The Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) helps tackle America’s wildland fire problems by moving science into practice. As a member of the Fire Science Exchange Network, SFE bridges the gap between the southeastern U.S. fire science and natural resource management communities so that relevant cutting-edge fire science information can be applied to address wildfire and prescribed fire challenges in the Southeast. The SFE Outreach Specialist is part of a team that works with key regional partners to develop innovative programs, resources, and networks that move fire science and management forward.
The Outreach Specialist will be responsible for developing creative, innovative, and successful fire science outreach and communication programs. While the specific responsibilities of the Outreach Specialist may be adjusted to best align with the skills and strengths of the individual, duties may include the following:
Lead SFE social media programs by developing content, monitoring engagement, and analyzing metrics.
Develop and publish 3-4 SFE fact sheets annually that synthesize scientific literature and research publications.
Create, edit, and manage content for the SFE website.
Coordinate in-person fire science workshops in the southeastern U.S.
Support developing surveys and analyzing evaluation data from SFE programs to aid in science delivery planning.
Capture and produce high-quality multimedia products to support fire science communication programs (e.g., videos, graphics, infographics, photos, podcasts).
Represent and occasionally present SFE materials and resources at regional events (e.g., local natural resource management meetings, public events, conferences, and prescribed fire council meetings).
Participate in weekly planning web meetings with a subset of the SFE Leadership Team.
Participate in monthly SFE Leadership Team conference calls.
Travel to and attend the annual SFE Leadership Team and Advisory Board planning meeting.
Maintain regular email and phone contact with the SFE core team.
Conduct other duties as assigned to ensure the success of the project. Other responsibilities could include overnight travel to participate in meetings in or out of state.
Qualifications
Candidates are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree in a field relevant to the position. Experience burning, including Firefighter Type 2 qualifications, is not necessary but preferred.
The successful candidate should have experience and expertise in at least some of the following areas.
Organizing and delivering outreach programs and events, including presentations, workshops, webinars, classes, and public events.
Developing and implementing tools for the evaluation of outreach/extension programs.
Experience synthesizing and reporting outreach and extension evaluation data.
Experience writing and creating products and documents that synthesize and translate complex scientific literature for technical and non-technical readers (i.e., fact sheets, reports, research syntheses, newsletters, blog posts, and social media content).
Graphic design or multimedia experience could include developing factsheets, infographics, posters, videos, or podcasts for science communication.
We are particularly interested in candidates with knowledge of prescribed fire, fire science, fire ecology, southeastern ecosystems, and regional natural resource management techniques.
Location
This position will be hired through Southern Fire Exchange grant funds allocated to Tall Timbers Research Station (TTRS) in Tallahassee, Florida. This position can be remotely located within the southeastern US. The employee would need to be willing to travel to participate in meetings and events across the region.
How to Apply
This is a grant-funded Tall Timbers Research Station full-time position with health benefits and annual leave, and a starting salary of $48,000. Funds for this position depend upon the continuation of multi-year grants that have supported the program for over thirteen years. Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.
To apply, please send the following documents as PDF files to krobertson@talltimbers.org.
Cover letter highlighting your interest in and qualifications for this position.
Resume or equivalent.
This position is open until filled.
Southern Fire Exchange
Through a collaborative partnership among Tall Timbers Research Station, the University of Florida, and North Carolina State University, with funding from the Joint Fire Science Program, SFE develops and administers programs to increase the use and usefulness of wildland fire science in the Southeastern U.S. SFE seeks to bridge the gap between fire science research and natural resource management communities to make southern wildland fire more effective, efficient, and safe. SFE core outreach programs include presentations, webinars, videos, newsletters, factsheets, and in-person training workshops.
