Conservation District Forester

Gogebic Conservation District

Forestry Assistance Program

Position Description

The Gogebic Conservation District (GCD) is seeking a Forester to increase private landowner enrollment in Michigan’s Qualified Forest Program and help private forest landowners with natural resource concerns in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties. 

The Gogebic Conservation District office is located in beautiful Bessemer, Michigan. A small, family-friendly community, with easy access to Lake Superior, the Ottawa National Forest, hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, and numerous inland lakes. An ideal location for any outdoor enthusiast.

The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) goal is to increase enrollment in Michigan’s Qualified Forest Program. In the course of this work the FAP Forester provides private landowners and local government units with technical information and guidance on forest management, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource concerns. The position is based in the GCD Office in Bessemer, MI. The service area is Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties. Upon accepting the job offer, the successful candidate must sign a work agreement which defines the conditions of employment including salary and benefits.

This position is funded by a year-to-year State of Michigan grant through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The wage ($23.16 to $24.38/hour) will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and education. Outreach activity is required in this position however the natural resource topics are at the discretion of the FAP forester and may be tied to the forester’s own interests within forestry/wildlife habitat/etc. Provided that program requirements are met, the FAP forester is free to pursue further professional development, training, grant opportunities (with board approval), or other natural resource projects that may be beneficial to the residents of both Conservation Districts.

Benefits include holiday pay, sick and annual leave, paid FMLA leave, MERS retirement program, mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use (on occasions when District vehicle is not available), $1500 annual health stipend, Health Benefits, up to $1500 reimbursement for moving expenses, and opportunities for training and skills development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Forestry from a Society of American Foresters accredited program. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in forestry from a university program that is not accredited by the Society of American Foresters will also be accepted, although not preferred. Candidates that maintain the Certified Forester or Candidate Certified Forester credential, regardless of degree, will be accepted.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner and to maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Computer proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite, and GIS mapping programs.
• Ability to read and navigate with various types of maps.

Duties: 

• Serve as initial point of contact for non-industrial private forest landowners, local governments, and other private property owners for forest management, and wildlife habitat.
• Conducts outreach activities, demonstrations, workshops and independently prepares correspondence, reports, news articles and social media posts.
• Fulfill grant agreement requirements (deliverables) and assist with preparation of the FAP documentation. Submit monthly accomplishment reports to District Boards (more frequently if needed or requested).
• Attend required in person training including MACD Fall Convention, Forestry Assistance Program Camp, MAEAP FWH, and more as required.
• Provides on-site land examination and resource evaluation.
• As needed, prepare a written summary of findings, referral to an appropriate agency, or other information/resources after an on-site inspection or other communication with landowners.
• Connect landowners with natural resource specialists regarding programs, agencies, organizations, and private sector interests that furnish technical/financial assistance.
• Provides diagnosis and advice on the control of insects, disease, and wildlife pests for individual trees and woodlands.
• Maintains a good working relationship with other forestry service providers, both public and private. Works with Conservation Districts, NRCS, other staff and programs.
• Receive training and become familiar with NRCS farm bill programs to serve as initial point of contact to initiate assistance.
• Assist with the Conservation District’s annual tree sale and provide input regarding species selection for tree sale and other District programs.
• Pursues/maintains certification with Society of American Foresters (SAF).
• Provide advice on tree planting/reforestation for timber production, windbreaks, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration. Provide advice on the control of erosion, sedimentation, soil compaction and other environmental impacts resulting from forest management activities.

Major Responsibilities

Enroll acres in Qualified Forest Program (QFP) 60%

Follow up with landowners reached by previous forester. Initiate outreach to landowners through targeted mailer, press releases, social media, or other means. Post referrals on district website. Spend up to 55% of work time traveling to perform site visits and consulting with landowners in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties.

Public outreach, education, & responses to inquiries on forest health issues. 30%

Periodic field days, seminars, or workshops to promote the qualified forest program educate the public on forest health or similar natural resource related concerns.

Participation & support in GCD general district outreach 10%                     

Support Gogebic and Ontonagon Conservation Districts in supplementary ways through general district outreach, assisting the District Manager with the tree sale, network with local partners to initiate and support enriching community programming, and represent GCD by participating in other community events.