Deadline: Sun, 08/04/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: NC State University Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location: North Carolina Location Detail: Raleigh, NC Job Description: The College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University is seeking an effective and dynamic educator to fill the Extension Associate in Prescribed Fire and Fire Science position. This is a position within the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources 11-person Extension Forestry team of 4 faculty and 7 professional staff. The Extension Forestry faculty and staff work collectively with faculty and staff in tourism and wood products to form the overall Extension program in the College of Natural Resources. The Extension Associate will provide leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming and materials, with an emphasis on prescribed fire and fire science. In addition, the Extension Associate will build collaborative partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including county Extension personnel, landowners, state and federal agencies, non-government organizations, natural resource professionals and others to increase the visibility and reach of Extension Forestry. They will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programming to various audiences, including stakeholders from a variety of socio-demographic groups with varied backgrounds and knowledge of prescribed fire and fire science. The Extension Associate will work with researchers within the College of Natural Resources, across the university, and other agencies to interpret and disseminate current research findings consistent with the philosophy, policy, and overall educational objectives of North Carolina Cooperative Extension and NC State University. Educational information and program delivery will be in cooperation with the 101 Extension Centers throughout North Carolina, Extension Forestry team members, statewide partners and stakeholders, and should use a variety of delivery strategies appropriate for the target audience. Strategies could include workshops, short-courses, demonstration projects, webinars, podcasts, publications, fact-sheets, mass media, and social media. The Extension Associate will report to the Department Extension Leader in Extension Forestry. Responsibilities: Assist in conducting coordination, implementation, education and outreach components of the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS) Southeast Prescribed Fire Initiative. Assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating fire science delivery programs for the multi-institution Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) program as part of the nationwide Joint Fire Science Program Fire Science Exchange Network. Understand and connect with the actors and organizations engaged in wildland fire, prescribed fire, and fire science in the southeastern U.S. and deliver SFE programs that support their fire science information needs. Serve as the primary editor of the monthly Driptorch Digest newsletter and support development of the bimonthly SFE Fire Lines newsletter. Provide leadership and work collaboratively in data management and reporting in support of SERPPAS and SFE programs. Maintain existing and develop new programs in cooperation with pertinent agencies and organizations in support of wildland fire in the Southeast. Conduct all aspects of virtual and in-person education/outreach events including planning, marketing, event logistics, education, and program evaluation. Maintain and update program digital platforms such as WordPress, Facebook, X (Twitter), and other means of online communication to provide wildland fire outreach. Create marketing, outreach, education, and training materials such as flyers, brochures, fact sheets, publications, or journal articles. Seek external funding to support program effort, to include developing proposals and managing awarded proposals. Follow university policy and procedures to ensure compliance with funding agencies. Support NCSU’s student fire training program through the administration of training courses and serving as instructor as appropriate. Travel (both in-state and out-of-state) as needed, possibly up to 20% of the time. Other Work Responsibilities: Present information through vocal and written communication to individuals and large groups Transport materials between event locations, including loading and unloading a vehicle with event materials, some weighing up to 30 pounds. Set up and break down tables, chairs, and displays at events Conduct programs and events outdoors, sometimes during temperature extremes or inclement weather conditions Qualifications: Minimum Education and Experience A Master’s degree (preferred), or a bachelor’s degree and at least three (3) years of experience in forestry, fire science, ecology, natural resources, agricultural extension education, science communication, risk communication, public engagement, or other related fields. Other Required Qualifications Strong oral and written communication skills, including effective use of electronic and printed media Excellent time and resource management skills Basic knowledge of educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs Proficiency in basic office software (e.g., Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, etc. or related applications) Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multitask, set priorities, seek opportunities, manage resources, and exhibit success Uphold and promote the College of Natural Resources’ Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic priorities. Ability to obtain and maintain valid North Carolina driver’s license; willingness to drive extended distances. Ability to apply professional scheduling including the delivery of evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by programming and collaborator needs Ability to pass the Wildland Firefighting Arduous Work Capacity test Ability to achieve and maintain NWCG Firefighter Type 2 certification. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated ability to secure and manage external funding in support of the land grant mission Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating participatory Extension or non-formal education programs Willingness/ability to learn new skills, tools, techniques, software, and approaches Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific findings for a less technical audience Experience in data collection and management, website editing (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix) and using ArcGIS Proficiency in social media program management (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, YouTube) Willingness and ability to achieve and maintain NWCG Single Resource Boss or Firefighter Type 1 qualifications are preferred. Willingness and ability to become a North Carolina Certified Burn Manager Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, work, teach and interact with various population Knowledge and experience related to wildland fire, prescribed fire and southeastern U.S. natural resource management. Knowledge of the Land Grant Mission and the role of Extension Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in non-formal settings, including but not limited to field days, demonstrations, workshops, and public events Miscellaneous: Other duties as assigned, to include traveling, overnight at times, to conduct training workshops and/or to attend in-state and out-of-state meetings as assignments required. Salary: $47,000-$53,000 How to Apply: To view the complete position description and to apply, visit https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/205146. An on-line application must be submitted at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/205146 to be considered for this position. Inquiries about the position may be directed to Jennifer Fawcett, at jlevans3@ncsu.edu.
