Job Summary

The Urban Forestry Specialist will be responsible for developing and delivering a statewide extension programming in arboriculture, tree care, and urban forestry, as well as teaching three undergraduate courses in Arboriculture Practices, Urban Forest Issues, and an Urban Forestry Summer Practicum Module. Additional duties will include:

Urban Forestry Specialist

A: Develop and deliver a statewide extension program in arboriculture, tree care, and urban forestry:

• Providing expert information about arboriculture, tree care, and urban forestry by:
  • Responding to requests for information from the public
  • Proactively providing information to the public using social media and other communication methods
  • Writing articles for professional journals, newsletters, and other publications
  • Working with organizations to promote best practices in the tree care industry
  • Delivering relevant research findings and assisting in the identification of applied research priorities in arboriculture, tree care, and urban forestry

• Delivering Extension programming on arboriculture, tree care, and urban forestry by:
  • Developing signature Extension programs across the state and region
  • Providing educational support to extension faculty and staff as needed
  • Providing in-service training for extension faculty and staff
  • Training faculty and staff to teach subject matter to volunteer leaders and other resource persons
  • Providing appropriate support materials for educational programs
  • Assisting with educational program design and impact determination
  • Planning, collaborating, and conducting applied research projects as needed to develop new knowledge

B: Teach three undergraduate courses:

• FNR 444 - Arboriculture Practices (4 hrs):  Covers a broad spectrum of arboriculture principles and techniques, including pruning, transplanting, fertilization, climbing, rigging, removal, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, hazard tree evaluation, tree appraisal, and street tree inventory. Offered every other Fall semester.
• FNR 445 - Urban Forest Issues (3 hrs): Covers management of trees in the urban environment, including the benefits of trees and general tree care, tree appraisal, tree ordinances, tree inventory and management plans, and tree preservation and construction. Offered every other Fall semester.
• FNR 372 - Urban Forestry Practicum: In collaboration with faculty, forestry students are taught to recognize and apply urban forestry management skills and explore arboricultural practices using an intensive combination of urban ecology and urban forestry perspectives. Offered every June as one module in a required 5-week field course.

C: Providing direction for a statewide program in arboriculture, tree care, and urban forestry by:

• Seeking out and interpreting current and emerging issues in these fields
• Collaborating with industry professionals
• Developing relationships with potential employers, professional associations, and the tree care industry to provide access and visibility for FNR students
• Working with Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension (ANR) Educators to coordinate program planning

Required:

• Master’s degree in field related to arboriculture or urban forestry
• 1 year of experience in the tree-care industry or in urban forestry
• Knowledge, experience, and ability to climb trees for tree maintenance, care, and removal, as well as for teaching purposes.
• Possession of, or willingness to obtain, recognized tree care credentials, including but not limited to the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential, the ISA Tree Risk Management Qualification, and Indiana Pesticide Applicators license
• Travel

Preferred:

• Experience in teaching university or professional development courses in arboriculture, tree care, and urban forestry

Additional Information:

• All new hires will be expected to follow Protect Purdue guidelines. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3DH3z6f  
• Purdue will not sponsor an employment related visa for this position.
• A background check will be required for employment.
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period.
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer.  All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.