The Department of Wildland Resources invites applications for the integral role of Smart Foodscapes Program Assistant (Program Assistant II) to lead communication activities among investigators, extension personnel, educators, and advisory board members of a USDA-NIFA multidisciplinary and multi-state project.  This role will also provide administrative support for the Smart Foodscapes Program and work with faculty for effective operations. 

For more information contact Juan Villalba (juan.villaba@usu.edu)

Program Assistance – 60%

• Provides support to administrators, faculty, academic, and/or research staff.
• Performs office management duties, including scheduling, filing, preparing paperwork, ordering supplies, and/or managing inventories.
• Coordinate monthly meetings for PI and Co-PIs and annual meetings for all project participants and advisory board members.
• Represents the department/program in a positive manner with students, staff, faculty, and the community.
• Schedule meetings.
• Assist in organizing workshops and conferences.
• Advises students, customers, or members of the general public about program specific requirements, regulations, services, etc.
• Coordinates program/department activities including conferences and events.
• Provides support in program compliance activities.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Program Communications – 40%

• Assist with developing outreach materials, and program reports.
• Lead the development of the program’s newsletter.
• Maintain and creates program website. This website will also serve as a link for integrating Co-PIs information and updates.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates the development of promotional materials, educational materials, training manuals, newsletters, and/or brochures.
• Serves as the liaison between administration, faculty, students who are participating in the program, and/or community members who serve as mentors.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience or an associate degree/technical training.
• Utah driver’s license for driving USU vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four years of experience or a bachelor’s degree, emphasis on communications preferred.
• Communications experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic computer programs skills to include Word, Excel, and common web site development program.
• Skilled in creative problem solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled with basic office equipment, including printers, copiers, and telephone systems.
• Ability to coordinate and organize meetings and/or special events.
• Knowledge of communication principles, media, and marketing techniques.
• Ability to take initiative and work without close supervision.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in teh Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

3. Contact information for at least 2 professional references.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not necessarily from occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023