Extension Specialist

The Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture invites applications for the position of Extension Specialist in Forest and Wildlife Management. This is an exempt, full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track position with full-benefits stationed in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Extension Specialist provides leadership for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating forestry and wildlife educational programs for the citizens of Tennessee and the region. The programs are developed and delivered for all people, regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex, or disability. The Department is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to all. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The Extension Specialist works with researchers within the University of Tennessee and external agencies to disseminate up-to-date, science-based information consistent with the mission of UT Extension. Programs include various aspects of forest and wildlife management to help landowners reach forest management objectives, such as forest regeneration, forest stand improvement, use of prescribed fire, habitat management for wildlife, marketing forest products, and understanding forest ecosystems and invasive species control. The Specialist collaborates and works with county, region, and state Extension staff, as well as state and federal agencies, nongovernment organizations, and natural resource professionals and landowners to effectively deliver and evaluate programs. This position requires frequent travel throughout Tennessee and occasional travel in the southeastern United States, including evenings and weekends. The Extension Specialist provides in-service training in forest and wildlife management for UT Extension agents; secures outside funding to help with program delivery; provides leadership to 4-H youth program development and implementation, including conducting statewide 4-H forestry and wildlife judging contests, assisting regions with regional 4-H forestry and wildlife judging contests, and assisting in developing 4-H program literature and evaluating 4-H project portfolios; engages in scholarly activities related to Extension programs, including publishing information in printed Extension outlets, lay outlets, and social media outlets; maintains positive working relationships with cooperating agencies, such as the Tennessee Division of Forestry and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; provides in-service training workshops and presentations to facilitate up-to-date, science-based information exchange among those and other organizations; participates in the programs of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, including faculty meetings and serving on various committees. Program delivery is achieved through a variety of mechanisms, including printed publications, workshops, short courses, seminars, webinars, field days, demonstration sites, social media, and podcasts.