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Extension Specialist
Job Description
Posting Number
PG191653EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Extension SpecialistAnticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Education and ExperienceWork Schedule
Monday - Friday 8:00am – 5pm business hours, with occasional flex hours to attend night and/or weekend eventsJob Location
Raleigh NCDepartment
Forestry ExtensionAbout the Department
About the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources: The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is part of NC State University’s College of Natural Resources and is one of the oldest and largest departments of its kind in the nation. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, our activities include teaching, research, and extension. We are home to over 90 full time faculty and staff, more than 750 undergraduate and 150 graduate students. Inclusiveness and diversity are integral to our mission and commitment to excellence in education, extension, and research.
The department offers comprehensive undergraduate programs in Environmental Science; Environmental Technology and Management; Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; Forest Management; Natural Resources Ecosystem Assessment; and Natural Resources Policy and Administration; graduate non thesis programs in Environmental Assessment; Forestry; Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; and Natural Resources; as well as the traditional thesis degrees of MS and PhD in Forestry and in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.
We are recognized worldwide for our cutting-edge research of systems and issues that impact landscapes, populations, economics, policies, and cultures at local to global scales. Our research project teams are cross-disciplinary and are often comprised of experts from a variety of fields within FER, the broader College of Natural Resources, other colleges at NC State and representatives from government agencies, the private sector, industry or other universities.
We support NC State’s land grant mission by maintaining a robust extension and outreach program. We believe in sharing our knowledge with the people of North Carolina and supporting the economic prosperity of NC communities by enabling North Carolinians to make informed decisions concerning the management, enhancement, and enjoyment of their forest and other natural resources through sound, research-based information and education.
About NC State University Cooperative Extension: As a land-grant university, NC State has a unique and important obligation to serve our state through Extension. It’s what sets us apart from other universities. Working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), NC A&T State University, local governments, and industry and community partners, we help create economic, societal and intellectual prosperity across North Carolina. NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We envision to be the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians.
Essential Job Duties
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University is seeking an effective and dynamic educator to fill the Extension Specialist in Forest Management position. This is a full time, 1.0 FTE, 12-month professional staff position within the department’s 10-person Extension Forestry team of 4 faculty and 6 professional staff. The Department’s Extension team works collectively with faculty and staff in tourism and wood products to form the overall Extension program in the College of Natural Resources. The position is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, but requires travel throughout North Carolina. The Forest Management Specialist will provide leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming and materials with an emphasis on multi-use forest management and silviculture for woodland owners. Topics may include (but are not limited to) forest management, forest stewardship, reforestation, invasive species, wildlife, non timber forest products, and climate adaptation and mitigation. In addition, the Specialist will build collaborative partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including county Extension personnel, landowners, state and federal agencies, non-government organizations, natural resource professionals and others to increase the visibility and reach of Extension Forestry. They will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programming to diverse audiences, including stakeholders from diverse socio-demographic groups and with varied background knowledge of forest management.
The Specialist will work with researchers within the College of Natural Resources, across the university, and other agencies to interpret and disseminate current research findings consistent with the philosophy, policy, and overall educational objectives of North Carolina Cooperative Extension and NC State University. Educational information and program delivery will be in cooperation with the 101 Extension Centers throughout North Carolina, current Extension Forestry team members, statewide partners and stakeholders, and should use a variety of delivery strategies appropriate for the target audience. Strategies could include workshops, short-courses, demonstration projects, webinars, podcasts, publications, fact-sheets, mass media, and social media. The Forest Management Extension Specialist will report to the Associate Dean of Extension, Department Extension Leader in the College of Natural Resources.
Other Responsibilities
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
- Develop, execute, and evaluate an innovative and inclusive state-wide extension forestry program with an emphasis on multi-use forest management and silviculture for woodland owners
- Provide current research-based information to county Extension personnel, landowners, state and federal agencies, non-government organizations, natural resource professionals
- Employ a variety of teaching and communication methods and formats tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences
- Seek external funding that expands the impact and reach of their Extension program
- Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable partnerships and collaborations with county Extension personnel, landowners, state and federal agencies, non-government organizations, natural resource professionals and other stakeholders
- Engage in service to the department, college, Cooperative Extension, university, and profession
- Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Demands of the Position: The physical demands of the position described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the basic essential functions of the Extension Specialist in Forest Management position. The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources is committed to determining and supporting accommodations as needed to meet the physical demands of this position.
- Presenting information through vocal and written communication to individuals and large groups
- Transport materials between event locations, including loading and unloading a vehicle with event materials, some weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Setting up and breaking down displays at events
- Setting up tables and chairs at events
- Many programs and events are outdoors, and may occur during temperature extremes or inclement weather conditions
Minimum Education and Experience
A Master’s degree(s) or higher in forestry, natural resources or related discipline.
Other Required Qualifications
- Applied knowledge and experience in forestry with emphasis on multi-use forest management and silviculture
- Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct, and evaluate participatory non-formal education programs
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including effective use of electronic and printed media
- Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multitask, set priorities, seek opportunities, manage resources, and exhibit success
- Basic knowledge of educational technologies (common computer software programs, Zoom, Panopto, PowerPoint/Google Slides, etc.) and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs and materials
- Evidence of the commitment to uphold and promote NC Cooperative Extension’s commitment to diversity and the College of Natural Resources values of Equity and Inclusion, Community, Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainability
- Ability to match schedule to extension needs including the delivery of evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by programming and collaborator needs
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to obtain and/or maintain status as NC registered forester
- Knowledge of the Land Grant Mission and the role of Extension
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, work, teach and interact with diverse populations, including stakeholders from different socio-demographic groups and with varied background knowledge of forest management
- Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in non-formal settings, including but not limited to field days, demonstrations, workshops, and public events
- Demonstrated experience writing grants for external funding to support educational outreach programming
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate and/or implement an applied research program
- Experience using a variety of digital media tools to create engaging educational materials to reach expanding and new online audiences
- At least one degree in forestry from an SAF-accredited program.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
Obtain and maintain valid North Carolina driver’s license; willingness to drive extended distances statewide
Valid NC Driver's License required
YesCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
02/13/2023Anticipated Close Date
Open until filled.Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is being reposted. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.
Please submit a resume/CV, cover letter, contact information for references, and a one-page statement of Extension experience and philosophy (uploaded as other Document 1). Applicants may also submit an optional copy of transcripts.
Please submit a resume/CV, cover letter, contact information for references, and a one-page statement of Extension experience and philosophy (uploaded as other Document 1). Applicants may also submit an optional copy of transcripts.
Position Number
00109237Position Type
EHRA Non-FacultyFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency EventIs this position partially or fully funded on ARRA stimulus monies?
NoDepartment ID
150402 - Forestry ExtensionAA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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