Director of Extension Fire Program and Assistant​/Associate Professor; Extension Specialist

Position Details

• Department: Ext Wildland Fire Program (FOR)
• Position Title: Administrator 2‑Rank Assoc Dir
• Job Title: Director of Extension Fire Program and Assistant/Associate Professor (Extension Specialist)
• Appointment Type: Professional Faculty
• Location: Oregon
• FTE: 1.00 (0.50 FTE Director + 0.50 FTE Assistant/Associate Professor)
• Benefits Eligible: Full‑time, benefits eligible
• Remote or Hybrid Option: Yes, position may be conducted remotely in agreement with supervisor

The position combines leadership of the FNR Extension Fire Program with an academic faculty role. The Director of Extension Fire Program leads programmatic activities, supervisions six regional specialists and a manager, and directs research-based education and outreach aligned with fire resilience and environmental justice. The Assistant/Associate Professor provides applied research, scholarship, and extension support to advance wildfire resilience and adaptation across forests, rangelands and other ecosystems in Oregon.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research‑based education and outreach programs.
• Supervise and support program faculty and staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team environment.
• Work across Extension, university units, and external partners to identify emerging issues and integrate current fire science into programming.
• Build and maintain partnerships with state, tribal, federal agencies; NGOs; and other stakeholders to enhance program reach and impact.
• Represent the program at state, regional and national levels, contributing leadership to wildfire policy and resilience efforts.
• Conduct applied research on wildland fire science issues to support resilience and equity goals.
• Secure external funding and manage program budgets.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and serve on graduate committees.
• Participate in professional and scientific organizations and serve on university committees.
• Provide technical assistance, capacity building, and analytical service to partnerships related to wildfire resilience and adaptation.
• Prepare and deliver scientific presentations and publish results in appropriate outlets.

• Doctoral degree in natural resources management, social sciences, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing informal education regarding wildland fire.
• Experience leading teams and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Oregon.

• Knowledge of Oregon ecosystems, natural resources, and wildland fire issues.
• Experience supervising a diverse team and fostering inclusive environments.
• Experience in multi‑stakeholder collaborations in natural resources.
• Track record of securing external funding and managing a budget.
• Experience producing scholarly outputs, including peer‑reviewed publications and extension materials.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to communicate with media and respond to public inquiries.
• Excellent organizational and strategic planning skills.

• Medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance; university pays 95% of premiums.
• Free confidential mental health and counseling services.
• Retirement savings plan funded by the university.
• Paid leave, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for employee and qualifying dependents.
• Work‑life programs, including flexible arrangements and dual‑career resources.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident and critical illness insurance.

Typical work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Travel throughout Oregon is required.

Ability to talk, listen, observe, stoop, reach, sit, stand, use repetitive motions, operate a computer, and drive for travel.

Salary range: $94,000 – $130,000 per year, payable monthly.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU is a fair‑chance employer committed to inclusive hiring and conducts background checks as required.

Micah Schmidt
micah.schmidt