District Forester

The Delta Conservation District (Delta CD), a unique unit of local government, is seeking applicants to serve as an educational/outreach Forester to implement the Michigan Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) on private landholdings in Delta and Schoolcraft Counties in the Upper Peninsula. The FAP program provides private landowners with technical assistance to make informed decisions about the use and management of their forest lands. Delta CD is the employer of record for this position. The Forester will be based in Gladstone, Michigan. Duties will be performed under the direction of the Delta CD District Manager, with yearly goals developed by an advisory board, composed of Delta CD staff, Board of Directors, local, state, and federal partners.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Forestry Degree from an accredited forestry program.
• Knowledge of forest management in the Upper Great Lakes Region.
• Working understanding of regional invasive species and regional forest pathogens.
• Ability to work with the public and as part of an interactive team.
• Willingness to build customer service skills
• Exceptional organization/self-starting skills
• Valid state issued driver’s license and reliable personal transportation
• Willingness to expand services and programs
• Must be able to pass a background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Positive outgoing attitude
• SAF Candidate/ Certified Forester Status*
• Knowledge/Experience with the Michigan Qualified Forest Program (QFP)
• Proficient in using GIS and ArcMap
• USDA Farm Bill Program knowledge
• Prior outreach and program planning experience
• Forest Management Plan writing experience
• General understanding of marketing and utilization of forest products
• Excellent Communication Skills

*Though not required for position application, the Delta CD requires that the Forester pursue a Certified Forester status with the Society of American Foresters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the initial point of contact for private forest landowners, natural resource professionals and local governments for the management of forestland, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource activities in Delta and Schoolcraft 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 natural resource management on their property.
• Conduct outreach and education including: demonstrations, workshops, and field days. Topics may include: forest management planning for private landowners; how to register for the QFP and the Michigan Tree Farm programs; potential tax incentives for forest management implementation; tree identification, planting, and pruning workshops.
• Maintain a list of qualified forester consultants and actively implement a referral program for private landowners.
• Review QFP applications and submit Parcel Eligibility Determination Forms.
• Promote the use of MAEAP Forestry, Wetlands, and Habitat (FWH) assessment tool(s) available to landowners and help with the on site assessments.
• Work closely with and maintain a good working relationship with resource management professionals in the public and private sectors.
• Prepare and submit an annual plan of work and accomplishment reports to MDARD, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Provide advice on the selection and planting of trees, shrubs, and other plans for reforestation and wildlife habitat restoration.
• Provide advice on the identification and control of insects, diseases, invasive plants, and wildlife pests for woodlands. Actively monitor the occurrence and spread of insects, diseases, and pests.
• Work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA- NRCS) to provide the technical assistance necessary for producers to access Farm Bill cost-share funds for forest management activities.
• Support Conservation District programs and activities such as: pollinator gardens, tree and native plant sales,watershed clean up, invasive species programs and others as needed.
• Perform other essential activities as required by the MDARD grant agreement or as assigned by the District Administrator of the Conservation District.
• Prepare monthly written reports for CD Boards.

WORKING LOCATION AND CONDITIONS
The position will be based in Gladstone, Michigan, at USDA Service Center. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position, typically working between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Working hours can be flexible with approval from the District Administrator. The Delta Conservation District office is co-located with NRCS; interactions with the agency are critical to the Districts success.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is an exempt position paid bi-weekly that includes the following benefits: 11 paid federal holidays, 4 District recognized paid holidays (Yooper Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve), spontaneous early dismissal days, generous vacation and sick leave, mileage reimbursement, healthcare benefit can be negotiated and more.  The Delta CD is currently exploring MERS retirement plan and dental/vision insurance plus a provided health stipend. Opportunities for training and skill development will be paid by the District, including conference fees, hotel stays, and meal cost reimbursements. Starting annual salary will range between $47,000 and $52,000 contingent upon an applicant’s employment history and/or status as a current FAP Forester or a Certified Forester ranking.