Position Summary: The College of Natural 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. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop, execute, and evaluate an innovative and inclusive state-wide extension forestry program with anemphasis 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

Qualifications: 

Educational Qualifications

• A Master’s degree(s) or higher in forestry, natural resources or related discipline. 

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, managere sources, 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
• Obtain and maintain valid North Carolina driver’s license; willingness to drive extended distances statewide
• 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.

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