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Assistant Professor (Practice): Urban Forestry Extension Specialist

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Department: Forest Ecosyst & Society (FOR)

Appointment Type: Academic Faculty

Job Location: Oregon

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

Job Summary:

The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society AND the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources Extension invite applications for two full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term Assistant Professors of Practice – Urban Forestry Extension Specialist positions. Reappointment is at the discretion of each Department Head.

Given that the majority of the global and U.S. population lives in cities, there is increasing demand for urban forestry professionals who can help cities plan and maintain a sustainable and resilient community in the face of changing environmental and social conditions. These positions will provide online instruction and extension in some combination of the following topics: urban forestry principles, arboriculture, tree health, climate-resilient landscaping, climate change mitigation through urban vegetation, greenspace development, wildland-urban interface issues. green infrastructure, planning, policy, environmental justice, management, and leadership. The incumbent will be a member of the Forest Ecosystems and Society (FES ) Department, which provides education, outreach, and research in the areas of forest science, natural resources, tourism, recreation, and adventure leadership. The incumbent will also contribute to the Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR ) Extension team that provides non-credit learning experiences on forestry and natural resource issues to a wide range of audiences.

The incumbent will be expected to:

• Teach online undergraduate and graduate courses on urban forestry, green infrastructure and other related natural resource topics. The faculty member should inspire students to engage critically with diverse knowledge systems and foster an inclusive learning environment. Teaching will occur via Ecampus, contributing to the undergraduate Natural Resources program, Graduate Certificate in Urban Forestry, and Master of Natural Resources programs.
• Provide non-credit learning experiences through Extension programming by identifying and addressing clientele needs and delivering non-formal learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, tours and demonstrations, as well as educational communications such as peer-reviewed publications, podcasts, social media posts, videos, and web and newsletter articles.
• Conduct research or scholarship centered on urban forestry, arboriculture, or similar topics
• Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. The faculty member will support students’ academic and professional growth.
• Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service initiatives to advance our mission and objectives.
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice (DEIJ ) issues in all aspects of academic and professional life. This includes promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and helping build allyships across cultures.

Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining compassionate and inclusive learning and working environments for all learners, visitors, and employees. We envision collaborative community environments that enhance civility and embrace diversity. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language Access regulations. In addition, faculty members will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Extension programs to ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation. To learn more about the OSU Division of Extension and Engagement’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unit, please visit our website:

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion. Also, please see OSU Moving Forward Together: https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/president/moving-forward-together.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• 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.

Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

This faculty member embeds the commitment of the university to a collaborative and inclusive community in all interactions and duties performed while fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace culture.

40% Teaching and Advising

• Teach 1–2 online (Ecampus) classes per term, approximately 15-20 quarter credits per year, including online undergraduate and graduate level courses in topics such as urban forestry, arboriculture, green infrastructure, and urban forest data analysis.
• Develop and/or redevelop on-line (ECampus) courses as needed.
• Supervise a Graduate Teaching Assistant as needed.
• Participate in FES graduate or undergraduate programs through mentoring and advising of students and serving on student committees.

40% Extension

• Design, deliver, and evaluate non-credit educational programs and events, such as workshops, short courses, seminars, field tours, webinars, web-based instructional modules, and presentations on subjects important to clientele, using a diversity of perspectives in program content.
• Develop educational materials such as Extension web content, newsletter articles, podcasts, videos, social or mass media content, and other digital content.
• Develop an annual plan of work that addresses educational needs and evaluates the quality and impact of educational programs provided.
• Work as a team with other Extension faculty and staff in planning, implementing, evaluating, and marketing programs on a county, regional, and statewide basis.
• Engage youth indirectly through teacher professional development or directly through outdoor schools, camps, and other youth events.
• Use multiple methods of electronic communication (i.e., websites, publications, video conferencing and other online methods) to collaborate internally and externally.
• Contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, service, and/or scholarly outcomes.

10% Research and Scholarship

• Conduct research or scholarship on urban forestry, green infrastructure, environmental justice, ecological restoration, arboriculture, or urban forest planning, policy, and management.
• Synthesize and communicate results of research through outlets including refereed journals, books and book chapters, extension publications, scientific meetings, and professional workshops.
• Secure competitive grants and contracts appropriate for the scope and focus of the faculty member’s position.

10% Service and Professional Development

• Participate annually in departmental, college, and university level affairs and governance, including leadership in curriculum and program development. Serve as a mentor to other faculty and staff in the department and Extension Program. Examples of service activities could include serving on College of Forestry committees, Extension committees, OSU leadership committees, and committees of professional societies. Service is also expected in support of industry, academic organizations, facilitating student-industry interface and other professional groups and associations. The individual will also be expected to participate in professional development opportunities that are appropriate for the assignment and specialty.

What You Will Need

• Master’s degree in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related discipline at time of hire
• Experience providing technical urban forestry assistance or conducting urban forestry outreach or partnership activities with diverse audiences or organizations
• Record of, or potential to work with a variety of types of learners in diverse settings such as classrooms and online for-credit education opportunities, or non-credit learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, demonstrations, and continuing professional development.
• Life experiences, training, and/or education that demonstrates a commitment to promoting the values and mission articulated in the College of Forestry’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Strategic Plan.
• Potential to conduct or support scholarly or applied research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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.

What We Would Like You to Have

• PhD in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related discipline at time of hire.
• Experience teaching urban forestry related curricula or course content.
• At least 3 years professional field experience in urban forestry or arboriculture.
• One advanced professional credential (such as a Certification offered by ISA , ASLA , APA , etc or a professional license).
• Ability to translate scientific and technical course content to a variety of learning contexts, ability to use multiple forms of digital communication tools and a willingness to adapt to a changing technological environment.
• Potential to provide leadership to teams and individuals that could include citizen/community scientists, volunteers, supervisees, and students.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, possibly with limited overnight travel.
• Ability to work outside in inclement weather and in uneven or rough terrain, according to program needs.
• Travel/driving is required to provide Extension educational programming and services across the assigned region.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 18, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Statement of Teaching

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Paul Ries
paul.ries@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/5715445

https://www.jobelephant.com/