Director of Extension Fire Program and Assistant/Associate Professor (Extension Specialist)
About the role
The Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) and Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, combination position as Director of Extension Fire Program & Assistant/Associate Professor: Extension Specialist.
Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based education and outreach programs that align with the team’s mission.
Supervise and support program faculty and staff, providing guidance on program planning, delivery, and evaluation while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
Work across Extension, university units, and external partners to identify emerging issues, integrate current fire science into programming, and ensure alignment with stakeholder and community needs.
Build and maintain partnerships with state, tribal, and federal agencies; non-governmental organizations; and other relevant groups to enhance program reach and impact.
Serve as a key representative of the program at state, regional, and national levels, contributing leadership, expertise, and coordination in advancing wildfire policy, preparedness, and resilience efforts.
As an Extension Specialist, this position will have responsibility for Extension and Applied Research/Scholarship. Their work will address wildland fire science issues in forests, rangelands, and other ecosystems in Oregon to support wildfire resilience and foster fire-adapted cultures and ecosystems.
Seek to understand stakeholder needs and assets, and use these insights to develop and deliver tailored educational opportunities, providing technical assistance to support collaborative, landscape-scale wildfire resilience and adaptation efforts.
Conduct applied research in wildland fire science to support wildfire resilience, a culture of adaptation, and fire-adapted ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest, securing external funding and publishing and presenting research results.
Requirements
A Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., forestry, ecology, fire science) with a strong background in wildland fire management, ecosystem restoration, or related areas.
Experience in leading and managing interdisciplinary teams, including staff and partners.
Proven track record of successful program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Ability to secure external funding and manage budgets.
Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with various stakeholders.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Qualifications
Doctorate in a relevant field (e.g., forestry, ecology, fire science).
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in wildland fire management, ecosystem restoration, or related areas.
Experience in leading and managing interdisciplinary teams, including staff and partners.
Proven track record of successful program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with various stakeholders.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Skills
Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
Ability to secure external funding and manage budgets.
Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with various stakeholders.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Benefits
Benefits eligible positions that are designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. Retirement savings paid by the university. A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Pay
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Schedule
This is a part-time (0.50 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position with an academic home in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society. The position is housed within the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program (FNR), within the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.