Forest Wildlife Specialist- Forester

Forest Wildlife Specialist- Forester

Southwest Virginia- National Forest System lands

Location: Within 50-miles of Norton, VA

Employer: Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

Posting Open Date: February 26, 2024

Posting Close Date: March 25, 2024

Starting Date: May 15, 2024, or sooner if candidate is available.

Term of Position: May 15, 2024, to December 14, 2027, with a possibility of position extension.

Background and Primary Duties:

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) are a national, nonprofit organization with a 63-year record of forest wildlife conservation. In partnership with the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests (GWJEFF) we are seeking a dedicated forester to increase capacity for planning and implementing active forest management projects on National Forest System lands in Virginia, with a focus on the Clinch Ranger District, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and Eastern Divide Ranger District. The Forest Wildlife Specialist will function as an assistant hardwood silviculturist on the GWJEFF, providing silvicultural planning support and on-the-ground field forestry assistance. The position will focus on restoring forest age-class and structural diversity to achieve objectives from the GWJEFF’s Forest Plan and to assist in the recovery of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) from Virginia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, including ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and golden-winged warbler.

Qualifications:

• A degree in forestry with experience in forest operations, applied silviculture, and timber sale administration. A bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of experience or a master’s degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of USDA Forest Service processes, regulations, policies, and directives. Previous experience working with the Forest Service, or another federal land management agency is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of connections between active forest management and wildlife habitat needs, contract administration, forest product markets, forest harvesting systems, forest ecology, and environmental regulations.
• Technical skills and experience in field forestry, including forest inventory design and implementation, timber marking and cruising, project layout, GPS data collection, map making in ArcGIS Pro, data analysis, and silvicultural treatment writing.
• