Extension Specialist in Arboriculture

Position Title

Extension Specialist in Arboriculture

Division

College of Agriculture

Department

Agricultural Science

Work Schedule

Number of hours per week: 37.5

Full-time position

Campus

Main Campus

Position Number

Pay Basis

Monthly

Open Date

09/02/2026

Close Date

10/02/2026

Job Description

Tennessee State University’s Department of Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture is seeking highly motivated candidates for an Extension Specialist position in Arboriculture. This is a 12-month full-time position. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing statewide extension educational programs related to arboriculture and urban forestry to reach underserved communities, small farmers, and under-resourced land/forest owners/managers. The incumbent will also be responsible for outreach activities that aim to educate the public, landscapers, and homeowners to help them manage landscapes and care for trees, teach an undergraduate dendrology course every other year, and participate in service activities to support the department, college, and the university related to arboriculture and/or urban tree management. A strong record of extension is highly desired. We are looking for candidates with a demonstrated strong background/expertise in urban tree identification, tree species selection, tree planting, tree care, tree protection/preservation, tree anatomy and tree biology, community education and engagement, and tree equity. In addition, the candidate must be willing to work with multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary teams/projects and diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise and/or advanced knowledge in soil health, nutrient management, planting native trees/shrubs, tree climbing, tree pruning, tree removal, and usage of related tools/equipment/heavy machinery
• Demonstrated knowledge of managing large tree inventory datasets (e.g., updating new tree plantings, tree removal, and tree care/maintenance activities)
• Experience with extension program development, management, and communication using cutting-edge technology, tools, and platforms (e.g., social media)
• Experience in creating extension/educational materials and conducting workshops, trainings, tours, and other related extension/education activities for a diverse audience
• Proven record of effective collaboration development, partnership building, and marketing with partners, relevant agencies, and community groups
• Demonstrated applied research experience in investigating, developing, managing, and implementing arboricultural and/or urban forestry-related projects
• Ability to work productively independently and in a multi-disciplinary team
• Familiar with emerging environmental issues in the context of urbanization, climate change, and environmental injustice

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, forestry, horticulture, botany, environmental science, natural resource management, ecology, or a closely related field.
• An ISA certified arborist.
• Effective communication skills with demonstrated experience in developing and executing extension and applied research programs.

About Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is committed to promoting diversity in research. Members of underrepresented groups in STEM fields are highly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

Other Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University. Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire. An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section. You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.