OPS Part-Time Program Assistant Irrigation Education and Florida-Friendly Landscaping

OPS – Program Assistant 

Reclaimed water is a vital part of Florida's water conservation efforts. As people use their reclaimed irrigation systems, water improperly applied can leach or runoff causing increased loading into local lakes, rivers, and streams. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program in Seminole County is seeking a motivated professional to lead the educational effort to conserve water. Behavior changes among residents will be obtained through in person and virtual educational workshops, disseminated associated materials and meetings with the community, including Homeowners Associations. The professional will use H2OSAV to work with high water users. They will have access to incentives to drive engagement, including items like smart irrigation controllers, rain sensors, etc.

Responsibilities:

The Program Assistant (PA) will work with the Principle Investigator (PI) to pilot educational workshops on reclaimed irrigation water that will teach attendees about the sourcing, chemical composition, and potential impacts of reclaimed water overuse. The aim is to remediate the water quality and quantity problems related to reclaimed water irrigation by fostering real behavior change in the community. The program will encourage irrigation Best Management Practices (BMPs) including but not limited to:

• Irrigation maintenance
• Irrigation calibration
• Micro-irrigation
• Smart irrigation technology
• Soil moisture and rain sensor technology
• Slow-release fertilizers
• Stormwater runoff and leaching prevention
• Plant zone groupings

To attract engagement, moisture sensors, rain sensors, smart irrigation controllers, rain gauges and/or Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) will be offered to participants. PA will be responsible for processing CEUs with the appropriate professional agencies and organizations.

To attract engagement, moisture sensors, rain sensors, smart irrigation controllers, rain gauges and/or Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) will be offered to participants. PA will be responsible for processing CEUs with the appropriate professional agencies and organizations.

Deliverables:

The PA will develop and conduct a public education campaign on how to reduce nonpoint source pollution and promote behavior change. The PA will research similar campaigns, conduct surveys and focus groups and attend local meetings and events to evaluate local knowledge of natural resources and how nonpoint source pollution can affect those resources.

A summary of the campaign development will be required as part of the final report task deliverable. Once the campaign is developed, the PA may provide public education information in the following formats 1) Printed material for distribution such as brochure(s), postcard(s), door hanger(s), and displays; 2) social media posting(s); 3) workshop(s); 4) video(s); 5) knowledge gained and intent to change survey(s), and 6) follow up surveys to measure post workshop activities and behaviors.

Documentation:

The PI and grantor must approve draft materials prior to public distribution. A record of completed public education activities will be retained in files and tally reported monthly. This includes: 1) copy of the draft and final printed material(s) with number distributed and where; 2) copy of the draft social media post(s) and dated screenshot of final approved posting(s); 3) draft materials for workshop(s) and copy of workshop notice(s), agenda(s), meeting minutes or notes, and sign-in sheet(s); 4) Video(s); 5) draft effectiveness survey information and copy of the final effectiveness survey(s) with summary of results; and 6), a report of the campaign development activities that describes the processes used to develop the campaign and the findings and results of the campaign development processes.

The PA will work with the PI to develop resources to assist other educators replicating the project in the following formats: 1) How-to guidance document for replicating the project in other areas of the state; 2) Packet of completed materials available for re-use; 3) Example effectiveness survey or monitoring tool; and 4) Development of materials for the Nonpoint Source Publication Tool. The PA will submit: 1) draft and final copies of the How-to guidance document(s); 2) draft and final packet of materials for re-use; 3) draft and final copies of the effectiveness survey or monitoring too; and 4) draft and final copies of materials for the Nonpoint Source Publication Tool.

The PA will prepare a Final Report summarizing the results of the project, including all tasks. The Final Report must include at a minimum:

• Project location and background, project description and timeline, grant award amount and anticipated benefits.
• Financial summary of actual costs versus the budget, along with any changes required to the budget. Include any match or locally pledged contributions provided, along with other related project work performed outside of this Agreement to identify the overall project cost.
• Discussion of project schedule versus actual completion, including changes required to the schedule, unexpected site conditions and adjustments, significant unexpected delays and corrections, and/or other significant deviations from the original project plan.
• Summary of activities completed as well as those not completed and why, as well as a brief summary of any additional phases yet to be completed.
• Dated color photographs of work performed (representative of the entire project), appropriate figures (site location, site plan(s), etc.), appropriate tables summarizing data/information relevant to Grant Work Plan tasks, and appropriate attachments relevant to the project.
• A summary of the campaign development.

Discussion of the education campaign effectiveness, including any measurements used to evaluate the project (surveys, estimated audience size, etc.).

$15 to $18 per hour; commensurate within this range based on qualification and experience

Training in educational deliveries and public speaking.

Proficient in data management systems, spreadsheets, word processing/presentation/email systems.  Examples: Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Adobe, Outlook.

Comfortable working within the community, such as libraries, club houses, community centers, etc.

Able to meet deadlines and work independently by organizing and coordinating work assignments in a cohesive plan.

Associates degree, certifications or trainings related to irrigation, horticulture, natural resources. For example, training in Florida Water Star, with the FNGLA Certified Irrigation Professional, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional, Green Industries Best Management Practices Certification, etc.

We are seeking an energetic and dedicated individual to educate the community. The ideal candidate will deliver educational, science-based information on reclaimed water. Good interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work in team setting and manage multiple tasks by prioritizing. 

Applicants must apply via Careers at UF.  To be considered for this position, please include a Cover Letter, most recent CV or resume, and a minimum of two professional references.

Scheduled hours (20) will be generally between M-F on an agreed upon time; however, night and weekends will be required on an as needed basis. Hybrid work can be considered once the candidate has established themselves as reliable and dedicated. This is not a fully remote position, however could be hybrid flexible.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.