Extension Field Specialist, Forestry, Cheshire County

County-Based Programming

• Conduct woodlot visits with landowners, providing technical and educational advice regarding all components of forest stewardship, including timber products, wildlife habitat, best management practices for water resource protection and erosion control, invasive species, recreation, forest resiliency, protection of threatened and endangered species and other needs based on the landowner’s objectives.
• Provide educational programs and technical assistance for county residents, businesses, and communities that include, but are not limited to, forest management, wildlife, forest stewardship planning, urban and community forestry, Christmas tree management, maple syrup production, tree insects and diseases, shade tree care, estate planning, forest resiliency, current use and timber tax, federal income tax, forest carbon programs, forest products marketing, selling timber, cost-share programs, water resources, wetlands, land protection, forest protection, forest laws, and access to resources related to the economic viability of forests, forest-related businesses, and communities.
• Manage county-owned lands with guidance and approval of the county administrator and commissioners through timber sales, stewardship plans, marketing information and assistance, cost-sharing, and other revenue-generating opportunities.
• Use mass media, social networking, computer technology, and demonstration areas on county and other public and private lands to promote public awareness of the benefits and uses of local forests for products, wildlife habitat, water resources, erosion control, tourism, and quality of life.
• Support programs for youth in forestry, wildlife, and related areas (e.g., through schools, 4-H, Project Learning Tree, and other outlets).
• Recruit, support, and use natural resource volunteers and citizen scientists (e.g., NH Coverts Cooperators, NH Natural Resources Stewards, Nature Groupie, and NH Tree Farm Program).
• Market UNH Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the marketing and communications team and co-workers.
• Ensure programmatic involvement of underserved and underrepresented audiences and that all educational programming is designed and conducted in full accordance with civil rights, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and procedures.
• Engage County Extension Advisory Council members in aspects of the natural resources team programs by keeping council members well-informed and seeking guidance from the council regarding meeting the needs of people in the county.
• Perform other responsibilities to meet the needs of clientele, County Extension Advisory Council, funders, and key partners such as the NH Division of Forests and Lands, NH Fish and Game Department, US Forest Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• When determined appropriate with supervisor and Extension administration, serve as the county office administrator (COA) of the Cheshire County Extension office. The COA develops and maintains relationships with county administrators, department heads, commissioners, and delegation members, and is responsible for facility and equipment management, office budget management, and supervision of administrative assistants, interns and other part-time or temporary employees. COA job responsibilities usually account for 20% of the employee’s time.

Statewide Programming

• In conjunction with the Extension forestry state specialist and other state and county specialists, assist with and conduct regional and statewide programming consistent with the specialist’s particular expertise to meet the needs of forest landowners, natural resource professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in the design and delivery of programs funded by grants and gifts.

Professional Development

• Develop and implement a professional development plan to maintain and enhance competence in appropriate subject areas and professional skills such as program design and evaluation, leadership, teamwork, group process, and facilitation.