Tennessee State University’s Department of Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture is seeking highly motivated candidates for an Extension Specialist position in Arboriculture. This is a 12-month full-time position.
The selected candidate will be responsible for providing statewide extension educational programs related to arboriculture and urban forestry to reach underserved communities, small farmers, and under-resourced land/forest owners/managers.
The incumbent will also be responsible for outreach activities that aim to educate the public, landscapers, and homeowners to help them manage landscapes and care for trees, teach an undergraduate dendrology course every other year, and participate in service activities to support the department, college, and the university related to arboriculture and/or urban tree management. A strong record of extension is highly desired.
We are looking for candidates with a demonstrated strong background/expertise in urban tree identification, tree species selection, tree planting, tree care, tree protection/preservation, tree anatomy and tree biology, community education and engagement, and tree equity. In addition, the candidate must be willing to work with multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary teams/projects and diverse stakeholders.
Preferred qualifications include, but are not limited to:
- Demonstrated expertise and/or advanced knowledge in soil health, nutrient management, planting native trees/shrubs, tree climbing, tree pruning, tree removal, and usage of related tools/equipment/heavy machinery
- Demonstrated knowledge of managing large tree inventory datasets (e.g., updating
new tree plantings, tree removal, and tree care/maintenance activities)
- Experience with extension program development, management, and communication
using cutting-edge technology, tools, and platforms (e.g., social media)
- Experience in creating extension/educational materials and conducting workshops,
trainings, tours, and other related extension/education activities for a diverse audience
- Proven record of effective collaboration development, partnership building, and marketing
with partners, relevant agencies, and community groups
- Demonstrated applied research experience in investigating, developing, managing, and
implementing arboricultural and/or urban forestry-related projects
- Ability to work productively independently and in a multi-disciplinary team
- Familiar with emerging environmental issues in the context of urbanization, climate
change, and environmental injustice
About Tennessee State University:
Tennessee State University is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will
receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability
status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Department
of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is committed to promoting diversity in research.
Members of underrepresented groups in STEM fields are highly encouraged to apply.
