The Oregon State University Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society and the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources Extension invite applications for two full-time Assistant Professors of Practice – Urban Forestry Extension Specialist positions.

Given that the majority of the global and U.S. population lives in cities, there is increasing demand for urban forestry professionals who can help cities plan and maintain a sustainable and resilient community in the face of changing environmental and social conditions. These positions will provide online instruction and extension in some combination of the following topics: urban forestry principles, arboriculture, tree health, climate-resilient landscaping, climate change mitigation through urban vegetation, greenspace development, wildland-urban interface issues. green infrastructure, planning, policy, environmental justice, management, and leadership. The incumbent will be a member of the Forest Ecosystems and Society (FES) Department, which provides education, outreach, and research in the areas of forest science, natural resources, tourism, recreation, and adventure leadership. The incumbent will also contribute to the Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Extension team that provides non-credit learning experiences on forestry and natural resource issues to a wide range of audiences.

The incumbent will be expected to:

Teach online undergraduate and graduate courses on urban forestry, green infrastructure and other related natural resource topics. The faculty member should inspire students to engage critically with diverse knowledge systems and foster an inclusive learning environment. Teaching will occur via Ecampus, contributing to the undergraduate Natural Resources program, Graduate Certificate in Urban Forestry, and Master of Natural Resources programs. Provide non-credit learning experiences through Extension programming by identifying and addressing clientele needs and delivering non-formal learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, tours and demonstrations, as well as educational communications such as peer-reviewed publications, podcasts, social media posts, videos, and web and newsletter articles. Conduct research or scholarship centered on urban forestry, arboriculture, or similar topics Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. The faculty member will support students’ academic and professional growth. Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service initiatives to advance our mission and objectives. Demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice (DEIJ) issues in all aspects of academic and professional life. This includes promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and helping build allyships across cultures.  

Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining compassionate and inclusive learning and working environments for all learners, visitors, and employees. We envision collaborative community environments that enhance civility and embrace diversity. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language Access regulations. In addition, faculty members will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Extension programs to ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation. To learn more about the OSU Division of Extension and Engagement’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unit, please visit our website: . Also, please see OSU Moving Forward Together: .

This faculty member embeds the commitment of the university to a collaborative and inclusive community in all interactions and duties performed while fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

40% Teaching and Advising

Teach 1–2 online (Ecampus) classes per term, approximately 15-20 quarter credits per year, including online undergraduate and graduate level courses in topics such as urban forestry, arboriculture, green infrastructure, and urban forest data analysis. Develop and/or redevelop on-line (ECampus) courses as needed. Supervise a Graduate Teaching Assistant as needed. Participate in FES graduate or undergraduate programs through mentoring and advising of students and serving on student committees.  

40% Extension

Design, deliver, and evaluate non-credit educational programs and events, such as workshops, short courses, seminars, field tours, webinars, web-based instructional modules, and presentations on subjects important to clientele, using a diversity of perspectives in program content. Develop educational materials such as Extension web content, newsletter articles, podcasts, videos, social or mass media content, and other digital content. Develop an annual plan of work that addresses educational needs and evaluates the quality and impact of educational programs provided. Work as a team with other Extension faculty and staff in planning, implementing, evaluating, and marketing programs on a county, regional, and statewide basis. Engage youth indirectly through teacher professional development or directly through outdoor schools, camps, and other youth events. Use multiple methods of electronic communication (i.e., websites, publications, video conferencing and other online methods) to collaborate internally and externally. Contribute to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of teaching, educational delivery, advising, research, Extension, service, and/or scholarly outcomes.  

10% Research and Scholarship

Conduct research or scholarship on urban forestry, green infrastructure, environmental justice, ecological restoration, arboriculture, or urban forest planning, policy, and management. Synthesize and communicate results of research through outlets including refereed journals, books and book chapters, extension publications, scientific meetings, and professional workshops. Secure competitive grants and contracts appropriate for the scope and focus of the faculty member’s position.  

10% Service and Professional Development

Participate annually in departmental, college, and university level affairs and governance, including leadership in curriculum and program development. Serve as a mentor to other faculty and staff in the department and Extension Program. Examples of service activities could include serving on College of Forestry committees, Extension committees, OSU leadership committees, and committees of professional societies. Service is also expected in support of industry, academic organizations, facilitating student-industry interface and other professional groups and associations. The individual will also be expected to participate in professional development opportunities that are appropriate for the assignment and specialty.  

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related discipline at time of hire Experience providing technical urban forestry assistance or conducting urban forestry outreach or partnership activities with diverse audiences or organizations Record of, or potential to work with a variety of types of learners in diverse settings such as classrooms and online for-credit education opportunities, or non-credit learning opportunities such as presentations, workshops, field trips, demonstrations, and continuing professional development. Life experiences, training, and/or education that demonstrates a commitment to promoting the values and mission articulated in the College of Forestry’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Strategic Plan. Potential to conduct or support scholarly or applied research. Excellent written and oral communication skills.  

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related discipline at time of hire. Experience teaching urban forestry related curricula or course content. At least 3 years professional field experience in urban forestry or arboriculture. One advanced professional credential (such as a Certification offered by ISA, ASLA, APA, etc or a professional license). Ability to translate scientific and technical course content to a variety of learning contexts, ability to use multiple forms of digital communication tools and a willingness to adapt to a changing technological environment. Potential to provide leadership to teams and individuals that could include citizen/community scientists, volunteers, supervisees, and students. OSU is an AA/EOE/Vets/Disabled fair chance employer.

Application Deadlines: November 18, 2024 (full consideration), and November 25, 2024 (final closing)

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