LSNERR Manager

The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (LSNERR) is a part of the larger National Estuarine Research Reserve System which protects more than 1.3 million acres in 28 reserves in 22 states and Puerto Rico. The Lake Superior NERR is the second reserve designated on the Great Lakes and the most recent addition to the reserve system. More information on the Reserve system can be found on the National Estuarine Research Reserve System website.

Position Overview:

The LSNERR Manager will manage a multi-disciplinary staff of professionals with expertise in coastal ecology, natural resource management, research and laboratory operations, interdisciplinary curriculum development, and natural resource education and outreach.

The LSNERR Manager will work with staff to develop and implement programming that addresses local, statewide, and national needs through scientific research and educational programs related to coastal and Great Lakes freshwater estuary resources.

The LSNERR Manager will ensure that long-term objectives and strategies are collaboratively developed and implemented consistent with management goals and federal/state regulations. 

This position is a fixed-term academic staff appointment with Cooperative Extension, a division of the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX). The position is subject to UW System, UW-Extension and Cooperative Extension personnel policies. Reappointment to this position after the initial term is dependent upon availability of funding and performance. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide direction for all LSNERR activities
• Manage staff and provide leadership for personnel matters such as hiring, training, and performance evaluations
• Manage and oversee the LSNERR operations budget
• Collaborate with the Reserve Advisory Board, land ownership partners (i.e., City of Superior, Douglas County, University of Wisconsin-Superior, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), and other partners on LSNERR operations and programming
• Communicate and coordinate LSNERR programs and budget with University of Wisconsin, Cooperative Extension Community, Natural Resources, and Economic Development (CNRED) Program Office and University of Wisconsin-Superior
• Oversee multi-disciplinary, integrated programming that addresses local, statewide, and national needs related to coastal and Great Lakes freshwater estuary resources through scientific research and educational programs
• Oversee research, monitoring and education programming that addresses complex natural resource management issues, including their economic and social implications
• Foster multi-institutional collaborations on research initiatives
• Draft grant applications and budget proposals relevant to the LSNERR and seek out appropriate new funding opportunities
• Work with staff and partners to implement the Reserve Management Plan and prepare Management Plan updates
• Oversee the development and operation of LSNERR facilities
• Oversee the acquisition and maintenance of LSNERR equipment
• Establish, maintain, and manage effective partnerships and communications with a wide variety of local, state, and national partners
• Ensure that programmatic and administrative position responsibilities are conducted in a manner that enables all potential clientele to have equal access to programs and facilities
• Prepare a personal annual accomplishment report, including a description of work priorities for the forthcoming year
• Develop and follow a plan for professional development

Qualifications:

Required

• Master's degree in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position such as natural resource management or water resource management
• Significant experience and demonstrated success managing staff and budgets within a natural resource or water resource focused program
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively verbally, in writing, and through educational technology
• Demonstrated success in planning, implementing, and evaluating applied natural resource management programs that utilize multi-disciplinary approaches
• Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

Preferred

• Excellent skills in advising and helping others improve their team building, problem solving and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to plan collaboratively and execute independently
• Strong interpersonal skills in a team setting and on an individual basis
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, form and effectively maintain working relationships with persons or associations from cultures other than one's own, especially indigenous cultures
• Experience with and understanding of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
• Experience with participatory approaches to natural resource management
• Demonstrated success in planning, implementing, and evaluating collaborative programming that addresses community needs
• Knowledge of complex political environments in which Cooperative Extension works, particularly at state and local levels, and successful experience in these environments
• Demonstrated skill using computers including the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, database management programs, and statistical software

Additional Information:

Working Conditions

• Make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibility and essential job functions
• Schedule and attend occasional evening and weekend meetings, including travel to state and national events relating to job responsibilities

Administrative Relationships

This position is accountable to the Co-Director of the Environmental Resources Center (ERC). This Center, while housed on the UW-Madison campus, is affiliated with UW-Extensions and Cooperative Extension's Community, Natural Resources, and Economic Development (CNRED) Program Office in Madison, Wisconsin.

This position is accountable to the ERC Co-Director on all matters related to:

• Program performance and job responsibilities
• Developing effective external working relationships with clientele groups, other agencies, departments and organizations
• Continuing professional development
• Reporting and evaluating programs to state and federal governments, as appropriate
• Vacation, leave of absence, salary and promotion
• Administration, office management and performance development

Program Relationships

As a programming unit within Cooperative Extension's CNRED program area, this positionThis position is accountable to the ERC Co-Director on all matters related to: interacts collegially with:

• Related Cooperative Extension teams, programs, units, and centers, as well as UW-Superior programs, units, and departments
• Staff at other NERR sites
• University faculty, staff, and students
• State, Federal, Municipal, Tribal, and NGO partners

Benefits: Candidates are eligible for State of Wisconsin benefits, including retirement, vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and other insurances.

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume.