Director and UW Extension Specialist

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Position Title:

Director and UW Extension Specialist

Job Category:

Limited

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Outreach Program Director (B)

Job Duties:

This position is directly responsible for the management and supervision of the Extension Lakes (EL) program in the College of Natural Resources (CNR) including program development and delivery, fiscal management and personnel. Extension Lakes engages in and oversees lake management educational and organizational assistance for lakeshore property owners, lake users, agencies and local communities. The position assists in providing lake district, lake association and lake owners and/or stakeholders capacity building and public policy issues. This person and EL collaborates in the development of educational programming on a wide range of subjects such as aquatic invasive species, lake monitoring, watersheds and lake ecosystems, land use decision making and human impacts on water, water law, dispute resolution, and community organization options. This position is responsible for program planning and delivery in coordination with the UW-Stevens Point CNR, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the UW-Madison Division of Extension (UWEXT). 

Key Job Responsibilities:

• FISCAL MANAGEMENT (15%)
• Develop annual budget, one-year budget projections, quarterly budget reports, and provide an annual budget report for review by CNR, WDNR, and UWEXT administrators.
• Maintain an accurate, accountable fiscal management system and balanced budget, and complete regular budget updates and modifications as requested.
• Provide administrative oversight related to all grants and contracts of EL in accordance with appropriate state statutes and requirements.

• PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (10%)
• Supervise all students and staff of EL.
• Follow all UWSP/CNR/UWEXT policies related to the hiring and evaluation of those staff.
• Develop and implement a personnel management system that clearly specifies roles and responsibilities of all EL staff and lines of supervision.
• Provide an overview of personnel management in an annual report to CNR, WDNR, and UWEXT Administrators.

• FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (5%)
• Provide oversight and leadership related to the development and maintenance of all EL facilities and equipment.

• LEADERSHIP (70%):
• Direct and supervise the Extension Lakes (EL) programming, budget, and personnel resources;
• Direct and implement strategic planning and actions to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources.
• Leverage WDNR, UW-Stevens Point and UWEXT investments in EL by securing extramural funding to support the EL mission including but not limited to inclusion of undergraduate and graduate students and EL staff in support of strategic actions and programs.
• Serve as the EL liaison to internal and external local, regional, and national stakeholder groups to generate support that advances programming aligned with the EL mission.
• With the EL team, oversee and manage the annual Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide an annual report for review by CNR and WDNR.
• Contribute to the timely planning, evaluation, and reporting of programs through established UWEXT processes.
• When appropriate serve on CNR/UWSP/UWEXT committees and workgroups  to contribute expertise and vision are essential.
• Represent UWSP and EL at local, regional, and national levels.

Department:

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) is one of the largest comprehensive natural resources undergraduate programs in North America. Extension Lakes is a UW-Stevens Point, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and UW-Madison Division of Extension (UWEXT) collaborative outreach and statewide engagement unit. The unit is a statewide focal point for lakes outreach and education by providing resources, training, and support to thousands of people interested in lakes, including waterfront property owners, scientists, water management specialists, educators, students, and the general public.

Compensation & Benefits:

The Director and UW Extension Specialist is a full-time, salaried, exempt, annual (12-month), limited appointee position.

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $74,000-$85,000, commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications. Relocation assistance may be available.

Eligible Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide. Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits. 

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in appropriate field of study (e.g., environmental education, communications, limnology, watershed management, natural resources, public policy, etc.).

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in organizational leadership, administration, natural resources, or environmental/conservation organizations

• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills.

• Demonstrated budget development and management skills.

• Proven experience developing and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.

• Demonstrated evidence of outstanding written and oral communication skills.

• Experience developing short- and long-term strategic plans for outreach and education programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in appropriate field of study (e.g., environmental education, communications, limnology, watershed management, natural resources, public policy, etc.).

• Demonstrated track record of securing and implementing external grants and contracts.

• Experience in interacting with citizens, agencies, local officials and assisting communities to affect change on a statewide or larger scale.

Education:

Master’s degree in appropriate field of study (e.g., environmental education, communications, limnology, watershed management, natural resources, public policy, etc.) is required at minimum. A Ph.D. or other terminal degree in appropriate field of study (e.g., environmental education, communications, limnology, watershed management, natural resources, public policy, etc.) is preferred.

How to Apply:

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by 10/18/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial/Official Transcripts

(Official Transcripts will be required of finalist)

After you submit your application, you will be unable to edit it. Please be sure to include all required materials before submitting your application.

Contact Information:

Name: Kevin Masarik, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Watershed Science and Education

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 715-346-4276

If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email:

Human Resources

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 715-346-2606

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment.

Applicants are required to have a valid driver’s license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements of the Travel and Expense Policy.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply a minimum of three (3) professional references (one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor). It is preferred that you supply five (5) professional references (two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors). Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Special Notes:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or [email protected].

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.