Program Coordinator, Private Wells
Working Title: Program Coordinator, Private Wells
Education Appointment: Full-time, Administrative Associate 1 (8208A1), Civil Service
Extension Area: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems
Location: Extension Regional Office, preferably Farmington: Hybrid work options and other regional office locations may be available (except Cloquet).
Hourly Pay Range: $21-28 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Apply By: August 21, 2025
About the Program
The University of Minnesota Extension Private Wells Education Program helps private well users and groundwater professionals understand and manage drinking water from private wells. The objectives of the program are to:
- Build networks of knowledgeable community leaders, including local professionals and volunteers, to provide education for private well users and to strengthen local capacity to address drinking water quality and related public health issues.
- Create and implement a statewide well water testing initiative to provide accessible testing opportunities and to connect private well users with community resources.
- Create and deliver a foundational educational program aimed at equipping well users with knowledge about groundwater, water quality, well maintenance and health impacts that will be accessible online and through community workshops.
About the Position
This person will work at the forefront of implementing the Extension Private Wells Education Program, a new activity developed by the Water Resources Center (WRC) with support from the Minnesota Department of Health. The coordinator plays a key role in organizing drinking water clinics and related events across Minnesota. This position involves coordinating event logistics, partnering with Extension Educators, local agencies, and community organizations, and supporting water sample collection, transportation, and reporting. The coordinator also helps build a private well volunteer network by working with statewide volunteer programs and contributes to program implementation through data collection, communications, and administrative support. Travel to clinic sites and strong collaboration with internal and external partners are essential aspects of this role. This position will be expected to travel on day trips about 3-4 times per month; overnight trips within Minnesota about 1-2 times per month, for 1-3 nights; and trips outside of Minnesota about 1-2 times per year. This position will be housed at an Extension Regional Office, preferably Farmington. Other regional office locations may be available (except Cloquet) as well as some hybrid flexible work. Program activities will require the person to travel across the state, as described above.
This position will report to the Associate Director of the U of M Water Resources Center, who also serves as the Extension Program Leader - Water. This position will also work under the direction of the Private Wells and Groundwater Extension Educator. This program is funded through an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health and supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.
Responsibilities
Note: Percentages listed below express the relative workload for these tasks. They may vary slightly depending on the evolving needs of the position and experience of the individual hired.
- Coordination of drinking water testing clinics and other educational events (40%)
- Coordination of private well drinking water sampling program (30%)
- Coordination with volunteer programs (20%)
- Private wells team support (10%)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four (4) years.
- Experience with educational event planning, coordination, and logistics managing of in-person and virtual events for the public; typically 20+ participants.
- Experience collaborating with partners, formal committees, or other groups for outreach efforts and/or events.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for in-person, phone, email, newsletter, and materials preparation and communications.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong skills with Google Suite, Zoom, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
- Must be able to travel throughout Minnesota including travel for day trips about 3-4 times per month; overnight trips...
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.