Extension State Specialist, Livestock (Veterinarian)

Working Title: State Specialist, Livestock (Veterinarian)

Appointment: Full-time, annually renewable, P&A, Educ Prog Specialist 3 (9745S3)

Program Area: Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems

Location: Extension Regional Office (some locations may not be available, to be negotiated at time of offer.) Hybrid work options may be available.

Salary Range: $88,000-98,000 annually

Apply By: March 7, 2025

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This state specialist position is a leadership role focused on creating and enhancing programs to support livestock owners and industry professionals, specifically large and small ruminants. Minnesota has a vibrant and diverse livestock industry. Minnesota ranks 4th in the nation in the number of dairy cattle herds, 7th in feeder cattle, 14th in the number of goats, 14th in the number of sheep and lambs, and 25th in the number of beef cattle in the U.S.

This position is responsible for building scalable, evidence-based program models focused on large and small ruminant health, biosecurity and response to emerging and foreign animal diseases. The successful candidate will provide leadership through collaborative applied research, curriculum development, and deliver cutting-edge educational programs throughout the state.

This position will also build partnerships with local, federal and state agency staff and with UMN faculty and other researchers across disciplines, departments and colleges to support Minnesota livestock owners and industry professionals. The successful candidate must have the background and ability to address a wide range of disciplines and issues related to livestock health. This individual should be self-motivated, enjoy working independently as well as in a team environment and be effective in communicating with producers as well as colleagues and industry and government professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Program Leadership and Development (40%)

• Design and develop research-based educational programs to address needs focused on animal health that are appropriate to livestock audiences state-wide.
• Work closely with UMN Extension livestock teams, including the Beef, Dairy, Sheep and Goat, and other pertinent teams, to assess the needs of livestock owners and industry professionals through curriculum development focused on livestock health and disease response.
• Work with county, state, and national agencies on livestock and poultry disease response.
• Lead curriculum development and serve as a subject matter expert for other Extension educators and specialists in Livestock and Veterinary areas.
• Report on programmatic impacts and accomplishments to relevant stakeholders.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and strategic alliances.
• Work with and develop programs for diverse audiences historically underserved by Extension.

Scholarship (25%)

• Secure external funding through grants, strategic alliances, and donations to support the growth of livestock programs that address ruminant health, biosecurity, and disease response.
• Develop and sustain a portfolio of applied research and other scholarly activities to meet the needs of the livestock industry with a diverse group of colleagues and collaborators.
• Partner with the department's evaluation specialist to design and implement program evaluation and distribute results in collaboration with the communication team.
• Publish and disseminate scholarly products that advance ruminant health, biosecurity, and disease response.
• Share findings through educational blogs, websites, social media posts, podcasts, conferences and professional and industry meetings.

Program Delivery and Training (20%)

• Deliver research-based educational programs to address needs that are appropriate to livestock audiences state-wide (e.g., internal employees and educators, stakeholders and others).
• Provide information and education using a variety of technologies and techniques to optimize programming effectiveness consistent with the intended audience's learning styles.
• Provide expertise regarding ruminant health, biosecurity and response to animal diseases to educators and agency partners by developing and adapting educational materials, tools, training, and project resources.

Partnerships and Collaborations (15%)

• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, state, and national strategic alliances that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs focused on the Minnesota livestock industry.
• Participate in UMN Extension, professional and community service opportunities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) or VMD (Veterinary Medical Doctor); and licensed and/or eligible to be licensed in MN
• At least 6 years of experience
• One year of post-doctoral degree professional experience in a field related to livestock health, biosecurity, or veterinary medicine
• Demonstrated experience designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs aimed at livestock producers and professionals focused on animal health
• Demonstrated experience using technology in an educational setting
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse and underserved audiences
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen and grow programs in partnership with individuals, organizations, and communities representing new, diverse, and underserved audiences
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance
• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement are provided according to University policies. Includes some overnight travel, typically once a month.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming and training
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. in Animal Science or MPH
• At least three years of post-doctoral degree professional experience in a field related to animal health, biosecurity, or veterinary medicine
• Demonstrated experience in designing, conducting, and/or collaborating on research projects with a focus on livestock or related field
• Experience with emergency disease response
• Demonstrated success in developing professional working relationships with agricultural groups, farmers, non-profits, and government agencies
• Skill in media relations
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning

ABOUT EXTENSION

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 https://extension.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $88,000 - $98,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

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 include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) 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 instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

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

For questions about this position, contact:
Emily Krekelberg, search chair, krek0033@umn.edu.

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).