regional, national, industry, and university partnerships that further the development and delivery of the private well education program.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Participate in team meetings and serve on committees and boards.

• Collaborate on applied research with partners, University faculty, and graduate students.
• Share research findings through project reports, newsletters, websites, social media posts, and podcasts, as applicable.

Extension Educator, Private Wells and Groundwater position will be housed at an Extension Regional Office - either in Farmington (preferred), Andover (or adjacent location), or St. Cloud. Even though the position will be located at a specific regional office, this position will work on activities and programs across the state. The position will have the opportunity for flexible work, including in-office, remote, and in-field work.

This position will be expected to travel on day trips about 3-4 times per month; overnight trips within Minnesota about 1-2 times per month, for 1-3 nights; and trips outside of Minnesota about 1-2 times per year.

• A master's degree in a field closely related to groundwater, drinking water, water resources management, or public health.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely in appropriate formats for various audiences, particularly in agriculture or water-related sectors.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.
• Excellent communications skills in English, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats and the ability to use technology to enhance learning.

• Three (3) or more years of professional work experience in fields of water resources, private well management, drinking water, groundwater management, public health, or related disciplines.
• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs in water resources, private well management, drinking water, groundwater management, or public health.
• Experience in academic research projects.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• The majority of this position's work will be in an office or other indoor environments, but there will be a need to participate in activities in the field, including site visits, demonstrations, and other outdoor activities. In doing so, the person in this position will need to traverse terrain (typically in yards or fields) and work in various weather conditions.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming; including transporting of supplies frequently, and other people rarely.
• This position will travel locally frequently, in state somewhat frequently and out of state rarely; see location information below for requirements for travel for this role.
• Ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying 20 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

This position is a part of the Extension water team and the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center (WRC). The WRC is an interdisciplinary unit of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension. As one of 54 National Institutes for Water Resources, the WRC serves as Minnesota's trusted water hub, bridging research and practice to advance water science and policy. The Water Resources Center ensures Minnesota's water decisions are grounded in rigorous, locally relevant research-delivered through trusted relationships and informed by practitioner needs. WRC researchers and educators work toward a Minnesota where every water decision-from farm fields to state policy-is made in the interest of all who depend on Minnesota water. A national leader in water research, education, and extension, the WRC's investments in networks of deep trust between researchers and practitioners has led to demonstrable impacts in evidence-based management of critical water infrastructure, drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and agricultural landscapes.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information at https://extension.umn.edu/.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter that describes how you meet the qualifications listed above and your interest in the position
• Resume/Vitae that documents your experience and qualifications for the position

Contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

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

For questions about this position, contact:
Brad Carlson, Search Committee Chair, bcarlson@umn.edu

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)

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