Urban Forestry and Woody Ornamentals Outreach Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Urban Forestry and Woody Ornamentals Outreach Specialist position is designed to work with individuals, municipalities, community organizations, and green industry professionals across Wisconsin to address challenges in urban forestry and yard trees and shrubs. This role connects stakeholders with the latest research and best practices to support the health, resilience, and long‑term sustainability of the state’s urban forests and ornamental landscapes. The Urban Forestry and Woody Ornamentals Outreach Specialist will: Collaborate with Extension colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to identify priority needs and develop, deliver, and maintain robust, high-quality urban forestry and woody ornamental outreach education programs. Develop and maintain expertise related to healthy and resilient woody ornamental and urban forestry management. Build trust-based relationships with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience with developing and evaluating educational programming and a track record of building positive relationships.

Requirements

• Three or more years relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence-based information and research findings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, using a variety of methods and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience building collaborative relationships to accomplish goals.
• Strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated educational program development skills which include planning and implementing programs; evaluating learning experiences; and communicating program impact and value, in both written and verbal formats, for a variety of lay and other audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in understanding experimental design, statistical analysis and interpreting research data.
• Demonstrated ability to write grants and establish partnerships that pool or leverage public and private funds in support of the Institutional mission.
• Demonstrated fiscal management skills.
• Master's degree in a field of study related to this position’s focus.
• ISA Certified Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture)

Responsibilities

• Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
• Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers
• Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
• Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
• Communicates plans, activities, and achievements to Program Managers and relevant stakeholders through the reporting portal and verbal updates
• Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
• Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement
• May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending

Benefits

• generous paid time off
• competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• tax-advantaged savings accounts
• participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees