Extension Associate

North Carolina State University, United States

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Information


Posting Number PG193228EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Extension Associate
Anticipated Hiring Range $60,000-$70,000
Work Schedule Monday-Friday; 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department State Climate Office
About the Department
North Carolina has a complex climate due to its three distinct regions: the mountains, the piedmont, and the coastal plain. Climate affects many aspects of our daily lives – agriculture, environment, transportation, tourism, and natural disasters. North Carolina is especially prone to the impacts of a warming climate, including sea level rise, extreme precipitation, and hotter temperatures. The State Climate Office of North Carolina was established in 1976, originally at UNC-Chapel Hill, and moved to NC State University in 1980. The mission of the State Climate Office (SCO) is to provide climate related services to the state, local and federal agencies, businesses and the citizens of North Carolina. In 1998, the UNC Board of Governors formally approved it as a Public Service Center.
The State Climate Office is located on NC State University’s Centennial Campus, where private industries, government agencies, and University researchers come together and create a unique environment for interaction and advancement. The State Climate Office is a part of the College of Sciences and collaborates closely with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The State Climate Office is actively involved in research that enhances its capabilities to provide public service. The office specializes in research, monitoring, and education for climate-sensitive sectors across the state. North Carolina is at the frontline of climate change resilience, and the office is engaged in research projects that help North Carolinians understand their climate risk and adaptive capacity. The office has seen steady growth over the past decade, and receives funding from state and federal agencies. Additionally, the office runs the North Carolina ECONet, a network of 43 research-grade stations located statewide. The office hopes to place one station in each North Carolina county by 2030. Please visit our Sciences Strategic Plan and the College of Sciences Culture Charter to learn more about the College of Sciences.
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Essential Job Duties
Overview
The lead role of Extention Associate at the State Climate Office carries a pivotal responsibility in bridging the gap between climate research and public engagement across North Carolina. Reporting directly to the Director, this position serves as the linchpin for disseminating vital climate information, facilitating educational initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships statewide. As an integral part of the UNC System Public Service Center, the incumbent is entrusted with the task of bringing forth the tools, insights, and resources of the State Climate Office to empower communities, industries, and institutions across diverse sectors.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Outreach Coordination: Take the lead in coordinating outreach activities encompassing various State Climate Office initiatives, including NC ECONet support, research projects, K-12 education, and 4-H programs. Serve as the central point of contact for external stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
  • Educational Material Development: Independently develop educational materials focusing on North Carolina’s climate and weather patterns. Craft informative resources tailored to diverse audiences, facilitating a deeper understanding of climate-related issues and their implications.
  • Workshop Facilitation: Organize and facilitate workshops aimed at disseminating climate knowledge and fostering community engagement. Address topics such as extreme heat and precipitation, encouraging active participation and dialogue among participants.
  • Relationship Cultivation: Cultivate and nurture relationships across all 100 counties of North Carolina, fostering partnerships with key stakeholders in agriculture, tourism, public health, forestry, and transportation sectors. Leverage these partnerships to enhance the impact of climate outreach efforts statewide.
  • Research Support: Conduct research in outreach and engagement strategies, with a focus on enhancing the effectiveness of communication initiatives. Support the State Climate Office’s research endeavors and contribute to scholarly activities such as journal articles and presentations.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Demonstrate exceptional communication skills, both internally and externally, fostering effective collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders. Adapt to various communication platforms, including in-person interactions and remote collaboration.
  • Innovation and Initiative: Showcase a proactive approach in developing and implementing creative outreach strategies aligned with the State Climate Office’s mission. Utilize autonomy to drive innovation and explore new avenues for expanding climate awareness and resilience efforts.
  • Professional Development: Allocate 10% of time towards pursuing passion projects and professional development opportunities. Actively engage with initiatives such as the NOAA Carolinas Climate Adaptation Partnership, leveraging collaborative platforms for mutual learning and advancement.
  • Travel Commitment: Undertake travel within North Carolina’s 100 counties to fulfill job responsibilities, ensuring widespread outreach and engagement across diverse communities and regions. Adaptability to varying travel demands is essential for effective performance in this role.
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience
  • Master’s in atmospheric science, climatology, geography, communication, agriculture, public policy, economics, public administration, business, environmental science, hydrology, forestry, geosciences, geology, agricultural sciences, biology or related field


OR
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of formal post-degree professional work experience
Other Required Qualifications
  • Proven experience effectively communicating climate science and weather information to various audiences
  • Ability to run and facilitate workshops
  • Experience creating and collaborating on outreach projects using multiple forms of media
  • Positive, collaborative spirit
  • Independent worker who can thrive working across multiple projects and juggling many tasks
  • Dependable teammate
  • Ability to conduct original research on outreach and communication
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Willingness to work across all 100 counties
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of regional climate impacts in the Southeast, individual proficiency in a topic area (e.g., extreme heat, flooding, or fire),
  • Proficiency in Spanish
  • Website development skills
  • Social media expertise
  • Experience with Cooperative Extension, 4-H, or K-12 education
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No
Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


Job Open Date 02/21/2024
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references.

Position Details


Position Number 00110664
Position Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 179501 - Sciences - State Climate Office
AA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or [email protected] .
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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