Community Outreach Professional I (Willcox, AZ)

The primary purpose of the position is to focus on developing, delivering, and administering educational and outreach programs that promote lifelong learning and water conservation practices to various external audiences. This position is primarily responsible for planning and coordinating programs that enhance public understanding and action on Water-Wise practices, Xeriscaping, and the identification of native and low-water-use plants.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Water Conservation and Technical Support:

• Provide technical advice on water conservation issues, offering problem-solving assistance to individuals or groups.
• Conduct water audits for residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional entities within the Sierra Vista Sub-watershed and throughout Cochise County to promote conservation efforts.

Communications and Outreach:

• Develop promotional materials such as newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, and digital content (e.g., for Facebook, websites) to raise awareness about water conservation.
• Coordinate and manage outreach activities, including the use of local media, workshops, and presentations, to educate the community on water resources and conservation.
• Organize and facilitate workshops and meetings, including logistics, scheduling, and participant communication.
• Host and coordinate events such as the water harvesting workshops, the Xeriscape tour, and Water Awareness Month.
• Write and distribute monthly articles for newspapers or newsletters to keep the community informed about water conservation.
• Coordinate media outreach, including maintaining contact with local media outlets and ensuring the timely dissemination of water-related information.

Community Engagement:

• Maintain relationships with community supporters, especially those involved in the Water Wise program, ensuring their continued participation and contributions.
• Coordinate and facilitate the USPP retail work group and facilitate grant Application processes, involving community partners in funding initiatives for water conservation.

Evaluation and Reporting:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of educational activities and outreach programs, making adjustments as necessary to ensure success.
• Prepare reports on program progress and effectiveness, keeping management or outside agencies informed about the status of water conservation efforts.

Collaborative Tasks:

• Work collaboratively with the Community Outreach Professional, Water Wise Youth Educator, to coordinate presentations, information tables, and the stocking of information racks and flyers, and social media websites, ensuring consistent outreach.
• Share responsibility for hosting Saturday presentations, coordinating media efforts, and other tasks that contribute to the overall water conservation strategy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of teaching principles, practices, and procedures; knowledge of principles of curriculum development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully work with clientele and colleagues and willing to support a variety of teaching methods.
• Ability to use current computer technology and distance-bridging technologies to expand learning opportunities, including social media, and an effective marketing strategy to reach youth and adult audiences.
• Ability to perform activities associated with conducting programs using reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to be self-motivated, a creative thinker, and resourceful.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel county-wide, approximately 40% of work will be in rural Cochise County.
• Ability to connect, disconnect, and tow a trailer.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, education, horticulture, or related field, or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• At least one year of relevant work experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience conducting community outreach and education.
• Experience delivering workshops, lessons, and presentations.
• Experience with grants and funding initiatives.