Area Forester

Do you have a passion for designing and implemeting forestry  projects that help both private landowners and their communities? Come work in the beautiful desert landscapes and cool mountain air in of Moab, Utah! The Southeast Utah Area Forester develops and coordinates forest health project work, engages with and provides guidance to private landowners, and fosters critical collaboration with local and federal partners on science-based, sound, natural resource management decisions in Grand, San Juan, Emery and Carbon counties.  In coordination with federal, state and local partners, the area forester develops and promotes land use and conservation programs with landowners and lumber industries in the areas of forest management, forest products utilization, and protection of state and private resources. With a splash of creativity and the heart of protecting valuable natural resources, this position can be what you envision.

Principal Duties:

• Advise public and private landowners and industries in the management, utilization, and protection of state and private resources, including assessment of resources and anticipation/reconciliation of possible problems.
• Adapt forestry program(s) to meet specific needs or concerns.
• Develop and directs forestry management, sovereign land management, and/or land development programs.
• Analyze, summarize and/or reviews data; reports findings, interpret results and/or make recommendations.
• Write or draft technical reports, articles or related material based on research, investigation or analysis.
• Develops and implement procedures in response to agency policy, state and federal laws, etc.

Ideal Candidate:

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in forestry and/or natural resource management, environmental science or closely related natural resources/conservation field OR a bachelor’s degree not related to natural resources but who has at least five years of professional experience directly related to natural resources or conservation fields.
• A working knowledge and experience in the management of forestry programs
• Experience in writing and critiquing grant proposals, including meeting deadlines and understanding the grant process.

Why You Should Join Our Team:
This position offers a opportunity to develop impactful, innovative forestry projects in a fantastic location while encountering the beauty of the desert, the serene cool air of the mountains and the excitement of the Colorado River.  Moab and the surrounding area offers camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, rafting, and much, much more. Our Southeast Area Team takes pride in the work they do while collaborating with local agency partners in a fun atmosphere.  The State of Utah offers great benefits and generous paid time off for a positive work-life balance.  If you are looking for a position where you can work hard but have fun, make a difference and get paid, this job is for you!

The Agency:
If you would like more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in forestry and/or natural resource management, environmental science or closely related natural resources/conservation field OR has a bachelor’s degree not related to natural resources but who has at least five years professional experience directly related to natural resource or conservation fields.
• Knowledge of forest resource management and/or forestry program delivery including urban and community forestry • Strong communication skills, including both oral and written skills and experience addressing audiences of all types using various mediums
• Knowledge of invasive species management.
• Skills and abilities to operate off-highway vehicles such as ATV/UTVs.
• Supervise full-time and seasonal staff within the program including volunteer groups and contractors.
• Develop, prepare and present proposals for alternative/grant funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and habitat requirements.
• Knowledge of principles, theories and practices of fire fighting and fire prevention..
• Previous experience managing personnel, projects, programs and budgets.
• Master’s Degree in Forestry or related field.

Supplemental Information

• Field activities may be performed requiring the employee to work outdoors, navigate uneven terrain and operate a variety of small tools/machines and work around mechanized equipment which requires the use of special safety precautions.
• If the position supports wildland fire in any capacity as a collateral duty, the incumbent must satisfy agency and NWCG standards for certification and acknowledge the risks associated with fire support.
• Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, e.g. working in extreme outdoor weather conditions, working in remote wilderness areas and/or boating/OHV areas, transportation over waterways and driving an automobile or 4×4 vehicle, etc.
• The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 pounds, crouching or crawling in restricted areas.