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

Position Details

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 Forest Program & Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice: Extension Specialist, reflecting duties in both academic and administrative areas. The position is housed within the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program (FNR), within the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.

Job Summary

The Fire Program Director provides leadership of the FNR Extension Fire Program and supervision of Fire Program employees (six Regional Fire Specialists and one Fire Program Manager). The Director guides and supports the Fire Program team in pursuing its mission, vision, goals, and programmatic activities, which are focused on fire resilience, a culture of adaptation, and fire-adapted ecosystems. The team’s mission is to foster fire-adapted communities and resilient landscapes through place-based partnerships, with a focus on equity and environmental justice. The Director is expected to:

• 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.
• 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.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.