Extension Field Specialist, Community Conservation

The Extension Field Specialist for Community Conservation at the University of New Hampshire focuses on implementing conservation initiatives in Rockingham County. Responsibilities include developing and evaluating programs, providing technical assistance, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The role requires strong communication skills and extensive fieldwork, necessitating a valid driver's license and personal vehicle for local travel. A master's degree and relevant experience are preferred.
About the position

The Extension Field Specialist in Community Conservation for Rockingham County, based in Brentwood, N.H., plays a crucial role in implementing the mission of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Cooperative Extension. This position focuses on applying research-based knowledge and information from UNH, the nationwide land-grant system, and other reputable sources to facilitate informed decision-making that strengthens youth, families, and communities, sustains natural resources, and enhances the economy. The specialist will be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on county and regional support for land and community conservation. This includes providing technical assistance to local conservation commissions, supporting land-use regulations that promote natural resource conservation, and engaging in regional land conservation efforts. In addition to local responsibilities, the field specialist will also develop and implement statewide programming in various areas of land and community conservation. This encompasses best practices in land conservation, conservation planning, land stewardship, and social marketing for natural resources. The role requires collaboration with UNH colleagues, land trusts, conservation organizations, natural resource professionals, and various community stakeholders. The target audiences include conservation commissioners, municipal staff, private landowners, and the general public, necessitating strong communication and outreach skills. The position demands a high degree of subject matter competence in land conservation, with a focus on working effectively with diverse communities. The specialist will engage in extensive fieldwork throughout the year, requiring a valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for frequent local travel. The role also involves participation in professional development activities to enhance knowledge in relevant areas, ensuring that the specialist remains at the forefront of land and community conservation practices.

Responsibilities
• Develop, implement, monitor, evaluate, and report on county and regional support for land and community conservation.
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• Provide technical assistance to local conservation commissions and support land-use regulations for natural resource conservation.
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• Engage in regional land conservation efforts, including land stewardship and estate planning.
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• Develop and implement statewide programming in land conservation best practices and conservation planning.
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• Collaborate with UNH colleagues, land trusts, and conservation organizations to assess needs and establish priorities for educational programs.
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• Prepare reports required by UNH Cooperative Extension, county government, and partners.
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• Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote UNH Extension and its programs.
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• Seek external funding to enhance programs and achieve educational goals.
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• Demonstrate effective communication skills and utilize media and technology in educational program development.
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• Serve as the UNH Extension county office administrator when needed and support colleagues in their roles.

Requirements
• A master's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience is preferred.
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• One degree must be in forestry, wildlife, natural resources, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
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• High degree of subject matter competence in land conservation.
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• Experience working with conservation organizations, city/town boards, and government agencies.
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• Demonstrated competency in presenting educational programs and using current communication technology.
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• Ability to accomplish extensive, year-round field work.
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• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
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• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
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• Willingness to participate in professional development activities.
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• Maintain a valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for local travel.

Nice-to-haves
• At least two years of relevant professional experience in land and water conservation/management.
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• Demonstrated competency with Microsoft Office 365, GIS, GPS, and online mapping software.

Benefits
• Medical insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Retirement plan
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Paid time off