Extension Program Assistant, Forestry

Part-Time Program Assistant

Location:

This position is located off-campus at the Wye Research & Education Center on the Eastern Shore in Queenstown, MD.

Position Summary:

The Forestry Extension Program within the University of Maryland Extension seeks a part-time Program Assistant to support research and education initiatives across Maryland. This role will assist with forest field data collection, coordination of workshops and events for key forest stakeholders, and written outreach (e.g., newsletters and Extension publications). The Program Assistant will interface regularly with UMD faculty and external partners statewide.

Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze ecological and silvicultural data in remote forest field locations across Maryland
• Apply technical expertise and knowledge in basic plant identification, plot sampling methods, and field safety protocols
• Perform technical duties to ensure rigorous data collection, data entry, and data cleaning/quality control to support the research and advising activities of the forestry program
• Assist and provide expertise for field operations and on-site field activities depending on experience and project needs
• Prepare educational literature, newsletters, promotional circulars, and program documents for distribution
• Support forestry faculty with technical duties to carry out teaching, demonstration, and educational outreach activities
• Assist in promoting and marketing educational programs, including coordinating logistics, outreach, registration, and materials setup/takedown for workshops, seminars, and field events
• Participate in the evaluation of the program by entering, organizing, and maintaining evaluation data
• Respond to oral and written requests for information, and attend or participate in conferences and partner meetings as needed
• Lead promotional and marketing efforts to recruit and register participants for forest landowner training courses
• Recruit, train, and serve as a primary point of contact for volunteer program leaders within the network
• Utilize automated systems and personal computers to develop and maintain database for volunteer communications, tracking, and relationship management

Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience with educational programming, event coordination, and/or workshop support
• Experience with volunteer management or community engagement
• First Aid/CPR certification
• FAA Part 107 certification (UAS/drone)
• Experience with RStudio and/or other statistical software

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to field sites and meetings as needed
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage work across multiple databases and workflows
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and quality
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to work in outdoor field settings, including:
• Ability to hike on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift and carry 25–40 lbs of field or event materials

Additional Notes:

• The program is seeking a candidate who is eager to learn the basics of Maryland forest ecosystems and Extension programming.
• Fieldwork and event support may occur in variable outdoor conditions and may include occasional evening or weekend commitments depending on programming needs.
• Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work visa requirements.