Director of Extension Fire Program and Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice (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 of Practice: Extension Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and direction for assigned staff, including hiring and training employees, and planning, assigning, and reviewing work.
• Support staff in developing and achieving goals, assess performance through completion of written evaluations, and provide mentorship and coaching as needed.
• Promote professional development opportunities for assigned staff, and maintain a personal professional development plan, including training, conferences and workshops, and web-based learning opportunities.
• Establish, manage, and maintain internal and external partnerships including, but not limited to, other faculty and units within OSU, land and fire managers, non-governmental organizations, practitioner networks and science exchanges, and other academic institutions.
• Manage an FNR Extension Fire Program Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from these partner entities.
• Collaborate with team members, partners, and community leaders to identify education and engagement needs and priorities for initiatives related to fire resilience, cultures of adaptation, and fire-adapted ecosystems.
• Participate at the state and national level in promoting the FNR Extension Fire Program and in sharing program progress and achievements.
• Track trends, initiatives, and developments in wildland fire science, cross-boundary collaboration, and community engagement and education in the context of wildfire resilience and adaptation.
• Secure and manage external funding to support programmatic growth and expand statewide impact.
• Seek opportunities to promote and strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in the program and in the fields of wildfire resilience and adaptation more broadly.
• Seek opportunities to implement new and emerging program content, strategies, and tactics to reach underserved audiences across the state.
• Cook up and coordinate with the Fire Program Manager to facilitate the team in collective planning, development, implementation, and assessment of educational outreach programs and in planning and development of content for curriculum, publications and non-credit courses.
• Provides oversight of the fire program budget.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in a relevant field such as forestry, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in wildland fire management, research, or extension.
• Experience in leading and managing teams, supervising staff, and developing and implementing educational programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences and collaborate effectively with partners.
• Ability to secure external funding and manage budgets.
• Experience in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fields of wildfire resilience and adaptation.

Skills

• Knowledge of wildland fire science and management practices.
• Experience in developing and delivering educational programs and outreach activities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

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

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, combination position.