Area Extension Agent for Forestry (East Region Kentucky)

TITLE: Area Extension Agent for Forestry and Non-Timber Forest Products

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program

LOCATION: Morehead, KY

REPORTS TO: Regional Extension Director-East Region

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: 

Extension Agents are community-based professionals of Kentucky State University who connect stakeholder needs with university resources. The Area Extension Agent for Forestry and Non-Timber Forest Products will serve as a key resource for forest health and non-timber forest products in Southeast Kentucky. This position is responsible for working with woodland owners to identify opportunities for implementing forest management practices, including habitat management for pollinators and wildlife, and utilizing forestlands to produce, harvest, process, and market non-timber forest products such as tree sap syrups, mushrooms, fruits, nuts, berries, and the potential for silvopasture ruminant production. This position is also responsible for non-formal educational programs in appropriate topics surrounding the job title. This position will be a member of the off-campus Extension staff of Kentucky State University College of Agriculture and provide educational programs in the respective area. This position will report to the Regional Extension Director and operate under the direction of the Research and Extension Associate for Forestry.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

The Area Extension Agent for Forestry and Non-Timber Forest Products is a professional educator who provides research-based information and expertise to landowners and stakeholders, and assists with questions that may arise during day-to-day operations. The candidate should possess a strong background in forest health and non-timber forest products. The agent will work closely with the KSU Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Program Leader, KSU Research and Extension Associate for Forestry, University of Kentucky Extension Forestry Specialists and ANR agents, and other forestry professionals for all programmatic efforts. The agent will be a member of the county operations team and be supervised by the Regional Extension Director for the East Region. This position will serve all clientele and give them an equal opportunity to participate in programs regardless of race, gender, age, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Demonstrate the production, harvesting, processing, and marketing aspects of non-timber forest products, including tree sap syrups, mushrooms, fruits, nuts, and berries. 
2. Consult with woodland owners and stakeholders to determine and implement best management practices to improve forest health.
3. Identify pests and diseases of forestlands, as well as diagnose sick trees/stands of timber.
4. Assess, plan, and implement long-term forestry best management practices for soil health, invasive plant competition, and invasive insect and disease impacts.
5. Work with County Extension Agents and Specialists to utilize research-based information to develop and implement educational programs surrounding forestry and non-timber forest products for stakeholders.
6. Collect, enter, and analyze statistical data, and report in Kentucky Extension Reporting System.
7. Develop appropriate educational resources for stakeholders and clientele.
8. Develop field days, field trials, and demonstrations related to forestry, pollinators, wildlife management, and non-timber forest products.
9. Serve as a resource to the community by providing leadership and expertise in all aspects of the position.
10. Serve as a conduit to additional programming and information available at Kentucky State University.

OTHER DUTIES: The position will perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in Forestry or other related area strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating participatory Extension or non-formal education programs.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Excellent team building skills.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Basic knowledge in educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs.
• Program marketing skills.
• Knowledge and willingness to involve and manage participants in delivery.
• Maintain a personal commitment to working with diverse clientele and colleagues, and a willingness to further the civil rights goals of KSU Cooperative Extension.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Must be able to lift large boxes up to 40 lbs. 
• Must be able to travel (25%).
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.