Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations & Associate or Full Professor: Silviculture Extension Specialist

Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations & Associate or Full Professor: Silviculture Extension Specialist

Oregon State University

Department: College Forests (FOR)

Appointment Type: Professional Faculty

Job Location: Corvallis

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and experience.

Job Summary:

The College of Forestry (CoF) at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for a combination position as Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations & Associate or Full Professor: Silviculture Extension Specialist, reflecting duties in both academic and administrative areas.

The Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations position is a part-time (0.50 FTE) 12-month professional faculty position and the Associate or Full Professor position is a part-time (0.50 FTE), 12-month, tenure/tenure-track academic faculty position.

Any hiring with indefinite tenure will be subject to a successful out-of-cycle tenure review process: https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffacultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu%2Fout-cycle-tenure-review-procedure&data=05%7C01%7CRobbin.Sim%40oregonstate.edu%7C318b041759674c6e52fc08da32a8e24f%7Cce6d05e13c5e4d6287a84c4a2713c113%7C0%7C0%7C637877998169557266%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hNHBQzO7hhf3pOiZ6v%2Bwfu235ZKotkgdla%2B5qAbAe1k%3D&reserved=0.

As Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations, this position will provide critical leadership and oversight to the 9 Research and Demonstration Forests that span 15,000 acres, serving as living laboratories for learners of all types to gain insight into all aspects of forest management. As Silviculture Extension Specialist, this position will assess and address silviculture research and outreach needs for a variety of audiences and stakeholders including private forest owners, natural resource professionals, industrial and agency owners and managers, and policy makers. ,

The Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations must be a strategic planner capable of balancing responsibilities for implementation of a new forest plan, community relations, providing overarching vision and oversight of research, and leadership of personnel. They must ensure the forest operates in compliance with relevant federal and state regulations, prepare and monitor the research forest budget to ensure the forests are meeting expectations of economic as well as ecologic and social sustainability, and directly supervise the Research Forest Associate Director of Operations and the Recreation and Engagement Program Manager. They also provide supervision of forest operations undertaken by the Student Logging Training Program Manager. The Silviculture Extension Specialist is responsible for Extension programming, research and scholarly outputs, service, and functioning as a connector between Extension faculty and the research forests.

Commitment to inclusive excellence: 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, this individual 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.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world

• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

• 217k+ alumni worldwide

• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

• Retirement savings paid by the university.

• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

Research Forest Director of Research & Community Relations:

COMMUNITY RELATIONS – 15%

• In collaboration with the CoF Marketing & Communications team and forest Recreation & Engagement Manager, develop and implement a plan for advancing public understanding of the learning, research, and management activities occurring on the forests.

• In collaboration with the forest recreation staff and Associate Director of Operations, anticipate how harvest activities may affect recreation use, interface with user groups to increase understanding of access limitations, and create learning opportunities about active forest management.

• Maintain and enhance relations with Tribal Nations and with agencies, organizations, industry representatives, and other individuals associated with the 9 Research and Demonstration Forests.

• Respond to inquiries and input received through a variety of media (e.g., email, phone, digital contact page, walk-in visitors).

• Respond to legal concerns and public record requests.

• Review, comment, and provide testimony on nearby land use actions that may affect the Research Forests.

RESEARCH OVERSIGHT – 15%

• Lead an effort to collaboratively create a vision for research and demonstration conducted across all College of Forestry Research and Demonstration Forests.

• Engage university faculty, staff, and graduate students to design and carry out research on the forests, and work with staff to implement research on-the-ground.

• Ensure continuity of long-term research projects.

• Work with the Research Forests Inventory / GIS Manager and the College of Forestry Marketing & Communications team to maintain database of research.

• Foster strategic use of satellite forests for research and demonstration by Extension faculty.

• Work with the College of Forestry Marketing & Communications team to maintain database of research conducted on the 9 forests and website showcasing learning occurring on the forests.

FOREST PLAN IMPLEMENTATION – 10%

• Work in tandem with the Associate Director of Operations to provide oversight for implementation of the forest plan by working with the Research Forest staff, Associate Dean of Outreach & Extension, and Dean.

• Establish and maintain a technical advisory group to monitor execution of the forest plan, regularly convening meetings.

• Monitor progress on forest plan by overseeing collection of monitoring data and writing reports documenting forest plan compliance and attainment of goals.

• Review, modify, approve timber harvest plan and associated closures with Associate Director of Operations and Recreation Staff.

• Assume duties of the Associate Director of Operations when they are unavailable, or designate tasks to other Research Forest staff as appropriate (e.g., logging contract administration).

• Work with the Research Forest Business Manager to conduct annual appraisals for the three forests for which this is mandated.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT – 10%

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Research Forest staff.

