Job Description

The School of Environment and Natural Resources in The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences seeks a Forestry Extension Program Director to provide leadership for a statewide program. This role will collaborate closely with a team of Extension professionals, faculty, and industry partners to advance education and outreach that supports forest landowners in managing and applying silvicultural practices to Ohio’s forest resources. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with forestry field experience and expertise in invasive species management and/or an understanding of how a changing climate will shape forest management into the future. As this is an Extension position, the ideal candidate will enjoy engaging diverse stakeholder groups, developing adult-focused educational programming, and supporting private woodland owners, land managers, and forestry professionals throughout Ohio.

The position will be based in Columbus, OH, but statewide travel is expected.

Position Description

Position applies developed industry knowledge and advanced understanding of concepts, principles, and technical capabilities related to natural resources Extension education across the state of Ohio.

The candidate will be expected to:

• Design, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive Extension program in forest management; oversee program marketing and evaluation; produce educational resources such as articles, fact sheets, and publications; develop and manage digital content, including websites and webinars; co-lead the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program (OWS), an Extension team that provides statewide forest stewardship to woodland owners, natural resources professionals, and land managers through a variety of educational programming. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Facilitate the delivery of forestry related subject matter required in the programming of partner Extension teams (including, but not limited to: Master Gardeners, Pesticide Education, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program).

• Offer expertise and programming opportunities at Ohio State Mansfield’s Ecolab, a hub for the Ohio Woodland Stewards program and a living demonstration lab for forest management.

• Manage the planning, distribution, and reporting of federal funds allocated through the Renewable Resource Extension Act (RREA) of the USDA-CSREES.

• Develop resources, presentations, and information leadership in the areas of silviculture, tree identification, woody plant identification, forest ecology, invasive species management, and other related topics.

• Represent Ohio in relevant professional organizations as well as with Extension professionals in the region to produce and implement multi-state forestry educational programming and resources. This includes, but is not limited to, building relationships with relevant organizations and individuals to identify current needs and collaboration opportunities.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 6 years of relevant experience required with, and knowledge of, management of woodlands; willingness to provide landowners with assistance regarding woodland management; experience with program and/or curriculum development and instruction and/or delivery; must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

8-12 years of relevant experience preferred. Experience with Extension programs. Advanced degree in forestry or a closely related field. Digital content creation experience.

This job profile is a Continuing Education Specialist 4 (S4 level) on the career roadmap.

The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications

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