New

Extension Associate, Wildland Fire

North Carolina State University

$53,000 - $56,000

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Dec 17, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194384EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Extension Associate, Wildland Fire
Anticipated Hiring Range	$53,000 - $56,000
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location	Raleigh NC
Department	Forestry Extension
About the Department	The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) has a wide variety of strengths in forestry and natural resources management, policy and economics, environmental science and technology, wildlife and conservation biology, tree improvement, silviculture, forest biotechnology, and international forestry. The Department has over 90 full-time faculty and staff, and more than 750 undergraduate and 150 graduate students. Faculty, staff, and students work together with business, industry, government, community groups, and non-government organizations to address a wide range of challenges facing our state and the world. Additional information about the department can be found at http://cnr.ncsu.edu/fer. The College of Natural Resources ( CNR) at North Carolina State University is a world leader in the sustainable use of natural resources. The college's comprehensive approach to teaching, research and service encompasses the many and varied ways in which people's physical, economic and social needs are met through the wise use of natural resources. We support NC State's land grant mission by maintaining a robust extension and outreach program. We believe in sharing our knowledge with the people of North Carolina and supporting the economic prosperity of NC communities by enabling North Carolinians to make informed decisions concerning the management, enhancement, and enjoyment of their forest and other natural resources through sound, research-based information and education. About NC State University Cooperative Extension: As a land-grant university, NC State has a unique and important obligation to serve our state through Extension. It's what sets us apart from other universities. Working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture ( USDA- NIFA), NC A&T State University, local governments, and industry and community partners, we help create economic, societal and intellectual prosperity across North Carolina. NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We envision to be the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University ( NCSU) is hiring a dynamic and effective educator for the position of Extension Associate in Wildland Fire. This is a full-time, grant-funded professional staff position (expected through June 30, 2029) that joins the 11-person Extension Forestry team. The position is dedicated to expanding North Carolina's capacity for safe and effective prescribed fire implementation. This role's primary focus is prescribed fire training and education, including serving as essential operational leadership during burns and providing expert instruction (including NWCG training, coordinating the student "Fire Pack" crew), serving a varied audience of students, landowners, and partners. This position may require up to 15% overnight travel, necessitating professional scheduling, to include nights and weekends. The position will provide programmatic support by managing the program's grant and equipment, offering technical fire expertise, maintaining key partnerships, and leading educational outreach efforts, all while ensuring strict compliance with NC State Extension policies and reporting to the Department Extension Leader. The initial appointment is for one year, with continuation based on satisfactory performance and continued funding. Responsibilities: Prescribed Fire Training, Education and Capacity Building (50%) Supervise, train, and mentor students by providing technical guidance, administrative support, and performance feedback. Expand the prescribed fire program through coordinating and instructing NWCG and other fire courses (e.g., FOR 265 Fire Management, FOR 491 Wildland Firefighter, RT-130), and through hands-on training opportunities. Coordinate resources (equipment, personnel) with state/federal agencies and organizations to schedule burns and facilitate training. Manage logistics for seasonal fire modules, including housing, arrangements, and supplies. Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Leadership and Programmatic Support (25%) Work closely with NC State Extension's Wildland Fire Extension Associate and Specialist to provide technical leadership and overall support for fire and stewardship programs. Assist with annual budget planning, and grant, supplies, and equipment management. Maintain strong professional relationships within the fire community and with many partners including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, indigenous communities, and private organizations. Coordinate the "Fire Pack" student burn crew, advise the Student Association for Fire Ecology (SAFE), and maintain comprehensive student training records. On-the-Ground Planning and Operations (20%) Assist with all aspects of prescribed fire implementation including operational and administrative functions. Conduct site visits with students and landowners to provide expert guidance on the logistical aspects of safe and successful prescribed burns. Provide operational expertise and leadership for NCSU students and crew members during prescribed burns, often assisting with or leading burn implementation. Maintain tools, equipment and supplies to ensure crew readiness. Operate and maintain prescribed fire equipment and vehicles. Develop and review prescribed burn plans.
Other Responsibilities	Other Work Responsibilities (5%) Manage and deliver comprehensive educational outreach programs (virtual and in-person), overseeing all phases from planning and marketing to logistics, delivery, and evaluation. Maintain and utilize digital platforms (e.g., WordPress, Instagram) to drive online communication and wildland fire outreach. Create and produce a range of program materials including marketing collateral, technical fact sheets, and professional publications. Secure and manage external funding through successful grant proposal development and ensure strict financial compliance. Facilitate and execute all event logistics, including physical setup/breakdown (lifting up to 50 lbs.) and conducting programs in varied outdoor environments and weather conditions. Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	A Master's degree (preferred) in a natural resources, forestry, fire, science communication, or other science-related field, or a bachelor's degree and at least five (5) years of related work experience.
Other Required Qualifications	Strong oral and written communication skills, including effective use of electronic and printed media Excellent time and resource management skills Experience training and/or supervising staff, burn crew members, or volunteers Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with experience collaborating with agencies, landowners, or other partners Basic knowledge of educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs Proficiency in basic office software (e.g., Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, etc. or related applications) Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multitask, set priorities, seek opportunities, manage resources, and exhibit success Uphold and promote the College of Natural Resources' Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic priorities Ability to obtain and maintain valid North Carolina driver's license; willingness to drive extended distances, including ability to operate a manual transmission vehicle, and tow a trailer Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds Ability to pass the Wildland Firefighting Arduous Work Capacity Test annually Ability to achieve and maintain a NWCG Single Resource Boss or Incident Commander Type 4 qualification within the first year of employment Ability to become a North Carolina Certified Burn Manager within the first year of employment
Preferred Qualifications	At least five years of wildland fire experience Experience in the development of experiential learning or training programs Demonstrated ability to secure and manage external funding Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating Extension or non-formal education programs Willingness/ability to learn new skills, tools, techniques, software, and approaches Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific findings for a less technical audience Experience in data collection and management, website editing (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix) Experience with ArcGIS Experience with social media program management (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, YouTube) Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, work, teach, and interact effectively with all stakeholder groups, regardless of their varied background or knowledge level of forest and fire management Knowledge and experience related to wildland fire, prescribed fire and southeastern U.S. natural resource management Knowledge of the Land Grant Mission and the role of Extension Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in formal and non-formal settings
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Qualified as a NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) or higher Valid driver's license required
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	12/17/2025
Anticipated Close Date	01/09/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111764
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	152013 - Forestry Extension
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.