Extension Educator - Climate Resilience & Public Health

About the Job

Title: Extension Educator - Climate Resilience & Public Health

Job code: 9624NR (Assistant Extension Professor)

Employee Group: Professional & Administrative, Non-Tenure Track

Full/Part Time (FTE): Full-time, 100% Appointment

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Extension Regional Office Preferred office locations: Rochester, Anoka or Cloquet (or an assigned Extension office within 30 miles of Cloquet); location negotiated at time of offer. This is an in-person position, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available

Salary range: $68,000-$78,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Apply by: September 22, 2026

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Extension is seeking a dedicated and experienced Extension Educator to lead the development of our community-focused programming on the intersection of public health, climate impacts, and emergency preparedness. In this role, you will serve as a trusted expert and educator, empowering community organizations, Tribal and community leaders, public health and emergency management professionals, and others across Minnesota to understand, prepare for, and manage climate and health-related hazards and impacts including extreme heat, poor air quality, severe weather and vector-borne diseases.

As a key member of the transdisciplinary team at the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, you will help lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of high-impact educational resources and technical support to plan and implement community resilience and public health strategies. If you are passionate about collaborating with a variety of partners to drive community-driven climate adaptation, this opportunity allows you to make a lasting regional impact.

This position is accountable to the program leader for the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership Extension team for program direction, performance evaluation, and personnel actions. Long-term success will be evaluated through the Extension promotion process.

Location and Work Environment

The Extension Educator, Climate Resilience & Public Health will be housed at one of the Extension Regional Offices around the state. Although the position is located at a regional office, this position will work on activities and programs across the state. The position will be in-person with the opportunity for flexible work, including remote, and in-field work.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. There will be some evening and weekend work required due to the needs of the audiences with which we work. This position will be expected to travel locally 1-2 days every other week, on day trips within Minnesota about 3-4 times per month; overnight trips within Minnesota about 1-2 times per month, for 1-3 nights; and trips outside of Minnesota about 1-2 times per year. This estimate will vary depending on office location selected; some locations will have further travel occur due to office location. The position will be asked to travel to the St Paul Campus 1-2 times per month to connect with team partners, plan activities, and host events. Most of these trips can be done in a day.

Primary Responsibilities

Percentages listed below express the relative workload for these tasks. They may vary slightly depending on the evolving needs of the position and experience of the individual hired, and other duties may be assigned. Throughout all of this work, this role is expected to serve all Minnesotans in all Minnesota communities.

60% Extension Program Leadership and Programming

• Design, develop, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based educational programs that help community health organizations, Tribal and community leaders, public health and emergency management professionals and other groups understand how weather and climate affect human health and well-being and how to deploy effective strategies to reduce exposure and improve health outcomes for communities across Minnesota.

• Identify educational needs and audiences and design educational curricula and materials so they work for all program audiences.

• Contribute to the development, delivery, and scaling of Climate Adaptation Partnership projects and programs including TickWise Minnesota, StormWise Minnesota, Clean Air for All, and other climate and health focused programs and projects.

• Present and deliver programming at in-person and online Extension and partner programs so attendees can gain knowledge and skills and change behavior.

• Provide research-based educational programs and information using a variety of technologies and platforms to optimize audience engagement and learning.

• Contribute to developing and utilizing evaluation systems to determine if our programs and resources are working well, use results to iteratively improve programming, and learn what the people were helping need most.

• Collaborate with communications staff at the Climate Adaptation Partnership and UMN Extension to design, develop and implement program materials and marketing via websites and social media.

15% Partnerships and Collaboration

• Cultivate and engage with a growing network of community organizations and group leaders and other professionals who are working on climate resilience, public health, and emergency preparedness.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work environment with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Participate in team meetings and serve on committees and boards.

15% Climate Resilience and Solutions Research

• Contribute to research that helps advance our understanding and capabilities to help community organizations and groups incorporate climate into planning and decision-making and related disaster, response and recovery approaches.
• Contribute to other research projects that advance understanding of weather and climate impacts and adaptation strategies to improve public health outcomes. This research will be used to teach professionals and communities through Extension programs and related communications materials about how weather and climate hazards influence exposure and vulnerability and how to implement solutions to improved community health and wellbeing.

10% Strategic planning collaboration and grants

• Work with University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership leadership team, organizational advisors, and other Extension colleagues and programs, regional climate services organizations, and people who have a stake in this work to enable strategic plans and actions that strengthen communities in the face of extreme weather and climate challenges.
• Apply for and deliver grant and contract-funded projects and programming related to climate impacts, public health related adaptation solutions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A master's degree in public health, emergency management, disaster response or management, urban or regional planning, climate science with a focus on the intersections of climate and public health, environmental science, environmental education, or closely related fields relevant to climate planning and/or climate impacts on public health.
• Two (2) or more years of professional work experience focused on the intersections of public health and climate or planning for and/or managing weather and climate related hazards and related disasters.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely in appropriate formats for various audiences, particularly in public health, emergency management and disaster response and recovery, urban and regional planning or other weather and climate resilience-related sectors.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have different missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Excellent communications skills in English, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats and the ability to use technology to enhance learning.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• The person in this position will be working in office and field environments, resulting in a need to work outside in urban and rural settings in various weather conditions.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel to communities throughout Minnesota and provide in-person programming; including transporting of supplies frequently, and other people rarely.
• This position will travel locally frequently, in state somewhat frequently, and out of state rarely; see location information above for requirements for travel for this role.
• Ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying 20 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on connections between climate and public health, preparing for and managing weather and climate-related disasters, and others.
• Experience developing programs for a variety of populations and communities.
• Experience in applied climate, disaster, response and recovery or related research and project management.
• Experience utilizing climate projections to inform public health, medical, and/or emergency management planning and decision-making.
• Strong educational background in community climate resilience and public health.
• Relevant training or certification from groups like the American Society of Adaptation Professionals or Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate training programs, completion of FEMA National Emergency Management Academies, or other relevant training.

About the Department

This position will be a significant contributor to the Extension and research activities of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, a joint program of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The Climate Adaptation Partnership works to develop critical climate science knowledge, champion climate adaptation leadership and support climate resilience actions and collaborations across communities, sectors, and levels of government to ensure Minnesota is making needed progress to prepare for our changing climate. The Climate Adaptation Partnership is a leading multi-sector group and partners directly with state, federal and local governments, the private sector, non-profits, Tribes, community organizations, and individuals.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $68,000-$78,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.