University of Maryland is Hiring!

Download   University of Maryland Extension Natural Resources Specialist Faculty Tenure Track to apply visit: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/121389 Title: Agent Functional Title: Extension Specialist – Natural Resources Position Number: 103582 Category Status: Faculty Tenure Track, Full-Time, 12-month, 100% Extension. Unit: AGNR-UME Statewide Location: Western Maryland Research and Education Center, Keedysville, MD Download University of Maryland Extension is seeking a full-time, tenure-track, Natural Resources Specialist to provide leadership for educational program development, delivery, and evaluation on a variety of natural resources and environmental sciences topics including forest management, soil and water conservation, environmental science topics and other related issues. Stakeholders include woodland and farmland owners, natural resource professionals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, UME volunteer audiences such as Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, youth and others. The Specialist will facilitate partnerships with university colleagues, local, state and federal agencies, forestry/natural resource associations, nonprofit organizations and others to develop relevant educational products and programs.  The Specialist will be part of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR), and University of Maryland Extension (UME), and work closely with the Environment and Natural Resource team to provide Extension leadership for natural resource and environmental management related programs. The Specialist will be self-motivated and will work intentionally and collaboratively with partners to increase the visibility and reach of Extension programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The Specialist will use a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to conferences, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, websites, webinars, social media, publications, and mass media. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined and will perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a University of Maryland faculty member. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Program Leader & Assistant Director, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Sea Grant Program.   This position is located off-campus at the Western Maryland Research & Education Center located in Keedysville, MD. The Specialist will report to the Assistant Director and Program Leader of the Environmental and Natural Resource Program. Responsibilities: Develop a robust outreach program with emphasis on natural resource and environmental services management that utilizes western science and traditional ecological knowledge where appropriate. Evaluate, create and/or manage existing natural resource programs such as: Branching Out Forest Stewardship Newsletter, Woods In Your Backyard, and Maryland Woodland Stewards. Conduct surveys as needed to determine needs of clientele. Collaborate with the partners, networks and interested parties on shared natural resource management objectives and priorities to expand and implement Extension programs. Contribute to Master Gardener, Master Naturalist and Watershed Stewards programs. Develop and disseminate educational resources, such as fact sheets, bulletins, newsletters, web-based resources, videos and mass and social media as appropriate for diverse audiences. Providing support statewide to county Extension faculty and state natural resource agency personnel. Procure extramural funding sources to support Extension and applied research activities. Design and conduct applied research projects as necessary and within reason to address natural resource management issues. Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base starting at $64,122; Ph.D.'s Base starting at $76,584. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. For more information regarding employee benefits visit: https://uhr.umd.edu/benefits-and-wellness Applications: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/121389. A complete application packet includes a cover letter of application, a current (signed) curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check. Best consideration date: October 15, 2024. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified. Qualifications: Required- Bachelor of Science in natural resources, forest management, environmental sciences or closely related field. Master’s degree in natural resources, environmental sciences, forest management or closely related science-based field. Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in non-formal settings. Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including effective use of electronic and printed media. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to manage competing time demands. Self-motivated person willing to set objectives, seek opportunities, provide leadership, and demonstrate success. Knowledge of the Land Grant mission and the role of Extension in Maryland. Demonstrated ability to use common computer software including proficiency with information technology.   Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model. Personal transportation and valid driver’s license. Must be willing to travel statewide. Flexible work schedule for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs. This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check. Preferred- PhD degree in natural resources, environmental sciences, forest management or closely related scientific field. Minimum of 3 years of work experience in a natural resources management discipline. Applied knowledge in one or more related natural resources management field Demonstrated experience in Extension, outreach or service related to natural resource management. Demonstrated ability in garnering grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming. Evidence of scholarship in applied research, Extension and/or outreach. Experience working with diverse audiences at all socioeconomic levels and demographic backgrounds. Physical Demands of the Position: 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 30 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. 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. For more information contact: Bill Hubbard, Assistant Director and State Program Leader, Natural Resources whubbard@umd.edu (301) 789-9441 University of Maryland Extension

AGNR Welcome Back Bash - September 19! Join for food & fun!

Attention all AGNR Students!

You're invited to the annual College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Welcome Back Bash on Thursday, September 19th from 4-6 pm in the ANSC Courtyard . Join your fellow AGNR Terps at this celebration and connect with student organizations, AGNR academic departments, faculty, staff, and administrators for FREE FOOD, FUN, PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS, and so much more.

All AGNR students are welcome to join us and strongly encouraged to show your AGNR Spirit by wearing the color of your department listed below:

• AREC - Orange
• ANSC - Red
• ENSP - Purple
• ENST - Blue
• IAA - White/Gray
• NFSC - Yellow
• Vet Med - Black

All others, come in your favorite UMD gear!

