Extension Specialist

Job Description

Extension Specialist for the Natural Resources Science and Management Degree Program, School of Natural Resources, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources at the University of Missouri (MU). Salary will be commensurate with experience. This is a 12-month unranked, non-regular faculty position, not eligible for tenure, with responsibilities in extension (70%) and teaching (30%). No research appointment exists with this position. Begin date – 7/1/2022, or as negotiated.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to expand the MU Extension’s Missouri Woodland Steward Program. Teaching responsibilities will include the preparation and delivery of four undergraduate courses.

Detailed Description: The Missouri Woodland Steward Program is the School’s premiere program for engaging the state’s family forest landowners. The successful candidate’s primary focus will be the sustainable regeneration and management of oak species in the River Hill Regions of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, and the Missouri Ozarks. Close collaboration with outreach efforts of the American Forest Foundation’s White Oak Initiative will be expected. These Extension responsibilities will require the successful candidate to work some nights and weekends for programs, events, or meetings. Some overnight travel will be expected.

Teaching responsibilities include the preparation and delivery of four undergraduate courses: forest management (3 cr hr, fall term), forest measurements (3 cr hr, spring term), sustainable harvesting operations (3 cr hr fall term, odd years), and forest field measurements (one-week, 1 cr hr, following the spring term).

The successful candidate will exhibit excellent communication skills, a passion for working with both family forest landowners and undergraduate students, and a demonstrated capacity for adaptability and innovation with regards to Extension programming and teaching.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification:

• MS degree in forestry or closely related field.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Experience in Extension or in a similar outreach capacity with strong knowledge of silviculture, forestry operations, and management as it pertains to family forest landowners.
• Experience serving as course instructor or co-instructor at the college or university level in forest measurements, forest management, and/or harvesting operations.
• Evidence of providing natural resource programming in both rural and urban communities.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Evidence of promoting equity and inclusion in natural resource programming and education.

Application Materials

Please submit the following items in your application packet:

•a letter of application
•curriculum vitae
•transcripts
•description of extension or similar outreach experience
•description of teaching interests and teaching philosophy
•relevant list of publications or outreach materials
•names and contact information of three references

Application Deadline

Screening of applications will begin March 1, 2022. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Hank Stelzer, Search Committee chair at stelzerh@missouri.edu .

Other Information

About MU: MU, the flagship institution in the University of Missouri System, has over 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is a land grant institution and a member of the Association of American Universities. Located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a vibrant university town that is consistently ranked among the top small cities to live in America.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Diversity Commitment

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• EEO is the Law English Version
• EEO is the Law Spanish Version
• EEO is the Law Chinese Version

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