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

The Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) and Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, combination position as Director of Extension Forest Program & Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice:
Extension Specialist, reflecting duties in both academic and administrative areas.

The Director of Extension Fire Program position is a part-time (0.50 FTE) 12-month professional faculty position and the Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice position is a part-time (0.50 FTE), 12-month fixed-term academic faculty position with an academic home in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society.

Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; however, appointment at a promoted rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.

The position is housed within the Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Program (FNR), within the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.

The Fire Program Director provides leadership of the FNR Extension Fire Program and supervision of Fire Program employees (six Regional Fire Specialists and one Fire Program Manager). The Director guides and supports the Fire Program team in pursuing its mission, vision, goals, and programmatic activities, which are focused on fire resilience, a culture of adaptation, and fire‑adapted ecosystems. The team’s mission is to foster fire‑adapted communities and resilient landscapes through place‑based partnerships, with a focus on equity and environmental justice.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research‑based education and outreach programs that align with the team’s mission.
• Supervise and support program faculty and staff, providing guidance on program planning, delivery, and evaluation while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team environment.
• Work across Extension, university units, and external partners to identify emerging issues, integrate current fire science into programming, and ensure alignment with stakeholder and community needs.
• Build and maintain partnerships with state, tribal, and federal agencies; non‑governmental organizations; and other relevant groups to enhance program reach and impact.
• Serve as a key representative of the program at state, regional, and national levels, contributing leadership, expertise, and coordination in advancing wildfire policy, preparedness, and resilience efforts.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to collaborations and partnerships related to wildfire resilience and adaptation.
• Conduct applied research and scholarship on wildland fire science issues in Oregon, including mentoring students and engaging in scholarly activities.

• Required
  • Master’s degree in natural resources management, social sciences, or other related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience providing informal education regarding wildland fire.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively through collaborative decision‑making and respectful engagement.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and communities, such as natural resource professionals, wildland fire managers, Tribal Nations, industry representatives, agency personnel, students, private landowners, and the general public.
  • Demonstrated strengths in interpersonal, written and oral communication.
• Preferred
  • Knowledge of Oregon ecosystems, natural resources, and wildland fire issues and needs.
  • Experience supervising a diverse team and fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment.
  • Experience participating in multi‑stakeholder collaboratives pertaining to natural resources.
  • Experience developing and delivering educational programs to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
  • Demonstrated capacity to produce scholarly outputs, including peer‑reviewed publications and Extension materials.
  • Track record of securing external funding through grants, contracts, or partnerships, and managing a budget.
  • Demonstrated commitment to creating respectful, safe, and inclusive work and learning environments, including active efforts to engage…