Residential Landscape Ecology Agent

Position Description

Responsibilities:

Program Development and Delivery:

Design and implement educational programs that address climate resilient and sustainable residential and urban landscapes that incorporate ecological principals related to environmental horticulture practices, native plants, wildlife habitat, pollinator plants, invasive plant management, watershed protection, lawn conversion and sustainable lawn care, and related topics.
Deliver workshops, presentations, and demonstrations to diverse audiences, including residents, Master Gardeners, and other UMD volunteers such as Watershed Steward Academy graduates and Woodland Stewards, community groups, landscape professionals, and policymakers.
Develop educational resources, including publications, newsletters, online content, videos, decision support tools, and mobile apps, for broad dissemination. Utilize social media to broaden the reach and impact of programs.
Incorporate approaches to reach traditionally underserved or underrepresented audiences using traditional and local ecological knowledge when available and appropriate.
Oversee the UME Master Gardener Bay-Wise Landscaping Management program, including basic and advanced training (including online training options)
Research/Scholarship:

Conduct applied research to evaluate the effectiveness of residential landscape practices in achieving ecological goals, such as enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, and mitigating climate change.
Collaborate with UMD/AGNR researchers, Extension colleagues, and community partners on interdisciplinary projects addressing landscape sustainability challenges.
Seek external funding to support Extension programs and applied research, including grants, contracts, and cost recovery efforts.
Develop, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge related to program priorities through scholarly efforts, including peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, refereed journal articles, etc.
Leadership and Outreach:

Build partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses to advance sustainable and climate resilient landscape practices in Maryland.
Provide technical assistance and expertise to UME field faculty, Master Gardeners/UME volunteers, residents, community groups, and landscape professionals.
Stay current on emerging research and trends in residential landscape ecology and translate knowledge for public application and acquire resources through grants, contracts, and other sources to manage and grow Extension programs within this critical area.

Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base: $62,255; Ph.D. Base: $74,354. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Required Qualifications

M.S. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Horticulture, Urban and Community Forestry, or a related field with a focus on residential and community landscapes.
Demonstrated expertise in multiple areas of residential landscape ecology, including native plants, wildlife habitat, pollinators, watershed health, tree/woodland care, and invasive species management.
Strong experience in developing and delivering educational programs to diverse audiences.
Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to conduct applied research and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
Commitment to the land-grant mission of teaching, research, and outreach.
Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Community Forestry, Environmental Horticulture, or a related field with a focus on residential landscapes.
Experience working with Extension programs or in a land-grant university setting.
Familiarity with Maryland’s landscape and environmental challenges.
Online and experiential teaching experience. Proficiency in ArcGIS and other relevant data analysis software.

Other Requirements

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.
This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
Team-driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline-driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at programs and events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Valid driver’s license and personal transportation required

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Application Instructions

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/117409. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Equal Employer Statement(s)

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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