Working Lands Forestry Educator

Job Summary:

The Forestry Outreach Educator positions will work with family forest owners statewide. This role is housed in the Natural Resources Institute (https://naturalresources.extension.wisc.edu/) within UW-Madison’s Division of Extension (https://extension.wisc.edu/).

The Natural Resources Outreach Specialist designs, promotes, administers, and supports outreach activities, community engagement, and educational programming. This unique statewide role will work with WI Department of Natural Resources and an advisory panel to guide forestry outreach that is intended encourage underserved landowners to adopt and adapt woodland management. The position is based on a 2-year contract, renewable pending funding. The initial location is listed as Stevens Point, but open to other locations per final candidate and office space. Initial programming focus will include:

Coordinate and deliver working lands outreach programs for landowners and connect landowners to foresters for technical advice.

• Implementation and evaluation of outreach for landowners to educate them about agroforestry, timber products, non-timber forest products (initial focus on maple syrup), and income opportunities.
• Conduct training programs for natural resources managers regarding agroforestry and maple syrup management.
• Meet with DNR and key partners to evaluate progress, accomplishments, and barriers of outreach work.
• Evaluate the success of the project and identify any future funding needs or ideas for additional grant opportunities connected to this project.

Work with the Regional Natural Resource Educators to fulfill funding partners requirements around other outreach and education.

The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expanding access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non- biased, and inclusive organization. (https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/oaic/call-to-action/). As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities:Delivers and assists with planning outreach program activities, strengthens partnerships, ensures adherence to policy, and assists with program administration to promote stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. Strives to expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services to diverse audiences. May assist with tracking and managing the outreach program budget.

• 20% Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
• 20% Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
• 15% Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
• 15% Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
• 10% Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement
• 10% Works with the Regional Natural Resource Educator team to fulfill funding partners requirements around outreach and education.
• 10% Communicate plans, activities and achievements to Program Managers, partners and relevant stakeholders