Agent, Residential Landscape Ecology

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: about 22 hours ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 103376
Title: Agent
Functional Title: Agent, Residential Landscape Ecology
Category Status: 02-Faculty Non-Tenured, On Track
Applicant Search Category: Faculty
University Authorized FTE: 1.000
Unit: AGNR-UME-Field Operations
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and programs through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeks a 12-month, tenure-track faculty in Residential Landscape Ecology. This position will play a key role in connecting our university’s expertise in sustainable landscaping and landscape-scale practices with Maryland residents and communities. This position will develop and deliver educational programs, conduct applied research, and collaborate with stakeholders to address critical environmental challenges within residential and urban and community green spaces. This is a tenure track position requiring documented accomplishments in the areas of research/scholarship, teaching, Extension and service as a faculty member of the University of Maryland.
Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks:

Faculty Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • M.S. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Horticulture, Urban and Community Forestry, or a related field with a focus on residential and community landscapes.



Experience:
  • Demonstrated expertise in multiple areas of residential landscape ecology, including native plants, wildlife habitat, pollinators, watershed health, tree/woodland care, and invasive species management.
  • Strong experience in developing and delivering educational programs to diverse audiences.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Proven ability to conduct applied research and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Commitment to the land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach.
  • Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model
Preferences:
Preferences:
  • Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Community Forestry, Environmental Horticulture, or a related field with a focus on residential landscapes.
  • Experience working with Extension programs or in a land-grant university setting.
  • Familiarity with Maryland’s landscape and environmental challenges.
  • Online and experiential teaching experience. Proficiency in ArcGIS and other relevant data analysis software.
Additional Certifications:
Required:
Valid driver’s license.
Additional Information:
Responsibilities:
Program Development and Delivery:
  • Design and implement educational programs that address climate resilient and sustainable residential and urban landscapes that incorporate ecological principals related to environmental horticulture practices, native plants, wildlife habitat, pollinator plants, invasive plant management, watershed protection, lawn conversion and sustainable lawn care, and related topics.
  • Deliver workshops, presentations, and demonstrations to diverse audiences, including residents, Master Gardeners, and other UMD volunteers such as Watershed Steward Academy graduates and Woodland Stewards, community groups, landscape professionals, and policymakers.
  • Develop educational resources, including publications, newsletters, online content, videos, decision support tools, and mobile apps, for broad dissemination. Utilize social media to broaden the reach and impact of programs.
  • Incorporate approaches to reach traditionally underserved or underrepresented audiences using traditional and local ecological knowledge when available and appropriate.
  • Oversee the UME Master Gardener Bay-Wise Landscaping Management program, including basic and advanced training (including online training options)


Research/Scholarship:
  • Conduct applied research to evaluate the effectiveness of residential landscape practices in achieving ecological goals, such as enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, and mitigating climate change.
  • Collaborate with UMD/AGNR researchers, Extension colleagues, and community partners on interdisciplinary projects addressing landscape sustainability challenges.
  • Seek external funding to support Extension programs and applied research, including grants, contracts, and cost recovery efforts.
  • Develop, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge related to program priorities through scholarly efforts, including peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, refereed journal articles, etc.

Leadership and Outreach:
  • Build partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses to advance sustainable and climate resilient landscape practices in Maryland.
  • Provide technical assistance and expertise to UME field faculty, Master Gardeners/UME volunteers, residents, community groups, and landscape professionals.
  • Stay current on emerging research and trends in residential landscape ecology and translate knowledge for public application and acquire resources through grants, contracts, and other sources to manage and grow Extension programs within this critical area.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $62,255; Ph.D. Base: $74,354. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Applications:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu for position 103376. A completed application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume (or Curriculum Vitae uploaded as resume), copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Posting Date: 03/20/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 04/20/2024
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
  • A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
  • Team-driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline-driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at programs and events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
  • Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
  • Valid driver’s license and personal transportation required
  • The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels.
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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