Extension Specialist in Arboriculture

Extension Specialist in Arboriculture, Department of Agricultural Science, College of Agriculture. This is a 12-month, full-time, 37.5 hours per week position on the Main Campus, Monday–Friday. Position Number 118060.

About the Role

Tennessee State University's Department of Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture is seeking a highly motivated candidate for an Extension Specialist position in Arboriculture. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing statewide extension educational programs related to arboriculture and urban forestry to reach underserved communities, small farmers, and under-resourced land/forest owners/managers. The incumbent will also conduct outreach activities to educate the public, landscapers, and homeowners on landscape management and tree care, teach an undergraduate dendrology course every other year, and participate in service activities supporting the department, college, and university related to arboriculture and/or urban tree management. A strong record of extension is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide statewide extension educational programming in arboriculture and urban forestry.
• Reach underserved communities, small farmers, and under-resourced land/forest owners/managers.
• Conduct outreach to educate the public, landscapers, and homeowners on landscape management and tree care.
• Teach an undergraduate dendrology course every other year.
• Participate in service activities to support the department, college, and university related to arboriculture and urban tree management.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• M.S. degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, forestry, horticulture, botany, environmental science, natural resource management, ecology, or a closely related field.
• ISA Certified Arborist.
• Effective communication skills with demonstrated experience in developing and executing extension and applied research programs.
• Demonstrated strong background/expertise in urban tree identification, tree species selection, tree planting, tree care, tree protection/preservation, tree anatomy and biology, community education and engagement, and tree equity.
• Demonstrated expertise and/or advanced knowledge in soil health, nutrient management, planting native trees/shrubs, tree climbing, tree pruning, tree removal, and use of related tools/equipment/heavy machinery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of managing large tree inventory datasets (e.g., updating new tree plantings, tree removal, and tree care/maintenance activities).
• Experience with extension program development, management, and communication using cutting-edge technology, tools, and platforms (e.g., social media).
• Experience creating extension/educational materials and conducting workshops, trainings, tours, and other extension/education activities for diverse audiences.
• Proven record of effective collaboration, partnership building, and marketing with partners, relevant agencies, and community groups.
• Demonstrated applied research experience in investigating, developing, managing, and implementing arboriculture and/or urban forestry-related projects.
• Ability to work productively independently and within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Familiarity with emerging environmental issues in the context of urbanization, climate change, and environmental injustice.

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans, and more.