Staff Forester I - Silviculture/Wildlife Biologist

Texas A&M • Lufkin, TX

2d

About The Position

The Staff Forester I will support the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) Silvicultural Program by performing several major duties. Major Responsibilities: - Provide scientific expertise on forest establishment, growth, vigor, productivity and sustainability, and wildlife management by delivering current, research-based information to agency forester, consulting foresters and forest industry professionals. - Support landowner and public education efforts by developing and delivering educational materials and outreach activities that promote understanding of forest science, management practices and the environmental and economic benefits of forests. - Translate research into practice by synthesizing current silvicultural science into practical tools, including diagnostic guides, prescription methodologies and decision-support models to enhance forest vigor, resiliency and productivity. - Develop and implement silvicultural strategies that address a wide range of landowner objectives, with an emphasis on wildlife management through practical, science-based guidance tailored to small-acreage owners and diverse forest management goals. - Coordinate and deliver in-service training for agency Foresters and Resource Specialists on topics such as: 1) adaptive culture, 2) wildlife management, 3) understory plant identification, 4) naturalist topics (e.g. animal ID, insect pollinators, wildlife management basics) and 5) ecosystem restoration (e.g. shortleaf and longleaf pine). - Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to ensure silvicultural science is integrated into forest management planning, policy development and program delivery. - Collaborate with state forest managers to establish and maintain "proof of concept" field plots - primarily on state forest lands - that demonstrate the effectiveness of current silvicultural strategies on forest productivity, resiliency, vigor, risk mitigation and economic return. - Develop and lead promotional campaigns that effectively communicate silvicultural science using modern communication channels. Messaging should emphasize appeal, clarity, directness, brevity, credibility, transparency and memorability. - Support and facilitate activities related to financial assistance programs administered by the Silvicultural Program. - Assist with other Silvicultural Program needs and special projects as assigned. - Assist with incident response and agency operations , including wildfire and all-hazard response, preparedness and recovery, as well as other program duties as assigned. Occasional Responsibilities: -The Forester must perform related duties when required and is encouraged to be involved with local community and professional activities not specifically related to the agency. Working Conditions: -This position involves a combination of office-based work and frequent outdoors fieldwork. While most duties will be performed in an office setting, the position will require travel to field sites for demonstrations, assessments and educational activities. Fieldwork may involve infrequent exposure to harsh environmental conditions, including wind, sunlight, rain and temperature extremes. The job may also require walking long distances over uneven terrain, standing for extended periods, twisting, bending, reaching and kneeling and lifting and carrying heavy objects such as field equipment or signage. This position demands a commitment to safely conducting outdoor work in a variety of conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelors of Science in Forestry with an emphasis in forest management, wildlife management or a closely related field from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited university.
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background in southern silviculture, including coursework and/or practical experience related for forest regeneration, stand dynamics, forest health and applied silvicultural systems.
• Strong background in Southern Silviculture and Wildlife Management , with demonstrated knowledge of forest establishment, growth and management practices relevant to the region.
• Excellent communication, organization and documentation skills , including the ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and educational materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, 365 and similar software tools for data management, communication, presentations and documentation.
• Familiarity with applied demonstration procedures and the ability to establish, assess and maintain field demonstration sites for educational or research purposes.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills , with the ability to evaluate complex forestry issues and develop practical solutions.
• Effective project management skills , including planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of forestry-related projects.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within i nterdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing, conducting and delivering educational programs , including public speaking, field days, workshops or professional training sessions.
• Valid Texas Driver's license or ability to obtain on withing 30 days of employment.
• Must meet and annually maintain physical fitness standards, including successfully completing a 2 mile walk in 30 minutes or less while carrying 25-pound pack.
• Must obtain and maintain required NWCG training and Red Card Certification.
• Must be available to work overtime, including occasional overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Forestry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific expertise on forest establishment, growth, vigor, productivity and sustainability, and wildlife management by delivering current, research-based information to agency forester, consulting foresters and forest industry professionals.
• Support landowner and public education efforts by developing and delivering educational materials and outreach activities that promote understanding of forest science, management practices and the environmental and economic benefits of forests.
• Translate research into practice by synthesizing current silvicultural science into practical tools, including diagnostic guides, prescription methodologies and decision-support models to enhance forest vigor, resiliency and productivity.
• Develop and implement silvicultural strategies that address a wide range of landowner objectives, with an emphasis on wildlife management through practical, science-based guidance tailored to small-acreage owners and diverse forest management goals.
• Coordinate and deliver in-service training for agency Foresters and Resource Specialists on topics such as: 1) adaptive culture, 2) wildlife management, 3) understory plant identification, 4) naturalist topics (e.g. animal ID, insect pollinators, wildlife management basics) and 5) ecosystem restoration (e.g. shortleaf and longleaf pine).
• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to ensure silvicultural science is integrated into forest management planning, policy development and program delivery.
• Collaborate with state forest managers to establish and maintain "proof of concept" field plots - primarily on state forest lands - that demonstrate the effectiveness of current silvicultural strategies on forest productivity, resiliency, vigor, risk mitigation and economic return.
• Develop and lead promotional campaigns that effectively communicate silvicultural science using modern communication channels. Messaging should emphasize appeal, clarity, directness, brevity, credibility, transparency and memorability.
• Support and facilitate activities related to financial assistance programs administered by the Silvicultural Program.
• Assist with other Silvicultural Program needs and special projects as assigned.
• Assist with incident response and agency operations , including wildfire and all-hazard response, preparedness and recovery, as well as other program duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce.
• Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as education incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees