Extension Program Assistant, Wildlife

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Location: Wye Research & Education Center (Queenstown, MD) or CMREC or UMCP Campus

Position Summary:

The Extension Program Assistant will support research and extension programs related to wildlife management with the University of Maryland Extension.  The Program Assistant may assist with various aspects of research and extension including data collection in the field, organizing, cleaning, and analysis of data for developing peer-reviewed publications and presentations for the public. Extension duties may include organizing educational workshops and programs, marketing them, and developing educational content. Publishing fact sheets on topics related to wildlife in Maryland are a priority.  Specific duties will vary widely, and flexibility in duties will be provided based on the technician’s preferences and strengths.

Duties:

• Analyze data from acoustic monitoring devices to quantify presence of bird species. Advance development of machine learning algorithms. Assist with development of training datasets for enhanced predictive capability.
• Assist with deployment and recover of acoustic recording devices at various locations across Maryland to identify bobwhite quail presence or absence.
• Assist with development of research and education programs at Point Pleasant Farm, including deployment of trail, cameras, acoustic recording devices, organizing and marketing workshops, and development of educational content.
• Assist with writing fact sheets on topics related to wildlife management in Maryland.
• Conduct GIS analysis of the land cover represented in protected areas in Maryland and the surrounding area land cover, summarize data, create figures, tables, and write up results
• Assist with analysis and publication of large landowner survey including organizing data, performing GIS analysis of land cover by landowner, and data cleaning and analysis tasks.
• Perform duties of grant-funded research and education projects. Two potential projects awaiting funding determination include 1) research on wildlife response to forest management at Point Pleasant Farm, and 2) planning & technical assistance for Southern Maryland landowners for bobwhite quail habitat.

Preferences:

• Ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to learn basic operation of new software programs independently (training will also be provided)
• Past experience with using R statistical program, Python, statistical analysis, QGIS, and Raven audio annotation software.
• Past experience configuring and deploying Audiomoth recorders and trail cameras.
• Ability to organize and maintain research data
   

Physical Demands of the Position:

Physical demands associated with this position include extensive walking, lifting & carrying heavy weighted materials (up to 50 lbs), bending over to record field data, lifting and transporting by hand, bags of fertilizer, lime, seed and pesticides, collecting soil and plant samples along with continued standing while harvesting small plots manually or on large combine recording data during harvesting. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.

Required Application Materials: A complete application packet includes: a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and copies of transcripts. 

 

Best Consideration Date: 08/06/2025

 

Posting Close Date: 08/06/2025

 

Open Until Filled: No

 

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: Graduation from High School (or GED)

EXPERIENCE: Five years' experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, health care, research, or social services programs.

OTHER: Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver's license

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Working knowledge in the assigned area of specialization such as food and nutrition, housing, horticulture, soil nutrient management or youth programs. Skill to plan and carry out details of projects with general instruction. Skill to make arithmetic calculations, analyze data and draw conclusions. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Skill to establish and maintain successful working relationships. Ability to lift and transport supplies and equipment. Ability to operate manual and automated office equipment and personal computers.

OTHER:

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employees in this job class are required to use their personal automobile while conducting official business.

Job RisksNot Applicable to This Position

DepartmentAGNR-UME-Wye REC

Worker Sub-Type Staff Contractual (C2) (Fixed Term)

Salary Range$45,375.00 - $54,450.00

Benefits Summary

For more information on Staff Contractual C2 benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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