Research Forest Director & Silviculture Extension Specialist
1.0 FTE, 12-month Split Appointment
For full consideration, apply by February 22, 2026

LEAD. INNOVATE. MAKE AN IMPACT.

Bridge research, forest stewardship, and Extension education to advance sustainable forestry in Oregon. The College of Forestry at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications from leaders, educators, and professionals to serve in a unique role that integrates strategic research forest management with silviculture extension and scholarship.

This position offers the opportunity to:

• Provide leadership for 10 research and demonstration forests spanning 18,000 acres across Oregon.
• Develop and implement forest plans and set a strategic vision for these properties as living laboratories for education, research, and community engagement.
• Connect stakeholders, students, and faculty to advance sustainable forest management and ecology, along with silvicultural practices statewide.

ABOUT THE ROLE
This position combines two complementary responsibilities:

• 0.5 FTE Research Forest Director – Provide strategic leadership and oversight for OSU’s Research Forests, which are actively managed to support multiple values including education, biodiversity, recreation, wildlife habitat, and forest health, while providing forest products. Oversee fiscal viability, collaborate with professional and technical staff, and engage diverse stakeholders while serving as a public ambassador.
• 0.5 FTE Silviculture Extension Specialist – Develop and deliver statewide Extension programming in silviculture and forest ecology. Conduct applied research and produce scholarly or professional outputs. Engage private forest owners, Tribal Nations, natural resource professionals, industry representatives, agency managers, and policymakers with science-based, locally relevant solutions.

FACULTY TRACK OPTIONS
We're recruiting for one position with flexible faculty appointment options to match your qualifications:

• Professor of Practice Track: Master’s degree required; focus on Extension education, applied research, and practice-based scholarship.
• Tenure-Track Professor Track: Doctoral degree required; additional emphasis on research and peer-reviewed scholarship.

WHY THIS POSITION IS UNIQUE
Bridging hands-on forest management of working landscapes, applied research, and community engagement, you have the opportunity to create synergies between OSU's research forests and statewide Extension programming. The Research Forests serve as demonstration sites that integrate multiple values—timber production, biodiversity conservation, recreation, education, and ecosystem services—providing real-world examples for Extension education. This position is an opportunity for professionals who want to connect forest operations, applied research, and Extension education to advance sustainable, science-based forestry practices.

QUALIFICATIONS 
We seek a leader with expertise in silviculture and forest ecology, demonstrated ability to lead teams through collaborative decision-making and respectful engagement, experience in financial management and budgeting, and proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders. You should have a commitment to Extension education and inclusive excellence, designing programs that serve communities in accessible, equitable, and socially just ways. Due to funding, OSU will not sponsor immigration work authorization for this position.