Community Education Assistant CL2 (Aroostook County) (id:83787)
Orono
Cooperative Extension - OCES
ACSUM
B22
Houlton ME
Position is available to employees of the Associated C.O.L.T. Staff of the University of Maine from 02/06/2024 through 02/12/2024 and open to external applicants thereafter.
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Community Education Assistant CL2 in Aroostook County is responsible for engaging youth, volunteers and community partners in educational programming around STEM, climate and data literacy, in support of the Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) grant project. 4-H is a non-formal, experiential education program for youth ages 5-18 and adults working with those youth, to develop life skills necessary to be self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. The NASA-funded LENE project is designed to connect youth to data-rich investigations of local ecologies and strengthen connections between informal and formal learning to create networks of educators dedicated to advancing youth interest in STEM. By building partnerships with youth, families and members of the community this position will contribute to building skills and knowledge around local climate impacts to increase awareness and self-efficacy in the next generation of climate stewards. This work will often be done in partnership with county-based colleagues, Connected Learning Ecosystem (CLE) participants and other 4-H staff and colleagues within Cooperative Extension. Position will be based in an Aroostook County Cooperative Extension office that is convenient to the individual hired for the position. Offices are located in Houlton, Presque Isle, and Fort Kent. Frequent travel throughout the county, and some state and/or regional travel is expected. Part-time, soft-money funded, regular position, 16 hours per week. Position pays $18.22/hour or applicable transfer rate.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in designing, developing and preparing instructional materials for STEM and climate and data literacy programs.
- Organize and facilitate STEM and climate and data literacy 4-H programs.
- Organize and facilitate programs that align with Maine 4-H program areas including Agriculture & Food Systems, Healthy Living & Youth Mentorship, STEAM, Outdoor Learning & Leadership.
- Coordinate with 4-H volunteers, community organizations and CLE members to plan, organize and deliver 4-H programs.
- Participate in LENE meetings, including Aroostook County CLE monthly meetings, quarterly 4-H LENE staff meetings, etc.
- Assist in designing and developing marketing materials, such as 4-H program flyers, social media posts, 4-H newsletter, etc.
- Assist with the recruitment, training and ongoing support of 4-H volunteers (as relevant),
- Collaborate with 4-H staff statewide on LENE programs.
- Attend yearly Connected Learning Ecosystem retreats.
- Handle verbal and written communication for a broad range of questions, issues and requests.
- Participate in regular check-ins with county 4-H staff.
- Maintain records, files and submits summary reports of programs. Adheres to civil rights requirements and tracks and reports civil rights efforts as required.
- Provide timely and accurate information in response to public requests for information.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect.
- Participate in UMaine Extension staff meetings as a member of the county staff as appropriate.
- Serve on organizational committees as appropriate.
- Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
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 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.
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.).
- Approximately three years of youth teaching experience and/or community outreach.
- Ability to communicate effectively using oral, written and electronic methods.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in an autonomous work environment.
- Experience working in as a part of a team environment.
- Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Workspace and document management software, and a demonstrated knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment
- Classroom or group management skills.
- Ability to work well and effectively with a diverse population in a variety of settings.
- Commitment to confidentiality, safety and risk management, while exercising initiative and sound judgment .
- Ability and willingness to learn University of Maine policies, procedures and rules relevant to program areas.
- Ability to prepare, organization and maintain records, files, reports, teaching aids and materials.
- Ability to provide both office and off-site program support.
- Ability to travel requiring a valid State of Maine driver’s license and access to motor vehicles. Mileage is reimbursed at the current University rate.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension and 4-H programs
- Experience and/or familiarity with Positive Youth Development (PYD)
- Associates degree or higher with relevant coursework in education, social work or related field
- Experience teaching in a climate related field
- Previous experience working with volunteer programs, recruitment and management
Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references
You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Search Timeline is as follows:
Review of applications to begin: March 11, 2024
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: March 25, 2024
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: April 1, 2024
Tentative start date: April 22, 2024
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Fiscal Year (12 Months)
Cover Letter, References, Resume/CV