THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND                   Class Code:….0810BZ

     Position Description 

this position is part-time 28 hours per week, and is limited to 6 months with extension contingent on funding.

TITLE:                                            Research Associate I

DIVISION:                                     Academic Affairs (CELS: Outreach Center)

REPORTS TO:                            Director, CELS Outreach Center

GRADE:                                           7

SUPERVISES:                             Assistants as assigned

BASIC FUNCTION:

Independently research, develop, plan and implement environmental horticultural and science educational programs for children.  Serve as principal investigator on grants involving environmental education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform (research, develop and implement), without direction, independent and complex research-based educational programs for children through the CELS Outreach Center in Kingston or in the Providence office at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center or on-site in schools.  Subjects covered related to environmental horticulture, environmental protection, wildlife, entomology and other science-related subjects.

Train students and Master Gardener volunteers to conduct the educational programs.

Research and write curricula materials for students, teachers and trainers.

Serve as principal investigator on multiple grants involving environmental education, curriculum development, program evaluation and educational theory.

Serve as the URI/CELS liaison with educational professionals within the University and in local, state and national programs.

Administrative and programmatic supervision of CE faculty, research associates, research assistants and students involved in environmental horticulture, plant diagnostics and organic materials management.

Responsible for budget development and management on grant supported and fee-for- service projects.

Author technical reports and professional papers based on project activities.

Assist in the development of work plans, budgets and progress reports to meet CELS/CE and other funder requirements.

Provide responsive support to other CELS Outreach Center programs in the candidate’s area of expertise.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate with other youth education programs conducted by URI.

Carry out special projects as assigned.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Valid driver’s license, computers, including word processing, database management, spreadsheet, graphic design.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:  Bachelor's degree in a life science;  five years of experience in project management, including two years of experience researching and organizing environmental education programs for school children; experience working with Master Gardener volunteers, including docent recruitment, training and management; demonstrated ability to plan and implement complex projects and to communicate effectively orally and in writing; strong interpersonal skills; ability to organize, coordinate and supervise support staff.  Preferred:  work experience in a higher education setting; familiarity and experience with Cooperative Extension.

TO APPLY:

Submit (no emails or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 06-20-08 to:

Salary Range: $36,702-$45,136 (salary will be pro-rated to reflect part-time hours)
Marion S. Gold, Search Chair
Requisition # 12161
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.