Required
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B.S./B.A. in soil science, environmental science, water resources science, wastewater management, or closely related discipline or M.S. in soil science, environmental science, water resources science, wastewater management, or closely related discipline.
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Five (5) years (B.S. degree) or three (3) years (M.S. or higher) of experience designing, delivering, or evaluating educational programs in water resources, wastewater management, onsite sewage treatment, soil science, or related fields. This experience may include public speaking on technical topics in classrooms, conferences, or similar environments.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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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.
Preferred
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Experience working with onsite wastewater treatment systems.
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Experience with technology in teaching and learning environments (e.g., online courses and distance learning, multi-media presentations, etc.).
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Certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency subsurface sewage treatment program as a Designer or Inspector or similar education/certification and/or licenses (e.g., sanitarian).
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Experience in applied environmental research, including proposal writing, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, or report writing.
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Experience with project management.
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Licensed as a Professional Engineer or Soil Scientist.
The home office for this position is the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus (UM -Twin Cities). OSTP staff participate in a flexible work environment consisting of in-person and remote work. Information about the University’s flexible work program, Work. With Purpose. can be found at https://humanresources.umn.edu/home/flex-work.
Travel
In-person soils education requires overnight travel to locations across Minnesota, approximately five to eight (6-12) nights per month. Travel will be condensed in the field education season (May-October) and will be less during the winter season (November-April). With the development of hybrid education options, travel needs may decrease over time.
Responsibilities
Education
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Deliver OSTP educational programming across the state (80-90%)
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Plan and deliver research-based education by leading or co-leading certification and continuing education training workshops.
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Co-coordinate the OSTP’s hybrid soils educational pre-certification courses, including developing remote learning courses and integrating in-person and remote learning.
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Work with OSTP staff and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to develop and implement training materials and courses that address emerging needs and concerns.
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Develop and update soils educational materials as needed, including lesson plans, handouts, and remote learning products.
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Co-lead the field components of soils education courses, including working with landowners and professionals to find suitable training sites.
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Research (10-20%)
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Visit sites, collect soil and wastewater samples, conduct interviews, obtain administrative data from agencies, collect existing data, and carry out surveys, etc.
The Water Resources Center is an interdepartmental unit of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension. It is also Minnesota’s member of the National Institutes for Water Resources, giving it a Congressional mandate to conduct and organize research relevant to water resource concerns in the state. The center is the administrative home of the interdisciplinary Water Resources Science graduate program, involving over 100 faculty members spanning over 20 departments at the Twin Cities and Duluth Campuses. The center also provides professional training programs and hosts numerous events including the annual Minnesota Water Resources Conference.
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.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
