Forestry Extension and Research Specialist - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a Forestry Extension and Research Specialist to lead urban and community forestry programming, teach dendrology to undergraduates, and conduct applied research guiding Illinois forestry needs. The role includes outreach, program development, and collaboration with state and national forestry partners.

The position involves developing Extension Forestry materials, coordinating events, supervising interns, and teaching courses as needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in forest science or related field with urban/community forestry expertise.
• Ph.D. in forest science or related field preferred; independence and grant-writing experience desirable.
• Experience with teaching, outreach, and community engagement in forestry projects.
• Illinois pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain soon after hire; advanced chainsaw training and certified arborist credentials are valued.
• Competency with GIS, remote sensing, and UAV technologies for forestry work.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, outreach, technical guidance, and educational programming in urban and community forestry.
• Lead undergraduate instruction in dendrology and potentially other courses.
• Conduct applied research that informs forestry needs in Illinois.
• Develop and lead Extension programs, conferences, trainings, and field days; publish bulletins and videos.

Skills

Urban forestry expertise

Public presentations

Educational materials

Outreach and community engagement

Education

Master's degree in forest science or closely aligned field

Ph.D. in forest science (preferred)

Job description

Forestry Extension and Research Specialist - Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Job Summary

Provide leadership, outreach, technical guidance, and educational programming in urban and community forestry. Provide undergraduate level instruction in dendrology and potentially other courses. Conduct applied research that informs forestry needs in the State of Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Outreach/Extension:
  • Develop an innovative Extension Program with a focus on urban and community forestry and conduct program evaluation to improve the curriculum, implementation strategies, and impacts.
  • Provide need-based outreach, education, training, programming, and technical guidance to primary constituents.
  • Sponsor/co-sponsor, lead/co-lead in the coordination of forestry-related conferences, symposia, workshops, trainings, and field days.
  • Develop (author or co-author) technical bulletins, educational videos, and articles.
  • Develop and maintain Extension Forestry websites, including the Big Tree Register, and social media accounts.
  • Collaborate on broader initiatives with the Extension forestry team and other Extension colleagues in Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy and Horticulture program areas.
  • Serve as a technical advisor to one or more forestry or conservation related state organizations such as the Illinois Tree Farm Program, Illinois Forestry Development Council, Illinois Walnut Council, Illinois Forestry Association, and Illinois Arborist Association.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and staff with the Division of Forestry Resources (IL Dept. of Natural Resources), Illinois Natural Resources & Conservation Service, USDA Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale (Dept. of Forestry), Morton Arboretum, Trees Forever, and U of I's Prairie Research Institute.
• Applied Forestry Research:
  • Obtain funding and lead research in urban and community forestry.
  • Manage and conduct research at the University of Illinois Experimental Forest including supervising student interns.
  • Contribute to collaborative interdisciplinary research endeavors within the U of I.
• Undergraduate teaching:
  • Instruct a Dendrology course every other year.
  • Potentially teach or co-teach a forestry related field course.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in forest science or a closely aligned ecological or natural resource discipline. Expertise in urban and community forestry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in forest science or a closely aligned ecological or natural resource discipline.
• Academic or employment history that demonstrates independence, superior organizational skills, experience writing successful grant proposals (for applied research and outreach), background in community engagement and outreach, and teaching experience.
• Illinois pesticide applicator's license (or demonstrate ability to acquire one shortly after hiring), advanced chainsaw training, certified arborist credentials.
• Competency using new and evolving technologies for forestry work such as remote sensing, GIS application, and UAVs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of urban and community forestry needs; competency in identification of native trees of Illinois; competency in delivering public presentations and development of educational materials.

Appointment Information

This is a full-time 100%
Academic Professional appointment, appointed on a 12-month basis that reports
to the department head. The proposed
start is as soon as possible after the closing date. This position is not
eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Salary is
competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also
considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position
is $72,000-$76,000.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, November 9, 2026. For further information about this specific position, please contact Chris Evans, search chair, via e-mail at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Champaign-Urbana

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.