UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION (UME)
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Agent
Functional Title: Agent, Extension Specialist – Forest Management
Position Number: 103582
Category Status: Faculty Tenure Track, Full-Time, 12-month, 100% Extension.
Unit: AGNR-UME State Wide
Location: Western Maryland Research and Education Center, Keedysville, MD
Apply at: https://ejobs.umd.edu/
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Forest Management Specialist serves statewide and provides leadership for educational program development, delivery, and evaluation on a variety of forestry and natural resources topics for stakeholders such as woodland owners, professional natural resource managers, policymakers, conservation groups, and others. Topics include but aren’t limited to sustainable forest and timber management, small acreage forest management, forest finance, invasive species, forest water issues, and biomass and bioenergy. The Specialist will facilitate partnerships with university colleagues, local, state and federal agencies, forestry associations, nonprofit organizations and others to develop relevant educational products and programs.
The Specialist will be part of College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR) and University of Maryland Extension (UME), and work closely with the Environment and Natural Resource team, to provide leadership for forest management related programs. It is the responsibility of the Specialist to be self-motivated and work intentionally and collaboratively with partners to increase the visibility and reach of Extension Forestry programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The Specialist will use a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to conferences, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, websites, webinars, social media, publications, and mass media. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a timeframe defined.
The Specialist will report to the Assistant Director and Program Leader of the Environmental and Natural Resource Program.
Responsibilities:
- Develop a robust outreach program with emphasis on both traditional and small acreage forestry that utilizes western science and traditional knowledge where appropriate.
- Manage existing extension forestry programs such as: Branching Out Forest Stewardship Newsletter, Woods In Your Backyard, and Maryland Woodland Stewards.
- Conduct surveys as needed to determine needs of clientele.
- Collaborate with the partners, networks and interested parties on shared forest management objectives and priorities to expand and implement Extension programs.
- Contribute to Master Gardener, Master Naturalist and Watershed Stewards programs.
- Develop and disseminate educational resources, such as fact sheets, bulletins, newsletters, web-based resources, videos and mass and social media as appropriate for diverse audiences.
- Providing support statewide to county Extension faculty and state forestry agency personnel.
- Procure extramural funding sources to support Extension and applied research activities.
- Design and conduct applied research projects as necessary and within reason to address forest management issues.
Qualifications:
Required-
- Bachelor of Science in forestry or related natural resource management.
- Master’s degree in forestry or closely related field.
- Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in non-formal settings.
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including effective use of electronic and printed media.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and to manage competing time demands.
- Self-motivated person willing to set objectives, seek opportunities, provide leadership, and demonstrate success.
- Knowledge of the Land Grant mission and the role of Extension in Maryland.
- Demonstrated ability to use common computer software including proficiency with information technology.
- Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
- Personal transportation and valid driver’s license. Must be willing to travel statewide.
- Flexible work schedule for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
- This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferred-
- PhD preferred
- Minimum of 3 years of work experience in forest management discipline.
- Applied knowledge in silviculture, forest stewardship planning and practices, land use planning, forest tax issues, or other related natural resource management field
- Demonstrated experience in Extension, outreach or service related to forest management.
- Demonstrated ability in garnering grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming.
- Evidence of scholarship in applied research, Extension and/or outreach.
- Experience working with diverse audiences at all socioeconomic levels and demographic backgrounds.
Physical Demands of the Position:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
- A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 30 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
- Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at programs and events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
- Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base starting at: $61,035, PhD’s Base starting at: $72,896; The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. For more information regarding employee benefits visit: https://uhr.umd.edu/benefits/
Applications:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Closing Date: For best consideration, apply by December 4, 2022 or until an acceptable candidate is identified.
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.