Conservation Technician – Forester

The Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District (CLMCD) is seeking enthusiastic applicants to serve as an educational/outreach Forester in the area of private lands forestry. The purpose of the position is to provide private landowners with technical assistance regarding forestry, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource concerns, so that they may make informed decisions about the use and management of their forestlands. The candidate will be based in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and will include assignments in all of Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties. Duties will be performed under the direction of the CLMCD Executive Director with yearly goals guided by an advisory board made up of directors and staff from the Conservation District, local, state, and federal partners. Office to field split is approximately 50/50 depending on the time of year.

Required Qualifications:

• *Forestry Bachelor’s degree
• Enjoy working with the public
• Superior customer service skills
• Excellent organization/self-starting skills
• Experience with technical writing for general public
• Valid state issued license and reliable personal transportation
• Knowledge base of tree pests and disease
• Willingness to expand services and programs
• Positive outgoing attitude

Preferred Qualifications:

• SAF Candidate/Certified Forester Status
• Experience with the Michigan Qualified Forest Program (QFP)
• Proficient in using GIS (QGIS and ArcMap)
• Grant writing experience
• USDA Farm Bill Programs knowledge
• Previous experience with Conservation District’s
• Prior outreach and program planning experience
• Forest Management Plan writing experience

*Forestry degree does not have to be SAF accredited, but salary will be capped at $45,000.

Non-forestry degrees do not meet the minimum qualifications and cannot be considered for this position.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as initial point of contact for private forest landowners, natural resource professionals andlocal governments for the management of forestland, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource activities in Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac Counties.
• Provide, as a public service, both in-office and on-site assistance to private forest landowners so that they can make informed decisions regarding resource management on their property.
• Conduct outreach and education including demonstrations, workshops, and field days. Topics may include, types of forest management plans, Qualified Forest Program, Commercial Forest Program,
• Michigan Tree Farm, forestry and taxes, timber management contracts, selecting a consultant, options available for forest management, forest health, invasive species, or fire management.
• Create and maintain a list of qualified foresters, and actively implement a referral program which connects interested landowners with those professionals to facilitate sustainable planning and management of their property.
• Work closely with and maintain a good working relationship with other resource management professionals, both public and private, in support of landscape level planning and management of natural resources. Additionally, establish a relationship with mills, processors, and co-gen plants utilizing forest products from the local area.
• Prepare and submit an annual plan of work and monthly and annual accomplishment reports.
• Maintain a landowner contact document which tracks name, address, phone, site location, acres, a general assessment, and timber type.
• Provide public relations activities and indirect contact with the news media and general public.
• Prepare articles for newsletters, magazines, newspapers, radio or television spots.
• Provide advice on the selection and planting of trees, shrubs, and other plants for reforestation and wildlife habitat restoration.
• Provide appropriate management options for threatened and endangered plants and animals to all landowners through the use of the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) database.
• Provide advice on the identification and control of insects, diseases, invasive plants and wildlife pests for woodlands. Help monitor the occurrence and spread of insects, diseases, and pests.
• Provide information on federal and state programs, agencies, organizations, and individuals that provide technical and/or financial assistance for forest management activities.
• Review all Qualified Forest Program (QFP) applications to determine program eligibility and complete all QFP Parcel Eligibility Determination Forms sent to the district office by the QFP staff.
• Promote the availability of the MAEAP Forestry, Wetlands, and Habitat (FWH) assessment tool to landowners. Conduct and record the completion of the MAEAP FWH assessments. Encourage the full implementation of the management plan and pursuit of MAEAP verification.
• Assist CLMCD with their tree and shrub sales.

Other Functions

• Prepare regular, written reports to Conservation District Board (monthly).
• Pursue certified forester status with the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
• Attend trainings and conferences.
• Assist the Conservation District to achieve deliverables as well as short- and long-term goals.
• Other duties and functions as assigned.

Compensation:

This position is funded by an annually renewed grant provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to CLMCD. The technician wage will be contingent on whether they are a certified forester through SAF and the years of experience with a starting wage of $45,000 up to $49,900. The technician will be required to work 40 hours/week and compensated on a bi-weekly basis. Regular hours of duty are between 8:00am 4:30pm, but includes night and weekend hours with schedule flexibility. Candidate will be required to use personal vehicle at times with reimbursement. Benefits include paid time off (PTO), holidays, and $2,080 yearly contribution to a retirement savings, dental and vision insurance as well as a health insurance stipend.