Christmas Tree Extension Specialist

Hiring Organization: North Carolina State
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Mills River, North Carolina
Application Due Date: February 26, 2024

We believe in sharing our knowledge with the people of North Carolina and in supporting the economic prosperity of NC communities through the wise use of its forest and natural resources. North Carolina is a state rich in forest resources with almost 60 percent, or 18.3 million acres, of the state covered in forests. The wise use of this resource is important for water and air quality, wildlife habitat, beautiful views, timber resources, and economic prosperity. Our extension and outreach programs work hard to make sure that the general public, landowners, community leaders, industry professionals and others all have an opportunity to learn of new discoveries and techniques affecting their lives in a timely manner.

We do this by providing educational programs and professional services that reach people in a variety of different ways. Our programs cover the spectrum, ranging from Christmas tree production to youth education.

Essential Job Duties

The Christmas Tree Production and Marketing Extension Specialist will provide leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming and materials with an emphasis on Christmas tree production and marketing for NC Christmas tree producers. In addition, the Specialist 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 North Carolina Cooperative Extension. They will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programming to diverse audiences, including stakeholders from diverse socio-demographic groups and with varied background knowledge of forest management.

The Specialist will work with researchers, Extension professionals and others 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 NC Cooperative Extension field faculty, current Extension Forestry team members, statewide partners and stakeholders, and will 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 Christmas Tree Production and Marketing Extension Specialist will report to the Associate Dean of Extension in the College of Natural Resources.

Essential Job Duties include:

Develop, execute, and evaluate an innovative and inclusive Extension program in Christmas tree production and marketing with emphasis primarily on the intensive culture of Fraser fir Christmas trees

Employ a variety of teaching and communication methods and formats tailored to meet the needs of different audiences

Provide support to North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Agents with Christmas tree responsibilities.

Provide essential leadership to Christmas tree grower associations, which are primary providers of educational meetings in NC.

Perform, design, and support applied research relevant to Extension needs related to Fraser fir Christmas trees and other mountain conifers.

Seek external funding that expands the impact of their extension program.

Cultivate and develop collegial and productive working relationships with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service county personnel, NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services research stations, Christmas tree producers, farm workers, faculty, staff, students and others including from relevant state and federal agencies to meet subject matter needs.

Collaborate with other faculty as appropriate to conduct applied research and to mentor students.

Engage in service to the department, college, Cooperative Extension, university, and professional societies.

Other Responsibilities

Perform other duties as assigned.

Seek extramural grants to support program efforts

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience in tree physiology, horticulture, plant biology, or similar area.

Other Required Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct, and evaluate participatory non-formal education programs.

Strong oral and written communication skills, including effective use of electronic and printed media.

Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multitask, set priorities, seek opportunities, manage resources, and exhibit success.

Basic knowledge of educational technologies (common computer software programs, Zoom, Panopto, Powerpoint/Google Slides, etc) and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs and materials.

Ability to secure external funding in support of Extension programs.

Demonstrate a general knowledge of weed management including herbicides mode of action.

Demonstrated experience in nursery and/or field production, harvest, & management of plant material and/or conifers–including soil fertility management, & post-harvest quality.

Ability to match schedule to Extension needs including the delivery of evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by programming and collaborator needs.

Ability to work outdoors in all seasons under all types of weather conditions, and frequently in very steep mountain terrains.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. or terminal degree strongly

Knowledge of abiotic issues related to conifer production.

Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, work, teach and interact with different populations, including stakeholders with varied background knowledge of Christmas tree production.

Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in non-formal settings, including but not limited to field days, demonstrations, workshops, and public events.

Demonstrated experience writing grants for external funding to support educational outreach programming.

Demonstrated ability to coordinate and/or implement an applied research program.

Experience using a variety of digital media tools to create engaging educational materials to reach expanding and new online audiences.

Working knowledge of Christmas tree production and associated integrated pest management practices.

Verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.

Fluency in Spanish

107 UAV (drone) pilot license

NC aerial pesticide applicators license

NC driver’s license

NC pesticide applicators license

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License required No