Forestry Technician

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Forestry Technician will work with the Mancos Conservation District Forestry Program Coordinator to implement and monitor forest restoration and wildfire mitigation projects throughout Montezuma County. This role will involve both fieldwork and office duties, as well as community outreach and education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Implementation of Forest Conservation Projects

• On-the-ground project layout; flag boundaries, mark trees with paint or flagging, use GPS units
• Assist with the creation of plans for forestry/logging contractors and monitor their operations
• Assist with procurement of logging contractors through a competitive bid process; coordinate with contractors and other organizations to harvest trees and implement vegetation treatments
• Coordinate with co-workers, landowners, contractors, and other stakeholders to successfully design and implement projects (other stakeholders include grantors, researchers, agencies, and non-profit organizations)
• Conduct pre- and post-implementation monitoring using common forest inventory techniques and equipment
• Use ESRI GIS software in the field and the office; manage spatial data; create maps in ArcPro and ArcGIS Online

Outreach and Development

• Organize and implement community outreach events to provide education and awareness of forest restoration and wildfire mitigation opportunities
• Create educational outreach materials to share with the community in person and on social media

Forest Management Planning

Assist the Forestry Program Coordinator with the following:

• Meet with landowners to discuss their natural resource concerns
• Perform fieldwork year-round to collect and organize forest vegetation data and assess terrain for harvest operations
• Provide forestry conservation planning, analyze and interpret data, and write forest management plans
• Prepare and submit grant proposals to secure future funding for the program
• Oversee forest inventory interns/seasonal technicians as needed

NECESSARY SKILLS

Soft Skills

• Possess a genuine interest in the conservation of natural resources
• Work collaboratively with people and be a team player
• Highly organized and efficiently manage time, tasks, projects, computer files, etc.
• Self-motivated, self-directed, innovative, and enthusiastic
• Flexible to perform a variety of duties and adaptable to changing situations
• Excellent communication, both verbal and written
• Ability to build relationships with a diversity of individuals and community groups
• Problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and customer service skills
• Maintain a positive attitude, enjoy working with people, respect and tolerate different viewpoints and personalities
• Committed to safety, quality, and professionalism
• Assures that programs and services are carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or physical or mental handicap.
• Discretion in maintaining confidentiality of business records

Hard Skills

• Possess a working knowledge of general ecological principles, resource management techniques, Southwestern Colorado ecosystems, and forest and fire ecology in the Western United States
• Ability to read and interpret scientific and technical information related to natural resources and the environment
• Technical writing – write effectively and efficiently on topics pertaining to natural resources
• Ability to develop and deliver visual presentations for a variety of groups
• Efficient in basic computer use, and able to learn new technology and software

Required Job Functions

• Work safely outdoors, alone and as a team, during all seasons and weather conditions to complete required fieldwork; walk and hike over steep, uneven terrain all day; use a map, compass, GPS, and other equipment; carry up to 30 pounds
• Ability to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in rural settings on- and off-road
• Comfortable with towing a trailer and learning how to operate a wood chipper
• Employee must provide their own boots, clothing, and other personal gear for fieldwork during all seasons
• Employee must be willing to use their own vehicle for work purposes when in the field – the employee will be reimbursed at the federal rate by MCD.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to pass a criminal background check
• Bachelor’s degree AND strong preference for at least 12 months prior job experience in forestry, ecology, restoration ecology, wildlife management, natural resources, environmental science, botany, biology, or a related field
• Proficient in the following computer software applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word,
• Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite (such as Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets), ESRI
• ArcMap (data management and organization, basic geoprocessing, creating PDF maps)
• Experience working outdoors doing the duties described above
• Experience driving a vehicle in the mountains
• Hold or able to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license
• Able to work weekend or evening hours (after 6pm) 3-5 times per year

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in forestry in the Western United States
• Experience operating and maintaining a wood chipper
• Experience working with private landowners
• Experience working with logging contractors