Bring your student ID and be sure to check in at our welcome table to be eligible for raffle prizes.

Questions? Let me know! Otherwise, we will see you then!

Study Abroad, AGNR Terps! ✈️🌎

 Ready to explore the world and broaden your cultural horizons? AGNR is offering three winter term study abroad experiences that give you the chance to learn hands-on in new and exciting environments:

• Dominican Republic: Sustainable Agriculture and Environment
• Vietnam: Climate-Resilient Development
• New Zealand: Sustainable Ecosystems

Want to know more about these programs or discover other study abroad opportunities? Attend the upcoming Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, September 4, from 2-5 PM in the Grand Ballroom at Stamp Student Union. See you there!

Apply for the AFA Leaders Conference - deadline Sep 6th!

 If you're passionate about agriculture and eager to take your leadership skills to the next level, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference is coming up from November 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri, and applications are now open!

Here’s why you should apply:

• Network with Industry Leaders: Meet and connect with top professionals in the agriculture sector, along with ambitious peers from across the country.

• Discover Career Opportunities: Many students secure internships or full-time positions at the AFA Opportunity Fair, a key feature of the Leaders Conference.

• Develop Your Leadership Skills: Participate in workshops and sessions designed to prepare you for a successful career in agriculture.

• Very Minimal Cost to Attend: The conference is completely free to attend (registration, hotel room, food). The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will provide a financial stipend to help cover travel expenses to and from Kansas City.

Application Deadline:
Submit your application by September 6th to secure your spot. Don’t wait—this is your chance to gain invaluable experience and set yourself up for success in your future career.

To apply, click this link, create an account and complete your application today!

We will be holding an application help night next week on Wednesday, September 4, from 6-7 PM in Symons Hall. Let us know you’re coming here.

If you have any questions or need help with your application, feel free to reach out to Malique Fowler, our UMD AFA Ambassador, at mafodon@terpmail.umd.edu or Jody Bracker at jody.bracker@agfuture.org].

We hope to see many students representing University of Maryland AGNR at AFA Leaders Conference this November!

Job - coastal ecosystem responses to global change

The Biogeochemistry Lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is searching for a technician interested in research on coastal ecosystem responses to global change. We seek motivated people who enjoy collaborating in a multidisciplinary environment. This person will analyze and curate data (60%), operate lab instruments (30%), and collect and analyze environmental samples of water, soil, gas, and plants (10%). The position is in support of the COMPASS project.

https://serc.si.edu/get-involved/job-opportunities/research-technician-biogeochemistry-lab 

Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship for Pell Grant Recipients/US Citizens

 Are you an undergraduate student, Pell Grant recipient, and U.S. citizen? Are you interested in studying abroad?

You may be eligible to apply for the U.S. State Department’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship! Here’s what you could earn:

• Up to $5,000 for studying or interning abroad + $500 from UMD Education Abroad through the Gilman Guarantee program
• An additional $3,000 if you are studying a Critical Language
• An additional  $1,000 STEM Award for applicants who are doing STEM-related research abroad
• and 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment for Gilman scholars

UMD students are successful Gilman Scholarship Recipients!

• In the last two years 79 UMD students received the Gilman scholarship.
• These Terps won a total of $302,500 to study abroad!
• UMD applicants regularly outperform the national average acceptance rate!

To help you join the ranks of UMD Gilman Scholars, we are hosting several info sessions. Register for one that works for your schedule! 

• Thursday, August 29, 12:00 - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, September 3, 12:00 - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, September 3, 3:00 - 3:30 pm
• Wednesday, September 4, 1:00 - 1:30 pm
• Thursday, September 5, 4:00 - 4:30 pm
• Friday, September 6, 12:00 - 12:30 pm
• Monday, September 9, 3:00 - 3:30 pm
• Monday, September 9, 4:00 - 4:00 pm
• Tuesday, September 10, 4:00 - 4:30 pm
• Wednesday, September 11, 3:00 - 3:30
• Thursday, September 12, 12:00 - 12:30 pm
• Friday, September 13, 1:00 - 1:30 pm

Can't attend? Join our Gilman ELMS resource page, which offers a lot of helpful information as well as successful example essays, please fill out this quick form.

ELIGIBILITY

Students must be:

• a U.S. citizen
• a Pell Grant recipient 
• undergraduate (includes all majors)
• all program lengths are eligible

DEADLINE: October 10, 2024 (For programs that start between December 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025)

We look forward to working with you!

The UMD National Scholarships Office

Not too early to think about Study Abroad

 The UMD study Abroad Fair is Sept. 4 in the Grand Ballroom, Stamp Student Union, 2-5 pm

Here are three AGNR faculty-led courses offered over Winter Term.

Capital Area Natural Resource Management Symposium

Hello Everyone!

