Physical Activity Specialist

WVU Extension Service is currently inviting applications for the following employment opportunity: Physical Activity Specialist.

This position is a full-time-12 month, benefits-eligible faculty position with WVU Extension, Family Nutrition Program (FNP). The position will serve as a member of the Family Nutrition Program (FNP) administrative team and provide support and technical expertise in the areas of physical activity, evaluation, and policy, systems, and environmental change (PSE's) in community interventions. Specific duties include serving as the physical activity specialist for FNP but also serving as a statewide support for other partners within and outside of the University. Provide leadership to all physical activity evaluation and data collection conducted by FNP, including development and implementation of an evaluation plan, guided by EFNEP and SNAP-Ed's evaluation deliverables. Create evaluation tools necessary to collect data for evaluation of all physical activity programs implemented by FNP. Provide training and support for all physical activity programming conducted as part of FNP's scope of work, including FNP staff, sub-contractors, and WVU Extension faculty. Build relationships with key partners in West Virginia and at the national level to support physical activity outreach, evaluation and training. Support and facilitate alignment of FNP's public health initiatives with Cooperative Extension's Framework for Health-Equity and Well-Being. Collaborate with state, regional, and national evaluation groups. Conduct research and support dissemination of FNP's public health work at the local, state, and national level through publications, presentations, and participation in working groups.

This role is 40% service, 40% teaching, and 20% research.

Service

• Develop and deliver objective, research-based educational programs in areas of physical activity and public health to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
  
• Evaluate outcomes and impacts of physical activity and public health nutrition activities and report results.
  
• Provide leadership for development or acquisition of effective educational programs and curricula that increase physical activity and are relevant to West Virginia.
  
• Participate in interdisciplinary research and educational programs.
  
• Identify needs and resources for continuing professional development for Extension faculty, staff, and volunteers related to physical activity and public health approaches within communities.
  
• Actively seek public and private funds to support new and existing initiatives.
  
• Participate in relevant state and national professional development and associations.
  
  

Teaching

• Participate in FNP staff in-services (which include updates and application of public health policies and research).
  
• Train FNP Staff and statewide partners to implement SNAP-Ed public health programs.
  
• Develop training materials, including written documents and narrated power points, and conduct webinars when needed.
  
  

Research

• Research and identify evidence-based evaluation and reporting tools for use in SNAP-Ed public health programming.
  
• Disseminate WV SNAP-Ed outcomes to local, state and national stakeholders.
  
• Attend and participate in professional development and employee training associated with the position.
  
• Lead a team of staff and partners in the implantation of a statewide, outcomes-based data collection system for nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention.
  

• A master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in public health, community health promotion, or related field is required. PhD or equivalent preferred.
  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, interact, and collaborate with colleagues and community partners in a dynamic team environment.
  
• Experience in the development of public health training and evaluation for initiatives designed to support behavior change interventions and policy, systems, and environmental change strategies.
  
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills necessary to form interdisciplinary partnerships and networks within the University and the state.
  
• Ability to use research skills (including needs assessment and evaluation) to conduct applied research related to public health.
  
• Ability to conduct original and applied research to shape the development, evaluation, and direction of public health-related programs or other related research initiatives.
  
• Ability to use computer programs for word processing, preparation of presentations and reports, data entry and management, and electronic communication.
  

Special Requirements:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
  
• Ability to meet travel demands of the position which includes overnight stays, conferences and professional development session/trainings.
  
• Willingness to work flexible hours including some nights and weekends.
  
• Required to take and pass the WVU Driver's Safety Training exam.
  
• Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct trainings and perform duties of the position.
  

Application Process:

• If you meet the stated requirements and would like to be considered for the position, ALL the following information must be submitted through careers.wvu.edu:
  
  • A cover letter indicating the position that you are applying for and outlining experience and qualifications.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae including date(s) of employment, supervisor(s) names, and contact information.
  • A list of three references (including address, e-mail, and phone) who can reflect on your professional strengths.
  • Transcripts conferring your master's degree. The required degree must be conferred by the start of the position.
    
  
  
• Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
  

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.