Assistant/Associate Professor: Extension Specialist in Forest Health - Oregon State University

Job Listings Title:
Assistant/Associate Professor: Extension Specialist in Forest Health - Oregon State University

Post Date
8/22/2024

Expiration Date
11/20/2024

Details:
The Department of Forest Engineering, Management, and Resources invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, tenure-track, Assistant/Associate Professor: Extension Specialist in Forest Health position.

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

Any hiring at the rank of Associate Professor/Professor with indefinite tenure will be subject to a successful out-of-cycle tenure review process: https://facultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu/out-cycle-tenure-review-procedure.
This position will serve as an Extension Specialist in Forest Health, with responsibilities for Extension, Research, and Teaching. This position will focus on a broad range of topics associated with forest health, including climate-resiliency, native and exotic pests and diseases impacting forests of the Pacific Northwest. The incumbent will develop educational materials, programs, and their own applied research program focused on contemporary issues related to forest health. This position will work closely with other Extension faculty and as a critical member of the Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Extension Program in the College of Forestry.

The incumbent will provide technical assistance and training to stakeholders, including support to industry, academic organizations, professional groups, and associations. They will conduct a range of Extension activities, including technical assistance and training to stakeholders, industry, academic organizations, professional groups, tribes, and community groups. Building upon Extension’s record as a trusted knowledge broker, the incumbent will support communities and the forest sector to move towards collective action that leads to positive and sustainable social and ecological outcomes. The incumbent should be prepared to deal with various issues, perspectives, and priorities relating to forest management. In this, they will be aided by the interdisciplinary tools, collaborative focus and participatory approaches that are the foundations of the College of Forestry Extension Program.

The incumbent will develop a successful research program in the areas related to forest health, invasive species, entomology, pathology, climate resiliency, and other relevant topics. The incumbent’s research will contribute to the Department’s sustainable and equitable forest management focus. Each faculty member is expected to secure funds for extramural research, successfully mentor graduate students, and publish their research results in peer-reviewed journals.

In addition, the incumbent will participate annually in departmental, college, and university-level affairs and governance.

The Forestry and Forest Engineering undergraduate degree programs are accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission. The successful candidate will join the faculty in these programs to deliver quality instruction by teaching up to one 3-credit, undergraduate or graduate course in forest health annually..

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For more information on our commitment to inclusive excellence, see: https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/president/moving-forward-together.

Qualifications:

 

• PhD in Plant Pathology, Entomology, or a closely related field with an emphasis on forest health and forest ecosystems.
• Demonstrable commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
• Record of, or potential for, delivering non-formal (non-credit) educational programs to external audiences or formal (for-credit) education to university students (e.g. digital, print, etc.).
• Evidence of prior teaching experience and a high potential for teaching excellence. Evidence could include peer evaluations from prior teaching roles or completion of a college teaching certificate program.
• Demonstrated strength in oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to produce scholarly outcomes through publications and/or scholarly presentations relevant to forest health.
• For individuals seeking the rank of Associate Professor, candidate should meet the OSU teaching, advising, research, and service criteria for appointment at the desired rank (see the OSU Faculty Handbook for details). OSU will consider previous years of experience at other, similar institutions towards timelines for rank or tenure promotions

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Comments:
Oregon State University is committed to maintaining and enhancing its collaborative, inclusive community that strives for equity and equal opportunity. As an OSU faculty member, the incumbent is responsible for helping to achieve these goals throughout all aspects of their work.

60% Extension Programming:
•Serve as a statewide Extension Specialist in Forest Health, providing education for and engagement with tribes, forest owners, professional natural resource managers, loggers and other forest workers, soil and water conservation districts, natural resource collaborative members, policymakers,and others.
•Design programming that reflects cultural, policy, and social implications of tribal connections to forests in Oregon. Base such programming on long-term relationship-building with tribal partners combined with OSU College of Forestry guidelines for working with tribes and other state and national policies and guidance documents.
•Assess the needs of intended audiences and use results to focus program development efforts. In doing so, carefully evaluate the needs of underrepresented or non-traditional Extension audiences and socially vulnerable groups.
•Develop a logic model or equivalent to demonstrate intentional planning with clearly defined objectives that link Extension efforts to outputs, outcomes, and impacts. Evaluate Extension programs regularly and prepare relevant impact statements. Conduct annual planning and reporting of accomplishments as required.
•Design, develop, and deliver non-credit educational programs and events, such as workshops, short courses, seminars, field tours, webinars, etc., on subjects important to clientele. This will require driving and travel throughout the state of Oregon.
•Develop and prepare educational program materials such as Extension publications, websites, online educational modules, videos, blogs, posters, etc.
•Collaborate with FNR faculty to deliver programming in counties around Oregon, maintain and update existing FNR core curriculum, develop new core curriculum modules, and lead FNR Extension group projects related to forest health; serve as lead for the Pest Scene Investigator program.
•Monitor and respond to emerging issues such as impacts of climate change, forest pests and diseases, invasives, and changing economic and social pressures.
•Participation in professional development opportunities appropriate for the current assignment and specialty is strongly encouraged and supported.

25% Applied Research:
•Manage and maintain an externally funded research program that contributes to at least one of the Department’s focal areas, focused on forest health issues in the Pacific Northwest Region (Oregon and beyond).
•Synthesize and communicate research results to scientific, forestry, and forest management communities through appropriate outlets, including refereed journals, scientific and professional meetings, workshops, and other appropriate events and electronic communication (i.e., websites, publications, video conferencing, and other online methods)
•Supervise Graduate Assistants and other research faculty as needed. Serve as major professor, co-advise, and participate as a committee member for graduate students as appropriate.

10% Teaching and Mentoring
•Teach up to one 3-credit undergraduate or graduate course in forest health annually.

5% Service
•Serve on departmental, college, and university committees as assigned.
•Participate in the workings of the FNR Extension Program, including attending scheduled planning and partner meetings, leading and participating in group projects, serving on Extension Service Committees, and mentoring newer Extension faculty.
•Establish and maintain professional relationships with appropriate organizations, societies, public agencies, and tribes.
•Contribute actively and provide leadership within relevant professional and scientific societies and associations, such as the Society of American Foresters and the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals.
•Contribute to agency-led task forces, such as the Emerald Ash Borer Task Force, working groups, and boards of organizations related to forest health in Oregon and beyond.
•Practice a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Employer:
Oregon State University
Contact:
Dan Stark

Email:
dan.stark@oregonstate.edu

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