Forester 2 - Northwestern Land Office Area Forester

State of Montana • Kalispell, MT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as the AREA Forester for the Land Office and is responsible for project development and administration, professional forestry functions, and providing technical expertise in the coordination, planning, and implementation of the forest management program for the Northwestern Land Office; and supporting program operations (budgets, procurement, contract review and administration, documentation, MEPA, etc.). The position reports to the Trust Lands Program Manager. The incumbent functions independently in the execution of major duties and is directly responsible for decisions made and actions taken.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry and natural resource management or related field and three to four years directly related experience in forest management.
• Requires knowledge of forestry and natural resource management including forest management, forest product sales, forest improvement, environmental compliance processes (e.g., EAs and EISs) and other regulatory requirements (land use and access law).
• Knowledge of forest road design and construction, bridge installation, and stream crossings.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management, contracting, information systems, conflict resolution methods and techniques, and records management.
• Administering multiple forest improvement projects
• Verbal and written communication
• Negotiation and conflict management
• Use of personal computers and forestry- and business-related software
• Public speaking
• Communicating both verbally and in writing with a wide variety of individuals in an effective manner
• Organizing and delivering reports.
• ability to be effective in problem-solving and managing conflicts
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse people sometimes in adverse environments.
• Learn and apply DNRC and other state and federal agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Prioritize assignments and work under deadlines
• Organize and complete detailed work.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in office settings.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment, files, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read maps, legal documents, and measurement instruments.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, computers, and field measuring devices.
• Capacity to drive a vehicle for field inspections and statewide travel.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, dust, precipitation).
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
• A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Responsibilities

• With Unit, Area, and Bureau staff, cooperatively plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate forest management activities in support of healthy and diverse forests and long-term sustainable revenue from timber harvest.
• Works in conjunction with the 5 Unit offices to complete planned forest management projects, promote and support sustainable timber harvest, and achieve other forest management program objectives.
• Assist Units with data collection, compilation, updates, verification, and reporting. This includes field surveys to collect information necessary to specific forest improvement or timber harvest projects, determining the type and amount of information needed and interfacing with program-level data systems.
• Assist with commercial timber harvest and related forest management projects as needed. Support activities may include establishing project boundaries, pursuing access agreements, conducting or supervising timber volume cruises, marking, and sale layout, and engagement in initial project planning to assist with logging system design, evaluate costs and project feasibility, and recommend project modifications to achieve silvicultural objectives and desired future conditions.
• In collaboration with the Forest Management Program Supervisor and Forest Management Bureau, coordinate Area-wide forest management activities for consistent and effective program delivery to promote program objectives and accountability
• Coordinate and facilitate planting schedules and seedling orders, storage, and distribution for the Area.
• Verify planting needs are current and accurate.
• Coordinate Area-wide planning for forest improvement activities to promote timely and accurate completion of projects.
• Work with Unit foresters and Area specialists to identify and schedule forest improvement projects.
• Provide assistance in writing scopes of work, contract development and administration.
• Adjust schedules, budgets, and plans to accomplish forest improvement goals and objectives consistent with overall program needs and direction.
• Use FMX to plan and report post-harvest treatments including slash disposal, site preparation for regeneration, tree planting survival surveys, road maintenance and other capital improvement projects.
• Provide input to the Area Forest Management Program Supervisor and Forest Management Bureau on policy updates, modifications, and developments necessary to support effective program operations. This includes researching best practices in forest management and evaluating Area program operations to provide recommendations.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays
• Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plans
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level