UNH Extension Seeks a Field Specialist, Forest Resources

This position is based at the Strafford County Cooperative Extension office in Dover, N.H. and also covers N.H.’s Belknap County. In an urbanizing and suburbanizing environment, the field specialist, individually and in cooperation with internal and external partners, provides extension forest resources education and assistance to landowners; citizens; natural resource organizations and professionals; the forest industry; communities; volunteers; and town, county, and state government. In conjunction with the Extension forestry state specialist and other state and county specialists, the field specialist develops programming on small woodlot management including using partnerships and new technologies to develop resources and deliver education for the under-10-acre woodlot owner on topics specific to their interests and needs such as programming on non-timber forest products, marketing forest products from small woodlots, and managing the small woodlot for wildlife. The forest resources field specialist also conducts woodlot visits with landowners, providing technical and educational advice regarding all components of forest stewardship, and provides educational programs and technical assistance for county residents, businesses and communities on forest management, wildlife, forest stewardship planning, and urban and community forestry. UNH is a federal contractor within the meaning of the Executive Order on Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This position may require that you be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the future, unless you apply for and receive a religious or medical exemption. 

Apply

• Work with a team of Extension state and field specialists to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate innovative educational programs in forest resources/forest management as specified in the Plan of Work, under supervision of the forest resources state specialist.
• Involve the County Cooperative Extension Advisory Council and local agencies and organizations in educational needs assessment and program development.
• Cooperate with colleagues to support, develop, implement and report disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs that benefit the host county and entire state.
• Serve on internal committees and external boards at the local, state or national level as appropriate to the position’s Plan of Work.
• Prepare appropriate reports required by UNH Cooperative Extension, county government, partners and funders.
• Perform other responsibilities to meet the needs of clientele, County Extension Advisory Council, funders and key partners such as the N.H. Division of Forests and Lands, N.H. Fish and Game Department, U.S. Forest Service and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Support programs for youth in forestry, wildlife and related areas (e.g., through schools, 4-H, Project Learning Tree, scouts and other outlets).
• Manage county-owned lands with guidance and approval of county commissioners through timber sales, stewardship plans, marketing information and assistance, cost-sharing and other revenue-generating opportunities.
• Ensure programmatic involvement of underserved and underrepresented audiences and ensure that all educational programming is designed and conducted in full accordance with civil rights, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and procedures.

Engagement & Outreach 

• Develop and implement county, regional, and statewide marketing strategies to promote UNH Extension and its educational/outreach/technical assistance programs in accordance with good public relations and the organization’s established marketing policies.
• Build and maintain relationships with UNH faculty in relevant disciplines.
• Develop partnerships with local and state agencies and organizations.
• Strive for productive relationships with elected and appointed officials.
• Engage the County Extension Advisory Council members in aspects of the Natural Resources team programs by keeping council members well-informed and seeking guidance from the council regarding meeting the needs of people in the county.
• Recruit, support and use natural resource volunteers (e.g., NH Coverts Cooperators, NH Natural Resources Stewards and NH Tree Farmers).
• Promote public awareness of the benefits and uses of local forests for products, wildlife habitat, water resources, erosion control, tourism and quality of life through mass media, social networking, computer technology, and demonstration areas on county and other public and private lands.

Communications 

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal verbal and written skills.
• Make effective and innovative use of media and computer technologies in educational program development and delivery and in disseminating information to the public.
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.
• Build productive working relationships with Extension colleagues in N.H. and other states.
• Maintain regular communication with the program team leader and area of expertise chair (an appointed Extension colleague who leads the field specialist’s work team). Keep them fully apprised of county issues, programs, needs and accomplishments, and involve them in programs to address these needs as appropriate.
• Market UNH Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the marketing and communications manager and co-workers as it relates to the mission of Cooperative Extension.

External Funding & Fiscal Management 

• In consultation with the program team leader and in accordance with UNH and Cooperative Extension external funding guidelines, seek external funds and/or cost recovery to sustain and enhance programs and achieve educational goals.
• Participate in grant-funded projects with Extension and other UNH and cooperator colleagues as appropriate and as approved by the program team leader.
• Utilize sound management strategies with county and state funding to enhance delivery of effective programs and provide assistance to clients.

Organizational Leadership and Support

• Serve as the UNH Cooperative Extension County Office Administrator (COA) when the need is identified and as advised by the program team leader and Extension administration.
• When it is another colleague’s time to serve as COA, support that person in the performance of their duties and carry out appropriately delegated responsibilities.
• Serve in Extension organizational leadership or committee roles.
• Welcome new Extension staff and engage in their success.
• Serve in a mentor capacity as needed and where appropriate.
• Provide input into the evaluation of co-workers.

Professional Development

• Develop and implement a professional development plan to maintain and enhance competence in appropriate subject areas and professional skills such as program design and evaluation, leadership, teamwork, group process, and facilitation.

• Master’s level or higher in appropriate discipline. One degree must be in forestry, wildlife, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A strong candidate with a B.S. level degree in forestry, wildlife, or a closely related field from an accredited institution with 3 years of experience may be considered if willing to obtain a master’s degree within 7 years of hire.
• Must be willing to become a New Hampshire Licensed Forester (see https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-foresters).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with co-workers and people with a variety of values and interests and of all ages, race, ethnic backgrounds, income, and education levels.
• Willingness to participate in professional development activities to add and enhance knowledge.
• Demonstrated competency managing forest land and related resources.
• Extension (or related) education, outreach and/or related programming experience.
• Proven ability to provide natural resources programming in an urbanizing and suburbanizing environment.
• Demonstrated competency with computers and current technology, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle and be willing and able to work some nights and weekends for programs, events or meetings as well as accomplish extensive, year-round, field work. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.

• At least 3 years of experience in extension or related landowner outreach, forest land management, invasive species management, urban forestry, arboriculture, small woodlot management, best management practices, markets, safety or forest law.
• Experience using social media to promote events and programming.
• Hybrid and/or online course/instruction development experience.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Hold Certified Arborist (N.H. Arborists Association or International Society of Arboriculture) credentials.

Apply

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status, genetic information, and political orientation. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.