Program Coordinator, Private Wells Education

Working Title: Program Coordinator, Private Wells Education

Appointment: Full-time, Administrative Associate 1 (8208A1), Civil Service

Extension Area: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems

Location: Extension Regional Office, preferably Farmington: Hybrid work options and other regional office locations may be available (except Cloquet).

Hourly Pay Range: $21-28 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply By: August 21, 2025

The University of Minnesota Extension Private Wells Education Program helps private well users and groundwater professionals understand and manage drinking water from private wells. The objectives are the program are to:

1. Build networks of knowledgeable community leaders, including local professionals and volunteers, to provide education for private well users and to strengthen local capacity to address drinking water quality and related public health issues.
2. Create and implement a statewide well water testing initiative to provide accessible testing opportunities and to connect private well users with community resources.
3. Create and deliver a foundational educational program aimed at equipping well users with knowledge about groundwater, water quality, well maintenance and health impacts that will be accessible online and through community workshops.

This person will work at the forefront of implementing the Extension Private Wells Education Program, a new activity developed by the Water Resources Center (WRC) with support from the Minnesota Department of Health. The coordinator plays a key role in organizing drinking water clinics and related events across Minnesota. This position involves coordinating event logistics, partnering with Extension Educators, local agencies, and community organizations, and supporting water sample collection, transportation, and reporting. The coordinator also helps build a private well volunteer network by working with statewide volunteer programs and contributes to program implementation through data collection, communications, and administrative support.

Travel to clinic sites and strong collaboration with internal and external partners are essential aspects of this role. This position will be expected to travel on day trips 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 position will be housed at an Extension Regional Office, preferably Farmington. Other regional office locations may be available (except Cloquet) as well as some hybrid flexible work. Program activities will require the person to travel across the state, as described above.

This position will report to the Associate Director of the U of M Water Resources Center, who also serves as the Extension Program Leader - Water. This position will also work under the direction of the Private Wells and Groundwater Extension Educator.

This program is funded through an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health and supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: 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.

Coordination of drinking water testing clinics and other educational events (40%)

• Coordinate the planning, promotion, and implementation of local drinking water clinics in collaboration with University of Minnesota Extension Educators and community partners.
• Collaborate with a wide range of partners to support clinic delivery and outreach. This may include local and state government agencies, non-profit organizations and community volunteers.
• Manage logistics for clinics, including, but not limited to: securing venues, ordering food, registration (in coordination with the Extension Learning Technology team, as appropriate), invoicing and paying of invoices, preparing and distributing clinic and program materials, etc.
• Serve as primary liaison for clinic-related logistical communications with local partners and participants.
• Partner with WRC and Extension Communications teams to help create event promotional content, including digital and print materials.

Coordination of private well drinking water sampling program (30%)

• Coordinate drinking water sample kit distribution and return coordination. This may involve transportation of drinking water samples.
• Support data entry, quality assurance, and reporting of sampling results in collaboration with laboratory and program staff.
• Assist in developing and refining systems to improve clinic efficiency, accessibility and participant engagement.
• Travel via personal vehicle to clinic sites and laboratories across Minnesota as needed. (Travel expenses will be reimbursed.)

Coordination with volunteer programs (20%)

• Coordinate with other volunteer programs (e.g., Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, and Minnesota Water Stewards) to support the implementation of a private well volunteer network.
• Maintain a regular system of communication with and among volunteers, including in person, via phone/email, and in virtual gatherings.
• Provide technical and programmatic support related to private wells to volunteers in the field.

Private wells team support (10%)

• Collect and organize evaluation data, document accomplishments, maintain records, and update program materials in collaboration with program staff, Extension Learning Technologies, and Communications teams.
• Assist private wells team in correspondence, travel and administrative needs, and maintaining contact lists.
• Order, maintain, distribute and track supplies; prepare invoices, communicate with vendors as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four (4) years.
• Experience with educational event planning, coordination, and logistics managing of in-person and virtual events for the public; typically 20+ participants.
• Experience collaborating with partners, formal committees, or other groups for outreach efforts and/or events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for in-person, phone, email, newsletter, and materials preparation and communications. .
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong skills with Google Suite, Zoom, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

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.
• Must be able to travel throughout Minnesota including travel for day trips 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. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Ability to work primarily in-person at an assigned Extension office.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• When working outside of the assigned office location, must have reliable internet, and must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying 20 pounds routinely and 40 lbs rarely.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in environmental science, public health, natural resources, communications or closely related field.
• Experience working with Extension programs or other community-based outreach initiatives.
• Familiarity with private well systems and drinking water quality issues.
• Experience with database management and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of GIS for mapping and data visualization.

About Extension and The Water Resources Team

This position is a part of the Water Resources Team, a group of Extension professionals at the University of Minnesota who want every Minnesotan to have access to clean, abundant water. The team is a part of the University of Minnesota's Water Resources Center that aims "To advance the science of clean water for Minnesotans through innovation, workforce development, and knowledge exchange." As part of the Water Resources Team, this Extension Educator will also work with other program teams to leverage expertise related to cropping systems, livestock management, and natural resources, among others.

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, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $21-$28/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (40 hours/week)

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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

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.