Extension Field Specialist, Urban Forestry and Ecology

Extension Field Specialist, Urban Forestry and Ecology

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Position Details

Summary Operating Title Extension Field Specialist, Urban Forestry and Ecology Long Classification Title Campus Location Durham Department UNH Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Summary of Position This position is based at the Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension office in Goffstown, N.

H., and leads UNH Extension’s educational, technical and volunteer programming in urban forestry and ecology. New Hampshire is becoming more urbanized, with urban areas projected to increase to over 10% of the state by 2060.

Urban and community trees and forests provide a variety of ecological, social and economic values including reduced stormwater runoff, air pollution mitigation, noise reduction, improved air quality, heat island mitigation, carbon sequestration and improved quality of life for communities.

A recent Arbor Day Foundation study estimates that N.H.’s urban trees add an estimated $356 million to property values across the state.

The Extension field specialist in urban forestry and ecology will engage community leaders and volunteers in training and projects related to tree planting, pruning, care and maintenance, community tree inventory and arboriculture, and enhancing ecosystem services provided by urban and community trees and forests.

This position will work in conjunction with other Extension staff and partners to strengthen and support urban forestry and urban ecology programming with an emphasis on training, supporting and working with volunteers, especially in underserved urban areas (as identified by groups such as the Council on Environmental Quality and American Forests).

The field specialist will be part of a collaborative team focused on urban and community forestry with the N.H. Division of Forests and Lands, other Extension natural resources staff, and conservation organizations working in urban areas.

The field specialist will contribute data and metrics to Extension natural resources and volunteer program action plans and will support the state urban and community forestry program in collecting data and metrics on community trees and forests, especially those associated with volunteer action.

Acceptable minimum level of education Acceptable minimum years of experience Additional Job Information Posting Number PS4363FY24 Other minimum qualifications Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in appropriate discipline. One degree must be in forestry, ecology, wildlife, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

A strong candidate with a bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildlife, urban ecology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution with 3 years of relevant experience may be considered if willing to obtain a master’s degree within 7 years of hire.

• Extension (or related) education, outreach and / or related programming experience in urban and / or urbanizing environments.
• Experience recruiting, training and managing volunteers.
• Demonstrated competency in urban forestry and / or urban ecology and related resources.
• Hold arborist certification or be able to obtain within 2 years of hire (e.g., N.H. Arborists Association, equivalent state arborist accreditation, or International Society of Arboriculture)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with co-workers and people with a variety of values and interests and of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, income, and education levels.
• Demonstrated competency with computers and current technology.
• Willingness to participate in professional development activities to add and enhance knowledge.
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle and willingness and ability to work some nights and weekends for programs, volunteer projects and events, and meetings as well as accomplish year-round field work.

Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in extension or related urban outreach, invasive species management, urban forestry, arboriculture, watershed management, forest management, urban wildlife management, or ecology research focused on urban or urbanizing systems.
• Experience using social media to promote events and programming.
• Experience in hybrid and / or online course development and instruction.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and / or Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Experience with citizen science research approaches and applications such as iNaturalist, iTree, Litterati, etc.

Additional Preferred Qualifications Salary Information Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.

Quicklink for Posting Percent Time Information (FTE) 1.0 Grade