Oregon State University · 12 hours ago
Director of the OSU Research Forests & Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (Practice): Silviculture Extension Specialist
Oregon State University is inviting applications for a full-time position as Director of the OSU Research Forests and Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (Practice): Silviculture Extension Specialist. The role involves providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of the research forests while also engaging in silviculture outreach and research to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.
EducationNon ProfitUniversities
Responsibilities
Develop and implement programs that advance public understanding of the educational, research, recreational, and management activities occurring on the forests
Anticipate the impact of forest management activities on recreation use, interface with user groups to increase understanding of access limitations and create learning opportunities about active forest management
Maintain and enhance relations with Tribal Nations, community partners, agencies, organizations, and industry representatives
Be responsive to community questions, concerns, and requests for information
Review, comment, and provide testimony on nearby land use actions that may affect the Research Forests
Engage in strategic planning for research and demonstration across all properties
Engage with faculty, staff, and students to design and carry out research on the forests
Ensure continuity of long-term research projects
Ensure research is documented and showcased to advance understanding of research activities and impact
Foster strategic use of satellite forests for research and demonstration by Extension faculty
Provide oversight of implementation of forest plans
Maintain and regularly convene meetings of the technical advisory group to monitor execution of the forest plan
Monitor progress on management plan: collect data, write reports, and document compliance
Review, modify, approve timber harvest plan and associated closures
Ensure annual appraisals are conducted for the three forest tracts for which this is mandated
Ensure fiscal viability by developing an annual budget and overseeing revenue-generating enterprises
Provide leadership, mentorship and team development for the Research Forest staff
Directly supervise the Associate Director of Operations and Recreation and Engagement Program Manager
Support onboarding and training for new employees and student workers
Facilitate discussions of topics associated with professional development, access, and inclusion within staff meetings
Practice a welcoming and respectful workplace environment
Participate in activities associated with the collective good of the forests (e.g., prescribed burning, herbicide applications, Get Outdoors Day, implementation of forest closures due to fire)
Serve as statewide Extension Specialist in Silviculture, covering all aspects of managing natural and plantation forests for timber, forest ecology, and other associated ecosystem values
Track trends, initiatives, and developments in silviculture science and forest management approaches, and integrate pertinent information into educational programs and partnerships
Assess priority needs, assets, and opportunities within target audiences
Develop an annual plan of work that addresses educational needs and evaluates the quality and impact of educational programs provided to audiences
Educational programming should include multiple means tailored to meet clientele needs
Develop educational materials such as Extension bulletins, magazine and newsletter articles, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and other social or mass media content
Develop culturally inclusive and socially cognizant marketing/promotional materials that ensure communication to a broad and diverse audience utilizing appropriate tools
Develop applied demonstration areas on Research Forests or other appropriate sites to use in educational programs
Contribute to FNR Extension program core curriculum and recurring programs
Provide local opinion leaders and decision makers with understanding and context of how the FNR Extension program relates to overall Extension programming in Oregon
Create accessible and inclusive environments that make space for a range of learner needs and provide reasonable accommodations
Supervise undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and/or professional faculty as needed for Extension non-credit programmatic and research needs
Develop and implement an applied research program in silviculture and related forest management to address critical needs of forest owners and managers
Conduct applied research to better inform practices or to assess impacts
Seek and secure contract and grant funds to support scholarly efforts
Serve on FNR Extension, FERM Department, and University committees as appropriate, participating in Extension group projects and providing disciplinary expertise for relevant statewide Extension programs
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or a closely related field
Demonstrated expertise in silviculture and forest ecology
Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively through collaborative decision-making and respectful engagement
Experience in financial management and budgeting, including developing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring fiscal accountability
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and communities, such as students, private landowners, Tribal Nations, natural resource professionals, industry representatives, agency personnel, and the general public
Demonstrated strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
For individuals seeking the rank of Associate Professor (Practice) or Professor (Practice): Candidate should have a demonstrated record of accomplishment in silviculture and formal or informal instruction that merits appointment as an Associate Professor (Practice) or Professor (Practice), meeting the OSU teaching, advising, scholarship, and service criteria for appointment at the desired rank (see the OSU Guidelines for Professor of Practice Appointments and Promotion for details). OSU will consider previous years of experience at other similar institutions towards timelines for rank promotions
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030
Preferred
Knowledge of Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems, silviculture practices, and natural resource management issues
Practical experience in forest management that balances multiple values (ecological, economic, recreational, educational) to advance applied science and public engagement
Experience developing and delivering educational programs to audiences with varying technical backgrounds
Demonstrated capacity to produce scholarly or professional outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, Extension materials, or professional presentations
Track record of securing external funding through grants, contracts, or partnerships
Demonstrated commitment to creating respectful, safe, and inclusive work and learning environments, including active efforts to engage historically marginalized or underserved communities
Ability to communicate effectively with media representatives and respond to public inquiries or concerns about forest management activities
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Company
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public research university that offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple fields.
H1B Sponsorship
Oregon State University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (146)
2024 (148)
2023 (91)
2022 (115)
2021 (72)
2020 (59)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$94.53MKey Investors
U.S. Department of DefenseUS Department of EnergyNational Safety Council
2025-01-13Grant· $11.9M
2024-12-04Grant· $0.5M
2024-06-13Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
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2025-12-16
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