Hiring Department

School of Natural Resources

Job Description

This position provides leadership for the Center for Agroforestry's Technical Assistance (TA) Branch, with primary responsibility for managing technical assistance staff and overseeing the delivery of agroforestry planning and design services. The role ensures that all technical assistance activities-including review of USDA grant supported producer approval documentation and producer site plans-are conducted in compliance with applicable USDA requirements and program-specific guidelines.

From 2026 through 2029, the Technical Assistance Branch will support agroforestry planning and design associated with an estimated $8 million in incentive payments to producers across Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The position will coordinate with key partners in these states to support producer recruitment and program implementation and will provide or oversee direct technical assistance to approximately 20 additional landowners per year across the four-state region.

Technical assistance activities are currently supported through the USDA Advancing Markets for Producers: Expanding Agroforestry Project ([redacted]), which fully funds this position for the duration of the grant period. In addition to grant implementation, this role is expected to advance partnerships and strategies that sustain and expand the Center's technical assistance capacity beyond the project term, with a particular emphasis on expanding capacity for professional agroforestry technical assistance across Missouri.

As part of these responsibilities, the position will contribute to the Center for Agroforestry's strategic priority to develop credentialing pathways for professional agroforesters. Participation is expected in the Certified Agroforestry Professional Program, as well as in the Technical Assistance and Training Working Group, to support national agroforestry TA efforts modeled after our pilot certification program, and to establish training standards and ensure program quality.

The role requires travel for meetings, conferences, partner engagement, and limited producer site visits across the four-state region. The primary work location is the University of Missouri-Columbia campus.

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

State or regional technical assistance oversight specifically in agroforestry and familiarity with USDA incentive programs and processes. Master's degree or higher in forestry, agroforestry, or related field.

USDA-NRCS Technical Service Provider Certification

Society of American Foresters Certified Forester.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $70,512.00-$100,000 commensurate with experience.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade Salary Plan: GGS 12

University title: Educational Program Manager

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

MU application

Resume/CV

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement