The Extension Specialist provides leadership on development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting on a comprehensive statewide educational program for private rural and urban, non-industrial landowners, concentrating on forest management. Specifically, the Extension Specialist develops and delivers 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Education/Experience:

  • A master’s degree in forestry, forest management, natural resources, or a closely related field with five years of professional experience.

  • At least one degree from a Society of American Foresters accredited program.

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • 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 in planning and implementing educational programs in silviculture and/or forest management.

  • Experience working in community-based, non-formal educational settings.

  • Strong knowledge of forest ecology, forest management, silviculture and dendrology.

  • Practical field experience in hardwood silviculture and forest management.

  • Skills in basic forest management tools and computer technology.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

  • Proficiency with electronic technology and the ability to learn and 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.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:

  • A doctoral degree in natural resources and ten years of professional experience working directly with private forest landowners.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • The ability to think critically, solve problems, and navigate complex situations professionally

  • The ability to interact with and gain support from constituents outside the university, such as business and industry, state and federal agencies, and non-profit and private foundations

Work Location:

• Location: Jackson, TN

• Onsite at the Western Region Extension Office; frequent overnight travel

Compensation and Benefits:

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, submit the following items no later than April 24, 2026.

• Resume or curriculum vitae detailing educational background, work experience, publications, presentations, and grants secured.

• Cover Letter

• Additional documents may be submitted

About The College/Department/Division:

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 37 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.

• Responsibilities include engaging in scholarly activities related to Extension programs, publishing articles, 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 Extension Specialist develops and maintains relationships with private and public agencies, including the Tennessee Division of Forestry, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, County Forestry Associations, and Tennessee Forestry Association, to further promote sustainable forest management.
• Participates in programs and activities for the School of Natural Resources and UTIA, and works with diverse groups within and outside of the university.