Forester

Beltrami County•Bemidji, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Beltrami County is creating an eligibility list for a full-time, benefited Forester to work in our Natural Resource Management Department. Responsibilities include timber sale design, timber sale preparation, and contract administration; directing forest development projects including but not limited to site preparation and reforestation; forest inventory; multiple use resource management projects that may include forest recreation, aesthetics, wildlife habitat, and water quality. Performs difficult skilled technical work managing the natural resources of tax-forfeited lands, sustainable harvests of forests, long-term forest health, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Natural Resources Management Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Management, Natural Resources, or a related Natural Resource field.
Eight years of related work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree.
Four years of related work experience and an Associate’s degree in a related field may be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.
Three years or more of progressively related work experience in Forestry.
Valid MN Driver's License.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of forest land management and administration.
Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to forest stewardship.
Thorough knowledge of tree and plant identification, and tree insect and disease identification.
General knowledge of the use of standard forestry and GPS equipment.
General knowledge of standard office software and mapping programs.
Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze facts and prepare detailed recommendations and reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) drone license
Certified Forester
Pesticide Applicator
Chainsaw certification
First Aid/CPR

Responsibilities

Develops plans for harvest, reforestation, chemical use, roads, and trails; provides technical support, training, and education of silvicultural practices to contractors of forest harvesting and forest development projects; administers contracts to ensure compliance; recommends penalties for non-compliance with contracts.
Designs timber sale areas to incorporate principles of sustainable forestry and stand level management; establishes sale locations and boundaries; develops sale contract specifications.
Develops resource management plans consistent with sustainable forestry standards; prescribes and implements forest treatments needed to regenerate forests, improves wildlife habitat, preserves and protects cultural resources, and protects the forest from natural concerns.
Communicates with landowners, citizens, and special interest groups related to forest management activities.
Maintains inventory and mapping programs for county-managed lands; completes inventory and GIS alterations to forest stands review access trails and off-road use designations.
Compiles wildlife census data for study projects; submit to state agencies; recommends wildlife projects to state on county-managed land.
Assists in the development of departmental budget and operations plans; provides budget needs related to forest development areas, trail construction, and road system maintenance.