Scientific Research Specialist CL2 - Forest Technician

University of Maine System • Orono, ME

67d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forest Technician reports to the University Forest Manager, with potential daily work assignments from the Forest Operations Manager. This role involves year-round outdoor work, sometimes in adverse conditions, and requires statewide travel. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Forest Technician is considered an "Essential Employee" and may be required to work during emergencies to support critical University functions.

Requirements

• B.S. or A.S. in Forestry or related natural resource field and 2 years relevant forestry or natural resources related experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
• Current Certified Logging Professional (CLP) certification or ability to obtain CLP certification within 1 year of start date.
• Able to identify tree species measure diameters, heights and determine product merchantability.
• Experience with chainsaw maintenance and repair.
• Experience researching, locating and maintaining previously established property boundary lines.
• Able to use technology including handheld GPS units and tablet computers.
• A Class C driver’s license.
• Able to walk long distances over rough terrain.
• Must be able to lift 80 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of conventional logging experience.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain, diagnose and repair logging and other heavy equipment.
• Demonstrated experience operating logging equipment.
• Experience training people in chainsaw use and safe and efficient wood harvesting techniques.
• Prior experience training and overseeing student interns with emphasis on safety and efficiency.
• Knowledge of Maine’s Forestry laws, particularly for organized towns.
• User level GIS, MS word and excel skills.
• Experience installing forestry research studies and gathering research data.

Responsibilities

• Train and supervise student employees in activities such as pre-commercial thinning of forest stands, firewood processing, boundary line maintenance, timber harvesting, forest inventory and invasive plant control.
• Maintain buildings, grounds, facilities and equipment.
• Work with the Forest Operations Manager and students as part of a conventional logging crew operating the University Forest cable skidder, or other heavy equipment, hand-felling trees as part of the yearly timber harvest operations and as needed for research and demonstrations.
• Help organize and lead field labs for forestry and wildlife classes on topics related to logging and forest operations, assist with the annual forestry summer camp, research learning experience class and Tanglewood first year student orientation camp.
• Assist with chainsaw safety classes for students and other U-Maine employees using the Game-of-Logging training methodology.
• Operate, maintain and repair a variety of heavy equipment including a cable skidder, farm tractors, bulldozer, road grader, bandsaw mills, chainsaws and various small engine equipment.
• Plow snow on the Demeritt and Penobscot forests and other properties as needed.
• Groom ski trails with snowsled and tow behind groomer.
• Conduct road maintenance and repair under direction of the Forest Manager or Operations Manager.
• Mow roadsides, recreational trails and fields.
• Collect forest inventory data on variable and fixed radius plots and enter data.
• Research, locate and maintain over 115 miles of boundary lines, based on deeds and existing evidence, on properties across the State of Maine.
• Serve as the university representative on the Certified Logging Professional advisory board.
• Principal responsibility for UM Forests maple syrup operations: Ordering supplies and materials, Scheduling student workers and volunteers for tapping trees and gathering sap, Preparation, operation and cleanup of the evaporator, sugarhouse, and collection apparatus, Finishing & bottling syrup, Hosting forestry classes, local TV stations, schoolchildren and visitors.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability
• Retirement plan options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree