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

Position Summary

Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for a full‑time (1.00 FTE) combination position of Director of Extension Forest Program & Assistant/Associate Professor:
Extension Specialist. The role combines administrative leadership of the FNR Extension Fire Program with academic duties in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research‑based education and outreach programs aligned with the program’s mission of fire resilience and fire‑adapted ecosystems.
• Supervise program faculty and staff, providing guidance on planning, delivery, evaluation, and professional development.
• Collaborate across Extension, university units, and external partners to identify emerging issues, integrate wildland fire science, and ensure alignment with stakeholder needs.
• Build and maintain partnerships with state, tribal, federal agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance program reach.
• Represent the program at state, regional, and national levels, contributing leadership, expertise and coordination in wildfire policy and resilience efforts.
• Oversee budget, secure and manage external funding, and develop strategies for program growth.
• Coordinate with the Fire Program Manager on planning, development, and assessment of educational outreach and curricular content.
• Conduct applied research on wildland fire science issues, secure grant funding, publish results, and deliver scientific presentations.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and serve on graduate committees.
• Provide technical assistance, capacity building, and analytical services to partners and practitioners.
• Participate in service activities, including professional organizations, committees, and advisory boards.

• Doctoral degree in natural resources management, social sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing informal education regarding wildland fire.
• Experience leading teams effectively through collaborative decision‑making and respectful engagement.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders and communities, including natural resource professionals, wildland fire managers, tribal nations, industry representatives, agency personnel, students, private landowners, and the general public.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

• Knowledge of Oregon ecosystems, wildland fire issues and needs.
• Experience supervising a diverse team and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, high‑performing environment.
• Track record of securing external funding through grants, contracts or partnerships and managing a budget.
• Experience developing and delivering educational programs to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
• Demonstrated capability to produce scholarly outputs, including peer‑reviewed publications, Extension materials or professional presentations.
• Commitment to creating respectful, safe and inclusive work and learning environments.
• Ability to communicate with media and respond to public inquiries.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to lead strategic planning, set short‑ and long‑term goals, manage multiple projects.

Standard work hours are 8 AM–5 PM, Monday through Friday. Some weekday nights, weekends and travel throughout the state will be required. Work is performed indoors in a professional office environment and can be conducted remotely as agreed.

The position requires the ability to talk, listen, observe, stoop, reach, sit, stand, use repetitive motions, and frequently remain in a stationary position while operating a computer and standard office equipment. Driving is required for travel.

Recommended full‑time salary range: $94,000–$130,000 per year.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU is committed to inclusive excellence, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members and others who demonstrate the ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community.

Oregon State University will conduct a background check and a motor vehicle history check for all applicants as part of the hiring process.