The School of Forestry and Horticulture at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) seeks a Researcher I (Urban and Community Forestry) to work with the SIU Urban Forestry Program Managers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager (UCFPM) to enhance urban forestry programs in the southern Illinois region and fulfill the funded Urban and Community Forestry Initiative contract between SIU and IDNR. They must have the ability to work independently, and duties include community outreach and education, networking with urban forestry professionals across Illinois, and collecting and analyzing pertinent community forestry data particular to the southern Illinois service region. When appropriate, the researcher will supervise student workers. The position will also require the preparation of regular reports for the funding agent (IDNR). This is a full-time professional position, salary commensurate with experience. Some in-state travel is required.

May include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist IL DNR UCFPM with recruiting downstate communities to becoming Tree City USA (TCU) communities
• Assist UCFPM with grading TCU applications (October-February)
• Attend Illinois Forestry Development Council (IDFC) meetings (every other odd month)
• Attend IFDC Urban and Community Forestry Committee meetings (every other even month)
• Become a go to for downstate communities on urban forestry program advice, input and assistance for community leaders and managers
• Supply communities with handouts and literature, links, newsletters, ongoing information dissemination regarding current forestry topics
• Develop/assist with developing outreach materials on urban forestry and urban horticulture to benefit downstate communities
• Complement SIU academic and on campus programs related to urban forestry and horticulture