Land Use Specialist

Position Description:
This is an appointment with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources (CNR) and the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service (CES) in the Community, Natural Resources, and Economic Development Program (CNRED).

This academic staff position has responsibilities for Extension outreach education (100%) within the Center for Land Use Education (CLUE) (http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/landcenter/) integrating science based research into the design and delivery of educational programs and materials. The land use specialist will work collaboratively in a team environment within both CLUE and Cooperative Extension. The specialist should focus on the broad enterprise of planning (including frameworks, tools and methodologies) and have demonstrated experience working closely with citizens. The specialist should have an appreciation for emerging economic models, that take into consideration various forms of capital – natural, financial, and social, to name three of them. Additionally, there is a focus on natural resources and land use planning and more specifically, the specialist should have knowledge and experience with a broad array of plan implementation tools such as zoning and subdivision regulations. In particular the individual should be able to convey how these types of tools affect and impact working and natural landscapes. A key aspect of these impacts is the ability to analyze the financial, fiscal and other costs and benefits of planning decisions. The specialist should establish an extension program that can include on-line courses, applied research projects with Extension’s self-directed work teams, county-based faculty, and provide technical assistance when needed. Travel throughout the state and teaching in a wide variety of settings and times (including evenings and weekends) are required.

Organization Description:
Backed by University of Wisconsin research, CNRED educators work with local governments, civic organizations, businesses and community leaders to help people identify critical local concerns, set goals and work on solutions. Land Use Specialists serve CNRED educators, communities and people in 72 counties. UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, the home base for this position, is located in the central part of the state. Stevens Point has a population of about 25,000 in a metropolitan area of nearly 70,000 and offers a wide range of cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Qualifications:
A graduate degree and evidence of success in land use and/or natural resource planning or a closely related field are required. Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum Master’s and/or AICP certification, and a minimum of five years of professional experience. In addition, candidates should have demonstrated achievement in a team-oriented organization, and be skilled in working with diverse populations of learners/clients. Concise and engaging writing and presentation skills are essential.