• Directly supervise the Associate Director of Operations, Recreation and Engagement Program Manager, and serve on the supervisory team of the Student Logging Training Program Manager.

• Provide orientation, onboarding, and training for new and existing staff and students.

• Facilitate trainings, readings, research, and discussions of topics associated with diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within staff meetings.

• Participate as needed in activities associated with the collective good of the forests with all forest staff (e.g., prescribed burning, herbicide applications, Get Outdoors Day, implementation of forest closures due to fire).

• Practice a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

• Participate in professional development opportunities that are appropriate for the assignment and specialty.

Associate or Full Professor: Silviculture Extension Specialist

30% EXTENSION PROGRAMMING:

• Serve as statewide Extension Specialist in Silviculture, covering all aspects of managing natural and plantation forests for timber and other associated ecosystem values.

• Assess needs of target audiences and use results to focus program development efforts.

• Develop an annual plan of work addressing educational needs as well as evaluate the quality and impact of educational programs provided to audiences as appropriate.

• Design, deliver, and evaluate non-credit educational programs and events, such as classes, workshops, short courses, seminars, field tours, webinars, web-based instructional modules, etc. on subjects important to clientele.

• Provide educational forest tours to the public, interest groups, students, and others.

• Develop educational materials such as Extension bulletins, magazine and newsletter articles, websites, blogs, videos, and other social or mass media content.

• Engage with a diverse array of partners including agencies, NGOs, and industry.

• Contribute to Forestry & Natural Resources Extension program core curriculum and recurring programs.

• Develop marketing strategies and utilize appropriate tools (digital and print assets, video, press releases, social media) to reach intended audience segments.

• Develop applied demonstration areas to use in educational programs.

15% APPLIED RESEARCH:

• Develop and implement an applied research program in silviculture and related forest management to address critical needs of forest owners and managers.

• Seek and secure contract and grants funds to support the research effort.

• Publish results in appropriate outlets including refereed journals.

• Involve Extension colleagues and graduate students where appropriate and feasible.

• Research should serve to connect the Extension Program with the Research Forests when possible.

5% SERVICE:

• Serve on FNR Extension, FERM Department, and University committees as appropriate, participating in Extension group projects and providing disciplinary expertise for relevant statewide Extension programs (e.g., Master Woodland Manager, Tree Schools).

• Participate in service to the research discipline through journal and grant review processes, and other activities, as appropriate.

• Partake in leadership roles in related professional organizations such as the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP).

What You Will Need

• Doctoral degree in Forestry or related natural resources field.

• Demonstrated experience in silviculture and budgeting.

• Demonstrated ability and experience engaging with diverse groups (examples include, but are not limited to adult learners, practitioners, Tribal Nations, community members, and school groups).

• Demonstrated experience leading teams and supervising staff.

• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills.

• For individuals seeking the rank of Full Professor: Candidate should have a significant record of scholarly achievement that merits appointment as tenured full professor in the CoF, meeting the OSU teaching, advising, research, and service criteria for appointment at this rank (see the OSU Faculty Handbook for details at https://facultyaffairs.oregonstate.edu/faculty-handbook/promotion-and-tenure-guidelines). 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.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Knowledge about Pacific Northwest natural resource issues and needs.

• Knowledge or experience in the oversight of the management of forest properties, including harvest operations and products marketing

• Demonstrated experience providing organizational leadership.

• Demonstrated capacity to produce scholarly outcomes.

• Evidence of leadership or collaboration in the acquisition of external funding

• Experience providing educational programs and/or technical assistance to diverse groups.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with media, neighbors, and concerned publics.

• Demonstrated ability to make difficult and occasionally controversial decisions.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The ability to work in varied fields and weather conditions is required. This includes extensive walking/hiking on uneven ground, steep terrain, and uncomfortable weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, wind, poison oak, heavy pollen counts). The position requires travel/driving to research sites, workshops, and conference venues. Typical work schedule is Monday – Friday with occasional work on weekends and evenings as required to meet project needs.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 8, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A Curriculum Vitae; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Diversity Statement – Please answer the question: After reviewing the OSU mission statement at https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/trustees/about-board/oregon-state-university-mission-statement and the emphasis on diversity, please state how your background and experience have prepared you to be effective in an environment that values diversity, and describe how you would see yourself demonstrating a commitment to diversity if hired for this position. (Please attach as Diversity Statement)

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:

Matthew Powers

matthew.powers@oregonstate.edu

541-737-6550

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.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/5165303

Copyright ©2022 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

https://www.jobelephant.com/

jeid-059be70d0cffbf4e82b95aebd9eeeb0e