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Land Use Outreach Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin · Stevens Point, WI · $58,000–$65,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell us about a workshop or program you designed for adults. How did you know it worked?

What they are checking: Whether they can design adult education with clear goals and real evaluation.

Tell us about a time you worked on a team like the CLUE team where people had different expertise.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate well and share credit within a small specialist team.

Tell us about a time you had to stay neutral on a local issue while people pushed you to take a side.

What they are checking: Whether they understand Extension's role is to educate, not to advocate for one outcome.

What would you do

A town board member says planning is a waste of money. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can talk respectfully with skeptical elected officials and show practical value.

How would you build partnerships with local government associations and other partners in your first six months?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan to earn trust with the groups this program depends on.

How would you explain a complex land use issue to a room of citizens who are angry about a proposed development?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay neutral and educational in a heated public setting.

How would you reach small rural communities that have no planning staff at all?

What they are checking: Whether they think about expanding access to audiences who need help most but ask for it least.

About the work

Walk us through how a Wisconsin community writes and updates a comprehensive plan, and where Extension can help.

What they are checking: Whether they understand comprehensive planning law and the real role Extension plays with local governments.

What implementation tools, like zoning, subdivision ordinances or official maps, would you teach local officials about first?

What they are checking: Whether they know the practical tools that turn a plan into action.

This role may help with budgets and fee-for-service projects. What experience do you have bringing in revenue or writing grants?

What they are checking: Whether they can help keep an outreach program funded beyond base budget.

What mapping or data tools, such as GIS, do you use when helping communities plan?

What they are checking: Whether they can use data and maps to make planning concrete for local officials.

Practice this interview out loud.

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Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Land Use Outreach Specialist Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Outreach Specialist Job Duties: The Land Use Outreach Specialist is a full-time (12-month) CNR academic staff member with responsibilities connected to the UW-Madison Division of Extension within CDI. The individual develops and delivers outreach programs on comprehensive planning and implementation tools for Wisconsin communities, collaborates with external partners and CLUE team members, and fosters strong relationships between Extension, local communities, and local governmental associations. The Outreach Specialist expands access to programs and educational services for various audiences, including local government staff and elected officials, and may assist with outreach program budget development, management, and pursuit of fee-for-service projects and other revenue-generating opportunities. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • E xtension and Outreach (80%): Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program; Researches, develops and delivers outreach programs and materials to community members; Delivers programs in both in-person and virtual formats; Evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement • Program Support (20%): May assist with the center’s administration activities; Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities Key Job Responsibilities: • Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program • Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program • Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members • Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials • Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement • May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending • Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers Department: The Center for Land Use Education (CLUE), creates learning opportunities for individuals and communities to make well-informed land use decisions recognizing complex trade-offs. CLUE is funded primarily through a cooperative agreement with the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Division of Extension. CLUE serves both the Natural Resource Institute (NRI) and Community Development Institute (CDI) within Extension. The faculty and staff work as a team on a diverse suite of conservation and community planning topics across the state. Our overarching objective is to help Wisconsin communities make informed land use decisions that sustain natural resources and meet community goals. Compensation & Benefits: The Land Use Outreach Specialist is a full-time , salaried , exempt , annual (12-month), academic staff position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $58,000-$65,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications. Eligible Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide . Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits. Required Qualifications: • Master’s degree in community planning, geography, soils, or related field with 3 years of professional planning experience • Professional experience with comprehensive planning, zoning, or land division ordinances • Excellent demonstrated verbal and written communication skills Preferred Qualifications: • 5 years of professional planning experience • Knowledge of Wisconsin planning and zoning context • Previous outreach and extension experience • Experience working with external partners • Ability to work in a team environment • Facilitation experience related to intergovernmental cooperation • Grant writing and budget management Education: Master’s degree in community planning, geography, soils, or related field with 3 years of professional planning experience How to Apply: TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by 10/14/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents: • Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience (1-page) • Outreach Statement (1-page) • Resume/Curriculum Vitae • Unofficial/Official Transcripts (Official Transcripts will be required of finalist) After you submit your application, you will be unable to edit it. Please be sure to include all required materials before submitting your application. Contact Information: Name: Lynn Markham, Shoreland and Land Use Specialist Email: lynn.markham@uwsp.edu Phone: 715-346-3879 If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email: Human Resources Email: human.resources@uwsp.edu Phone: 715-346-2606 Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. UW-Stevens Point does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply a minimum of three (3) professional references (one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor). It is preferred that you supply five (5) professional references (two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors). Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment. Special Notes: Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com . Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu. The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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