Extension Program Assistant, Forestry

Job description

Job Description Summary & Additional Information Location: This position is located off-campus at the Wye Research & Education Center on the Eastern Shore in Queenstown, MD. Position Summary: The Forestry Extension Program within the University of Maryland Extension seeks a part-time Program Assistant to support research and education initiatives across Maryland. This role will assist with forest field data collection, coordination of workshops and events for key forest stakeholders, and written outreach (e.g., newsletters and Extension publications). The Program Assistant will interface regularly with UMD faculty and external partners statewide. Responsibilities: Collect and analyze ecological and silvicultural data in remote forest field locations across Maryland Apply technical expertise and knowledge in basic plant identification, plot sampling methods, and field safety protocols Perform technical duties to ensure rigorous data collection, data entry, and data cleaning/quality control to support the research and advising activities of the forestry program Assist and provide expertise for field operations and on-site field activities depending on experience and project needs Prepare educational literature , newsletters, promotional circulars, and program documents for distribution Support forestry faculty with technical duties to carry out teaching, demonstration, and educational outreach activities Assist in promoting and marketing educational programs, including coordinating logistics, outreach, registration, and materials setup/takedown for workshops, seminars, and field events Participate in the evaluation of the program by entering, organizing, and maintaining evaluation data Respond to oral and written requests for information, and attend or participate in conferences and partner meetings as needed Lead promotional and marketing efforts to recruit and register participants for forest landowner training courses Recruit, train, and serve as a primary point of contact for volunteer program leaders within the network Utilize automated systems and personal computers to develop and maintain database for volunteer communications, tracking, and relationship management Preferences: Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Experience with educational programming, event coordination, and/or workshop support Experience with volunteer management or community engagement First Aid/CPR certification FAA Part 107 certification (UAS/drone) Experience with RStudio and/or other statistical software Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field sites and meetings as needed Demonstrated strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage work across multiple databases and workflows Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and quality Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Ability to work in outdoor field settings, including: Ability to hike on uneven terrain Ability to lift and carry 25–40 lbs of field or event materials Additional Notes: The program is seeking a candidate who is eager to learn the basics of Maryland forest ecosystems and Extension programming. Fieldwork and event support may occur in variable outdoor conditions and may include occasional evening or weekend commitments depending on programming needs. Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work visa requirements. Required Application Materials: N/A Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: 09/11/2026 Open Until Filled: No Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION: Graduation from High School (or GED) EXPERIENCE: Five years' experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, health care, research, or social services programs. OTHER: A non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Working knowledge in the assigned area of specialization such as food and nutrition, housing, horticulture, soil nutrient management or youth programs. Skill to plan and carry out details of projects with general instruction. Skill to make arithmetic calculations, analyze data and draw conclusions. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Skill to establish and maintain successful working relationships. Ability to lift and transport supplies and equipment. Ability to operate manual and automated office equipment and personal computers. OTHER: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employees in this job class are required to use their personal automobile while conducting official business. Job Risks Not Applicable to This Position Department AGNR-UME-Wye REC Worker Sub-Type Staff Contractual (C2) (Fixed Term) Salary Range $45,375.00 - $54,450.00 Benefits Summary For more information on Staff Contractual C2 benefits, select this link . Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. 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