Search underway for Extension Assistant/Associate/Professor of Forestry

Extension Assistant/Associate/Professor of Forestry

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville: UT Institute of Agriculture: School of Natural Resources

Location: Jackson, Madison County, TN

Open Date: May 16, 2025

The School of Natural Resources (SNR) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track, 100% Extension Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Forestry. This position is stationed at the Western Region Extension Office in Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee, and reports to the Director of the UT School of Natural Resources.

The successful candidate will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive statewide educational program for private (rural and urban), nonindustrial landowners concentrating on forest management. Specifically, the successful candidate will develop and deliver educational programs regarding forest management, enhancing forest productivity, marketing commercial forest products, and understanding forest ecosystems, all aimed at assisting landowners with their forest management objectives. Examples of educational programs include Tennessee Healthy Hardwoods, Welcome to Your Woods, Tennessee Tree Day, Forestry Worker Curriculum, Teachers Conservation Workshop, Back Porch Forestry YouTube, and The Forestry Footnotes Newsletter.

Expectations of the position include engaging in scholarly activities related to Extension programs, including securing internal and external grants, and assuming leadership roles supporting grants. The successful candidate will provide guidance and assistance to county Extension agents and assist other specialists with 4-H youth program development and implementation as needed. The finalist will develop and maintain relationships with cooperating agencies (e.g., Tennessee Division of Forestry, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, County Forestry Associations, Tennessee Forestry Association) to further promote sustainable forest management. The finalist will participate in programs and activities for the School of Natural Resources and UTIA as needed.

Candidates must be committed to cooperating with diverse groups within and outside of the university and have the ability to work with clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status.

The University of Tennessee is one of two land-grant institutions in the state and is the state’s public flagship university. The School of Natural Resources is the comprehensive natural resources program in the state, consisting of 31 teaching, research, and Extension faculty; 17 professional and 8 administrative staff members; and more than 350 students. The School’s mission is to advance the science and sustainable management of natural resources to promote their health, use, and appreciation in Tennessee, the region, and beyond through programs in teaching, research, and Extension.

Required Qualifications:

An earned doctorate in forestry, forest management, natural resources, or a closely related field.
At least one forestry degree from a Society of American Foresters accredited program.
Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to think critically, solve problems, and navigate complex situations professionally.
Proficiency with electronic technology or a willingness to learn/use distance educational technology.
Ability to provide leadership and demonstrate self-reliance in a collaborative environment.
Computer literacy and proficiency in web-based applications, such as MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

Practical field experience in hardwood silviculture and forest management.
In addition to a Doctorate degree, 5 or more years of professional experience in Cooperative Extension program development.
Experience working with Extension programs, USDA agencies, and/or related educational programming.
Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing educational programs in silviculture and/or forest management.
Ability to interact and gain support from constituencies outside the university, such as business and industry, state and federal agencies, and non-profit and private foundations.
Demonstrated ability to obtain and manage external funding to support Extension and research programs.
Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
Experience in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs for small-scale landowners.Experience working in community-based non-formal education settings.

Application Instructions

Submit a letter of interest, a one-page statement of formal (classroom-based education) and/or informal (practical-based education) teaching, a one-page statement on Extension philosophy, copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work, a curriculum vitae detailing educational background, work experience, publications, presentations, and grants secured, and names and full contact information of three professional references, through the university’s online job portal. Review of applications will begin July 7, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience. Questions may be directed to search committee chair, Dr. Sharon Jean-Philippe, jeanphil@utk.edu. This institution is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge. Apply Now.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.