If you were interested in attending the first ever Capital Area Natural Resource Management Symposium on August 23 in DC, please be sure to register. We don't have many seats left so if you want to come, register as soon as possible.

Travis and I are very excited about the line up (attached) and hope you'll be able to join us. Just a heads up, this is a hyper-local conference that is focused much more on management than it is on research or analysis.

SCHEDULE BELOW

8:30 - 9:00	Arrival and check-in (301 Water Street SE, Washington DC) (coffee and light refreshments provided)
9:00 - 9:30	Opening remarks by the organizing committee
9:30 - 9:45	Restoring a Capital Beltway Treasure - Woodend Sanctuary Bradley Simpson Nature Forward
9:45 - 10:00	How should we restore grasslands in northern Virginia? Bert Harris Clifton Institute
10:15 - 10:30	Innovative ecological restoration of the Kingman and Heritage Islands Wildlife Conservation Area in Washington DC Damien Ossi DC Department of Energy and Environment
10:30 - 10:45	Ecological restoration at Long Branch Nature Center in Virginia Steve Young Volunteer Park Steward, Arlington County VA
10:45 - 11:00	Break (coffee and light refreshments provided)
11:00-11:15	An Example of a Long-Standing, County-level Park System Deer Management Program in the Capital Region: A Work in Progress Since 1995 Ryan Butler Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission - Montgomery Parks
11:15 - 11:30	Grassland bird conservation: applying research to develop practical solutions

	Bernadette Rigley Virginia Working Landscapes
11:30 - 11:45	Insights into the annual movements of a common urban bird, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) Emily Williams Georgetown University
11:45 - 12:00	Updating the District’s State Wildlife Action Plan State Wildlife Action Sophie Moore DC Department of Energy and Environment
12:00 - 1:15	Lunch (Lunch is not provided. Participants can bring their own lunch and eat in the building. Alternatively, there are several restaurants within walking distance.)
1:15 - 1:30	Rock Creek Resilience: Research-informed Strategies to Recreate Responsibly with Dogs Jeanne Braha Rock Creek Conservancy
1:30 - 1:45	Nature Serves Hot Spots of Well-being Alyssa Chiascione & Kathleen Dougherty National Park Service Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance
1:45 - 2:00	What Did You Do to My Stream?? How to Effectively Communicate Stream Restorations to the Public Danielle Wynne Fairfax County, VA - Watershed Education and Outreach
2:00 - 2:15	Using Citizen Science Data to Monitor Water Quality in Reston Calvin Dickens Reston Association
2:15 - 2:30	Nine Years of Mussel Power in the Anacostia River Jorge Bogantes Anacostia Watershed Society
2:30 - 2:45	Estimating Recreational Catch and Release Mortality of Striped Bass Rachel Kelmartin George Mason University
2:45 - 3:00	Species Confirmation and Population Genetics of Non-native Mystery Snails Within North America Daya Hall-Stratton George Mason University
3:00 - 3:15	Leveraging Faith Communities to Achieve Local Climate Solutions Andreana Jinjue Lin or Chris Topoleski [TBD] Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions

3:15 - 3:30	A Seat at the Table: Supporting Scientist Engagement with Communities and Decision Makers Christina Hoenow COMPASS Science Communication
3:30 - 3:45	Closing remarks by the organizing committee
4:00 - 5:00	Optional Happy Hour at Solace Brewing Company (10 minute walk along boardwalk)

PhD and MS Graduate Student Assistantships available at Iowa State University

The Applied Geomorphology Lab and the McMillan Research Lab at Iowa State University are seeking applicants for two funded graduate assistantships at the PhD or MS level. Successful applicants will contribute to research on stream restoration in rapidly urbanizing watersheds in central Iowa, focusing on one or more of the following aspects of the project: 1) changes in channel geometry and sediment and phosphorus transport; 2) water quality impacts of restoration; or 3) impacts of restoration on fish and biotic communities. Applicants can apply to earn a M.S. or Ph.D. in Geology, Environmental Science, Forestry, or Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Start date is negotiable, but January 1, 2025 is preferred. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and a CV to Dr. Pete Moore (pmoore@iastate.edu) and Dr. Sara McMillan (swmcmil@iastate.edu) by August 15th.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hollings Scholarship

Attention rising SOPHOMORES studying atmospheric and oceanic sciences, environmental engineering, environmental sciences or policy, or ANY major with a strong environmental focus!

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hollings Scholarship provides two-year academic scholarships (up to a maximum of $9,500 per year) for full-time study, and a 10-week, full-time, paid internship position ($700/week) the summer after junior year at a NOAA facility. In the last eight years, 36 Maryland students have won Hollings Scholarships!

To learn more, please click here to complete a brief questionnaire, or write to us at noaahollings@umd.edu

Eligibility requirements: applicants for Hollings Scholarships must be US Citizens; and must have GPA's of 3.0 or higher each semester and in their major.