Oregon Sea Grant Extension Specialist in Human Dimensions of Coastal Systems

Oregon Sea Grant Extension Specialist in Human Dimensions of Coastal Systems

Oregon State University

Department: Sea Grant (RSG)

Appointment Type: Academic Faculty

Job Location: Corvallis

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $70,000-$74,000

Job Summary:
Oregon Sea Grant invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Assistant Professor of Practice position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Director.

This Assistant Professor of Practice and Oregon Sea Grant Extension Specialist in Human Dimensions of Coastal Systems position is with Oregon Sea Grant (OSG) (https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu ) and Oregon State University Extension Service (https://extension.oregonstate.edu ). It has a statewide assignment with a focus on Oregon’s coastal counties and is based in Corvallis, OR. This is a fixed-term Assistant Professor of Practice position and reports to the OSG Associate Director of Extension and Engagement.

This Assistant Professor of Practice position in Human Dimensions of Coastal Systems contributes to the missions of Oregon Sea Grant, OSU Extension Service, and Oregon State University. ​​​​​​​​The programmatic home for this position is Oregon Sea Grant. The academic home (i.e., department) for this position will be determined within one year of the start date. This choice of academic home is a collaborative decision between Sea Grant, the faculty member and the selected department and is intended to connect the position with an appropriate and supportive academic affiliation. This position is fully funded at 1.0 FTE for the first two years and is funded at 0.75 FTE thereafter ​​​​with an additional 0.25 FTE of funding contingent on securing grants or other non-Extension, non-Oregon Sea Grant (NOAA omnibus grant) sources of funding. This is a ranked position with promotional opportunities.

The purpose of the position is to apply social science and community-centered methods, concepts, and approaches to coastal and marine planning, management, and policy. This faculty member connects university researchers and coastal decision makers in an ongoing educational process to better understand the human dimensions of coastal systems and respond to timely issues facing Coastal Oregon. This faculty member also engages with local communities and practitioners to enhance understanding of how social, cultural, and historical factors influence perceptions, preferences, and understanding of a range of issues. Such issues could include climate adaptation, coastal resilience, marine energy, fisheries, conservation, or others relevant to Oregon’s coastal communities and the Tribal Nations of Oregon’s coastal zone as identified in the Oregon Sea Grant Strategic Plan (2024-2027) [https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/about/strategic-plan ]. The individual filling this position could bring expertise from one or more social science disciplines (or interdisciplinary ones). The individual should have experience with a variety of social science tools and methods.

This position has leadership responsibilities for facilitation, development, execution, coordination, and evaluation of education and research projects related to human dimensions of coastal systems. This position will work with interested parties to understand their needs and assist in co-development of solutions through consultation and cooperation, supporting civic readiness, and serving as a liaison among various audiences.

Active and effective communication with staff and interested parties is critical to the success of this position. This position will travel to and from meetings throughout the state with occasional out-of-state travel for projects and training.

Additional reference websites for applicants to review related to OSG Social Science: https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/outreach-and-engagement/human-dimensions

https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/category/social-science

Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities
This faculty member embeds the commitment of the university to a collaborative and inclusive community in all interactions and duties performed. This individual will ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized or excluded from participation. Our program objective is to create opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and these activities will be included in the annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments and achievements.

80% – Extension Teaching, Advising, and OutreachProgram Delivery:

• Continually assess the needs of local interested parties for education on human dimensions of coastal system issues and their impact on coastal communities and perceptions of coastal ecosystems, including assessing the needs, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to coping with change, transition, and conflict. Interviews focus groups, key contacts, surveys, etc.
• Design and deliver effective educational programs that educate interested parties on the human dimensions of coastal systems; assess local vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, economic development, environmental policies, coastal hazards; foster resilience behavior and policies that support coastal systems that include coping with change, transition, and conflict. Presentations, workshops, personal instruction, media coverage, tours, etc.
• Facilitation of meetings, workshops, and other collaborative learning events, potentially with interested parties that hold disparate perspectives and priorities.
• Increase the awareness, development and use by coastal decision makers of new human dimensions data, research, and findings to inform decision making that supports the well-being of coastal communities and systems, especially vulnerable, underserved, and marginalized communities. Outreach may include presentations, workshops, personal instruction, and facilitation.
• Use appropriate methods for designing and evaluating learning events and long-term program impacts.
• Participate in developing and supporting collaborative solutions in community groups and coalitions.
• Collaborate with other faculty, interested parties, and volunteers to provide substantive and relevant community education programs.
• Provide leadership in interdisciplinary or multi-agency projects across program areas.
• Maintain professional competency and participate in professional development opportunities that enhance educational programming capacities, collaboration and communication with researchers, and administrative leadership.
• Provide community and statewide opinion leaders and decision makers with understanding and context about how program level Extension work relates to Oregon Sea Grant and OSU Extension programming and outcomes.

Program Administration:

• Accountable to the Oregon Sea Grant Associate Director for Extension and Engagement for general administration and programmatic affairs.
• Manage university, coastal counties, and State relationships relevant to the position.
• Keep necessary records and provide requested reports including plans of work, reports of accomplishments and impacts, and an updated vita.
• Operate effectively as a project PI, including managing grant funds and reporting following OSU policies, standards, rules, and procedures.
• May supervise student employees, volunteers, or program assistants on either a permanent or intermittent basis.

10% Scholarly Outcomes

• Assigned duties for this position are expected to result in scholarly outcomes. Scholarly and creative work is intellectual work whose significance is validated by peers and that is communicated. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as a professional practitioner in community settings as defined in this position description. To achieve promotion, scholarship for this position must include peer reviewed materials that are durable and findable in the web environment. These are typically of the two types shown below but as our communication worlds change, other types of scholarship may fit these durability and findable criteria:
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals which might encompass description and evaluation of novel community-based professional practice or research application, program development and innovation, outcomes of innovative programs or services, definitive professional practice reviews, or case reports, among others.
• Authorship of extension publications, local or regional “practice” publications, book chapters, other educational materials, and electronic information delivery media if it is either peer reviewed before dissemination or if there is evidence of its adoption and use by peers.
• For more information on the scholarly outcome expectations for this position, please refer to the “Guidelines for Professor of Practice Appointments and Promotion” contained in the OSU Faculty Handbook.

5% Organizational Accountability

• Utilize technology as a tool to increase the impact of program delivery on constituents including participating with Ask Extension.
• Use multiple methods of electronic communication (i.e., web sites, publications, video conferencing and other online methods) to collaborate internally and externally as appropriate.
• Implement fee-based programming and cost-recovery practices, develop partnerships, and solicit external funding to support and enhance educational programs as appropriate.
• Organize and maintain program advisory and management committees or networks to identify program needs, make recommendations, assist in program implementation, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Develop an annual work plan addressing educational needs and evaluate the quality and impact of educational programs provided to audiences as appropriate.
• Provide community and statewide opinion leaders and decision makers with the context and understanding of how your program work relates to overall Extension programming output.
• Pursue engagement opportunities that may include, but are not limited to the creation of internal and external partnerships; identification of community and educational needs; etc.
• Participate in leadership training opportunities that builds expertise around equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, service, or scholarly outcomes. Outputs and impacts of efforts to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity should be included in promotion dossiers.
• Ensure outreach activities and educational programs serve a wide range of populations, including those that have been historically minoritized/excluded from participation.
• Seek relevant professional experiences to develop and maintain competency in the program subject matter and to identify effective methods for teaching and program delivery and evaluation.

5% Service

• Serve as an effective team member in the office and the statewide Sea Grant program.
• Serve on University, College, Department, and Extension Committees as appropriate.
• Maintain professional relationships with faculty in the Sea Grant Extension Program
• Serve on state, regional, local, and national advisory committees appropriate to position responsibilities and participate in professional organization activities.
• Collaborate and liaise with the Sea Grant Director.
• Maintain active membership and participation in appropriate professional organizations.
• Contribute to a welcoming and respectful workplace culture.
• The faculty member is encouraged to participate in community service.

What You Will Need

• Master’s degree in a relevant social science or human dimensions related field such as Environmental Policy, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Resource Economics, or Natural Resource Management.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing research using social science and community-engaged methods.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms with diverse audiences, including designing and delivering presentations and educational events (e.g., short courses, workshops, seminars) using in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.
• Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience with or potential for securing and managing external funding support.
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the motor vehicle check requirement.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Additional or higher degree, minors, or equivalent experience working with marine or coastal communities.
• Experience developing community capacity and leadership skills for partners and audiences. May include collaborative learning, strategic planning, facilitation, consensus decision-making, conflict resolution, or effective meeting management.
• Experience engaging a diverse audience of community members in inclusive, collaborative learning about the local implications of scientific research and beneficial applications of research findings or helping interested parties identify alternative choices of action.
• Experience incorporating multiple cultural perspectives in programming. This may include:
  • Knowledge of and experience with coastal communities, especially in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
  • Experience working with fisheries or fishing communities.
  • Experience working with Tribes or tribal communities.
• Knowledge of and experience with coastal or natural resource issues, especially those relevant to the Oregon Coast. This may include:
  • Energy or marine renewable energy topics.
  • Climate adaptation and resilience work.
  • Social justice or environmental justice work (such as Just Transitions or similar approaches) work.
• Life experience, education, or training that broaden(s) capacity to equalize the success or impact of programs for minoritized, marginalized, or populations underrepresented in coastal issues decision making.
• Multilingual, especially Spanish.
• Experience with Sea Grant or Extension work, including evaluation and assessment of programs.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Position requires traveling.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Position may occasionally work near or over water or on boats.

Special Instructions to Applicants
The full consideration date and closing date have been extended in order to expand the original applicant pool.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 2, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) A diversity statement: Please provide a diversity statement that describes your personal and professional experiences with diversity, equity, and inclusion. How have these experiences shaped your perspective and your approach to teaching, research, and engagement within academic and community settings? Additionally, please outline any specific strategies you would employ to promote a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least five professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:Shawn Rowe at Shawn.Rowe@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-8453.

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

· The anticipated starting salary will be $70,000- $74,000.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the motor vehicle check requirement.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/143175

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