Summary
The Extension Associate for Environmental Justice is a professional educator who will oversee projects / activities related to environmental justice throughout the statewide service area of West Virginia State University Extension Service. This work includes, but is not limited to, educational, training and coaching for municipal and community leaders related to grant writing and grants management, local resource development and capacity building, brownfields, and projects that improve the health and well-being of residents and communities. The position will act as WVSU Extension Services state-wide Environmental Justice Program Coordinator.
The Extension Associate will work collaboratively with a team of Extension and Research professionals, University faculty, local leaders, community members, and Region 3 EPA Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center partners to provide dynamic program leadership for their program area. The Extension Associate must maintain professional competence through study, participation in professional development activities and the application of knowledge and skills on the job. Additionally, Extension Associates are expected to always adhere to high ethical and professional standards.
The position is supported directly through a 5 year EPA grant in partnership with National Wildlife Federation and the University of Maryland Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH). The position is supervised by the Program Leader, CED at West Virginia State University Extension Service. This position is employed by the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop educational programs for local leaders and community members related to grants, civic engagement, brownfield redevelopment, environmental assessment, green infrastructure and remediation techniques.
Provide leadership for the WVSU Extension Environmental Justice program
Facilitate and/or directly deliver training on relevant topics such as grants, civic engagement, brownfield redevelopment, environmental assessment, green infrastructure and remediation techniques
Provide capacity-building for environmental and energy justice assessment and train communities in engaging government, business, and industry in decision-making to address environmental and energy injustices
Organize and facilitate round-table discussions, conferences, workshops, meetings, etc. related to strategic initiative or other identified community needs topics
Determine marketing/promotional needs for projects with WVSU R&D Communications and Marketing staff and others to provide assistance on the coordination of advertising / promotion campaigns
Oversee all project related budgets and contracts to ensure compliance with purchasing protocols and provide ongoing budget status reports
- Provide regular status reports to any funding agencies and to the CED Program Leader.
- Liaison with program partners including the National Wildlife Federation and University of Maryland CEEJH along with respective state and federal agencies, providing regular reports
Provide representation on state, national and regional committees for topical areas
Other duties as assigned by CED Program Leader.
Required Skills, Traits, and Competencies
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical skills
- Dependability and a strong work ethic
- Maturity and a professional attitude
- Adaptability
- Extensive software skills are required, as well as internet research abilities
Supervisory Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the position include: management of project team partners to achieve designated benchmarks; recruitment, interviewing, training and retaining of volunteers; appraising performance, rewarding disciplining volunteers; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is expected to work both inside and outside in a variety of temperature and weather conditions.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Summer schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. However, due to the nature of the job performed, flexible hours, including events, weekends and occasional overnights, may be required.
Work Location and Travel
This position is primarily located in Institute, West Virginia but may utilize regional office locations and statewide travel can be expected to various service regions. Travel may also include various portions of the United States based on attendance requirements for training and/or reporting for grant purposes.
Required Education and Experience
A minimum of a Masters degree in Environmental Justice, Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Environmental Law, Environmental Engineering or a closely related field and 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The individual must be experienced in communicating with youth, stakeholders and agency partners and be able to work independently, often offsite, with minimal supervision. The position requires adherence to standards and guidelines set for by WVSUES, the WVSU Research and Development Corporation, as well as federal guidelines pursuant to the various granting agencies. The individual must exhibit a willingness to work collaboratively and have the capacity for flexibility. Individual needs to be self-motivated, outgoing, and able to work in a team environment. Valid drivers license in good standing is required.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
This position is designated as security-sensitive. Before an offer of employment is made, a pre- employment background investigation will be completed, which may include a criminal background check, educational, DMV and prior employment.
To Apply
Preferred: Information accepted as emailed in a Microsoft Word or PDF format to rdemployment@wvstateu.edu(link removed) Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript and contact information for three professional references (name, title, address, phone number, and email address).
Closing date: This position will remain open until filled. However, first consideration will be given to applicants who reply by January 12, 2024.
Hard copy applications may be sent to:
ATTN: Search Committee for Environmental Justice Program Coordinator
West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation
PO Box 1000, 201 Byers Admin. Building
Institute, WV 25112
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.45 - $21.01 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Work Location: In person
