Bay of Green Bay NERR Tribal Engagement Convener

JOB DETAILS:

WORKING TITLE: Bay of Green Bay NERR Tribal Engagement Convener

UW SYSTEM OFFICIAL TITLE: Outreach Specialist 

POSTING DATE: May 6, 2024

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is the lead state agency for the designation of a new National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) for the bay of Green Bay and will serve as the employer and administrator for the Bay of Green Bay NERR personnel and activities. 

This position will develop and support long-term relationships between First Nations Tribes and communities with connections to the Lake Michigan-Huron region and the Bay of Green Bay NERR. The Tribal Engagement Convener will ensure tribal community interests are represented in the Bay of Green Bay NERR planning, programs, and activities. They will contribute to collaborative programming within the larger Great Lakes NERR sub-region. The position will build connections between Bay of Green Bay NERR and UW-Green Bay's First Nations Studies Program and other campus units and programs. This new position will evolve to address changing tribal priorities and the maturation of the Bay of Green Bay NERR. 

The Tribal Engagement Convener will deliver, assist with planning, and lead the following initiatives, supporting the Education vertical of the NERR system, while also contributing programming and support to the other verticals (i.e., Research, Stewardship, and Training). The primary role of this position is to build relationships in support of the development and implementation of K-12 programming, with a priority focus on working with the Oneida Nation School System.

Work with tribal schools to develop, promote, and integrate K-12 educational programming around estuarine waters for tribal learners.  Develop, promote, and integrate educational programming for K-12 students around estuarine waters for learners at non-tribal schools that enhance understanding of tribal cultural perspectives as they pertain to estuarine waters. Expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services related to coastal and estuarine waters.  Contribute to national conversations and initiatives in partnership with reserves across the coastal states.  Develop and actualize integrated research, stewardship, and training programs among Great Lakes tribal partners, the Green Bay NERR staff and partners, and the Lake Superior NERR. Programs will target organizations, professionals, and individuals with an interest in Great Lakes estuaries, wetlands, and coastlines.  Support extramural funding efforts focused on shared NERR and tribal interests around estuarine research, education, stewardship, and training. 

The person in this position will be affiliated with the Center for First Nations Education and the Education program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The potential exists to develop a unique course or course component in UW-Green Bay's teacher education program. 

This position will strengthen partnerships among tribal nations in Wisconsin and Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay NERR, and help expand collaborative funding targeting estuarine water programming among tribal entities, the Bay of Green Bay NERR, WI education systems, non-governmental organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies.

This position includes the following responsibilities:

Education: Research, develop, and facilitate place-based estuarine educational programming with relevant cultural and ecological components, and work with tribal and non-tribal schools to integrate this programming into K-12 programs. In support of educational programming, cultivate and maintain relationships with Great Lakes tribal partners and the Lake Superior NERR staff to support the Green Bay NERR's education programs. Research : Contribute to the development and implementation of the reserve's research programs. Serve as a liaison between Great Lakes tribal partners' estuary, wetland, and coastal research needs and the development of the Green Bay NERR's research agenda. Stewardship: Design and deliver programming on cultural resources and stewardship-related topics, issues, and programs relevant to Great Lakes tribal partners and Great Lakes coastal ecosystems in oral and written form to partners, colleagues, and the public. Training:  Design and deliver estuary, wetland, and coastline-relevant training programs among Great Lakes tribal partners, Green Bay NERR designation staff, and the Lake Superior NERR.  Contribute to securing extramural funding efforts on shared NERR and tribal interests around coastal and estuarine research, education, stewardship, and training.  Assist with monitoring, tracking, and managing the outreach program budget, and evaluating the effectiveness and performance of the outreach program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree at time of application  Demonstrated experience working with First Nations communities, governments, and/or schools  Evidence of effective intercultural communication skills that demonstrate ability to work with diverse populations and manage cultural differences  Demonstrated leadership in planning, implementing and evaluating multi-partner programs 

  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Masters degree Knowledge about Wisconsin First Nations history, culture, sovereignty and contemporary status with a focus on the Ho Chunk Nation, Menominee Indian Tribe, and the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Familiarity with Act 31 and experience developing relevant programs/content Experience working with First Nations knowledge bearers or oral scholars A background in ecology, natural resource management or science education Experience developing programs in the area of natural resources with an emphasis on freshwater, and a focus on K-12 education and/or training programs

The successful candidate will be expected to work inclusively and respectfully within a diverse campus community and practice civility in the workplace. The University welcomes applicants who are dedicated to the appreciation and promotion of inclusivity and equity as crucial components in the pursuit of organizational excellence.

In addition, the successful candidate will have strong oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills, demonstrated integrity and strong leadership, and the willingness to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. The University invites applicants who are dedicated to enriching the quality of life for students and the community by embracing the educational value of diversity, promoting environmental sustainability, encouraging engaged citizenship, and serving as an intellectual, cultural, and economic resource.

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