Lead Extension Coordinator, Arizona Project WET

Lead Extension Coordinator, Arizona Project WET Posting Number req26972 Department Environmental Science-Ext Department Website Link https://projectwet.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address 350 N Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA Position Highlights

As an Arizona Project WET (APW) Outreach Coordinator, Lead, you will play a key role in advancing water-focused environmental education programs that engage students, educators, communities, and professionals across Arizona. Through authentic, relevant, and meaningful learning experiences, you will deepen understanding of Arizona's water resources, including water availability, accessibility, use, management, and conservation. By sharing Arizona's unique water story, you will inspire and empower water-literate students, teachers, community leaders, and professionals to make informed decisions and serve as lifelong stewards of the state's water resources.

This advanced professional position leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of outreach and education initiatives that support Arizona Project WET's mission and strategic goals. Responsibilities include assessing educational and community needs; developing and enhancing programs, resources, and professional learning opportunities; evaluating program effectiveness and long-term impacts; communicating outcomes to stakeholders and funding partners; and fostering collaborative partnerships with schools, communities, agencies, and industry representatives. Working with substantial independence, the position exercises advanced judgment in addressing complex programmatic challenges, improving outreach strategies, and advancing program objectives. The APW Outreach Coordinator, Lead serves as a lead resource for assigned initiatives, contributes to grant-funded projects and resource sustainability efforts, and may provide guidance, training, or direction to support staff, student workers, volunteers, or project teams to expand the reach and impact of Arizona Project WET throughout Arizona.

Arizona Project WET is one of the most well-established water education programs in the Nation. This state program thrives thanks to the guiding principles of Arizona Cooperative Extension: a statewide framework, needs-based program development, and objective-driven, evaluated programs. Access to the world-renowned Project WET Foundation lessons enable us to activate locally and regionally specific content using the very best instructional practices.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Program Design and Leadership:

• Design and lead comprehensive extension programs that respond to complex community, agricultural, or socioeconomic issues across Arizona regions in assigned focus areas.
• Set program goals, strategies, and evaluation plans in collaboration with faculty, specialists, and stakeholder groups.
• Oversee coordination of multiple projects or initiatives within the broader program portfolio.

Advanced Outreach and Research Integration:

• Lead strategies for educational outreach and specialized extension workshops that provide evidence‑based solutions to complex community challenges.
• Collaborate with university researchers and faculty to translate advanced research findings and new technologies into practical tools and programs for Arizona communities.
• Develop specialized instructional materials and curricula tailored to diverse audiences and delivery formats (for example, field days, producer meetings, family workshops).

Needs Assessment and Impact Evaluation:

• Design and conduct independent, systematic needs assessments, including regional data analysis, to determine strategic extension program priorities and identify community assets.
• Develop or refine methods for measuring program effectiveness and long‑term impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Use findings to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and regional extension service delivery.

Scholarly Communication and Reporting:

• Author and publish technical reports, extension publications, and scholarly articles that communicate research‑based program results to professional peers, community stakeholders, and university leadership.
• Present program outcomes at conferences, advisory meetings, and university forums in clear, accessible language.
• Provide data‑informed briefings to administrators and partners on program performance and regional trends.

Partnerships and External Funding:

• Cultivate and advise strategic partnerships with campus units, agencies, industry groups, schools, and local governments to advance extension unit goals in assigned focus areas.
• Lead development of proposals to secure competitive external funding and grants to sustain and expand strategic extension initiatives.
• Steward funded projects by monitoring deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of environmental education principles, experiential learning strategies, and Arizona water resources, conservation, and stewardship practices.
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in delivering engaging presentations, facilitating professional learning opportunities, and communicating effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to synthesize educational standards, scientific content, and program objectives into relevant and meaningful learning experiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment to address complex challenges, build partnerships, and achieve program goals.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move equipment, up to 25 pounds, on a regular basis.
• Ability to drive a motor pool vehicle while pulling a cargo trailer.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor''s or Master''s degree in a related field of study.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating environmental, natural resource, or water education programs for diverse audiences.
• Experience integrating Arizona academic standards, STEM/STEAM concepts, and environmental education best practices into formal and/or informal educational settings.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with schools, community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to support educational initiatives.

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1.0 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Agriculture and Extension Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay $53,039 - $66,299 Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade 7 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator. Career Stream and Level PC3 Job Family Extension Job Function Agriculture & Extension Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Kirstyn Kay, Coordinator, Arizona Project WET Program

kkay@arizona.edu Open Date 9/3/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.