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

Position Summary

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. The Director oversees the FNR Extension Fire Program and administers the program, while the Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice engages in Extension, applied research and scholarship at a part‑time (0.50 FTE) capacity. Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; promotion may be considered based on qualifications.

Director of Extension Fire Program

• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of research‑based education and outreach programs aligned with the program’s mission of fire resilience, adaptation, and fire‑adapted ecosystems.
• 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, integrate current fire science into programming, and ensure alignment with stakeholder and community needs.
• Build and maintain partnerships with state, tribal, and federal agencies, NGOs, and other relevant groups.
• Represent the program at state, regional, and national levels, contributing leadership and expertise in wildfire policy and resilience.
• Monitor trends in wildland fire science and community engagement, secure and manage external funding, and oversee the program budget.
• Coordinate with the Fire Program Manager on planning, development, and assessment of educational outreach programs and curriculum content.

Extension Specialist

• Assess needs and assets of target audiences and use results to focus program development efforts.
• Develop and deliver educational programs (classes, workshops, field tours, webinars, etc.) focused on wildfire resilience and adaptation.
• Create Extension publications, newsletters, social media content, videos, and peer‑reviewed articles.
• Provide technical assistance, capacity building, and analytical services to partnerships related to wildfire resilience.
• Develop an annual plan of work that addresses educational needs equitably across the state.

Applied Research and Scholarship (10 %)

• Conduct applied research on wildland fire science issues in Oregon’s forests, rangelands, and other ecosystems, focusing on resilience, adaptation, and equity.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and serve on graduate committees.
• Produce scholarly outputs such as peer‑reviewed publications, professional presentations, and practice‑based studies.

Service (5 %)

• Participate on emergency services and natural resource management advisory councils and committees.
• Serve on Department, College, and University committees and represent the wildfire resilience discipline.
• Act as peer reviewer for journals and other scientific outlets.
• Participate in professional and scientific organizations.

• Master’s degree in natural resources management, social sciences, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing informal education regarding wildland fire.
• Experience leading teams through collaborative decision‑making.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders and communities, including native tribes, industry, and public audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• For Associate Professor (Practice) rank, a record of accomplishment in wildland fire science and instruction meeting OSU teaching, advising, scholarship, and service criteria.

• Knowledge of Oregon ecosystems, natural resources, and wildland fire issues.
• Experience supervising a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Experience in multi‑stakeholder collaboratives in natural resources.
• Track record of producing scholarly outputs, including peer‑reviewed publications and Extension materials.
• Experience securing external funding and managing budgets.
• Commitment to respectful, safe, and inclusive work environments.
• Ability to communicate with media and respond to public inquiries.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Full‑time salary range: $94,000–$130,000 (subject to skill level, education, and experience).

Work hours:

8 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday; occasional weekday nights and weekends required. Travel throughout the state is required. Work can be performed remotely as agreed upon with supervisor.

Physical requirements include standing, walking, reaching, and operating a computer for extended periods.

OSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU commits to inclusive excellence and encourages applications from historically underrepresented groups.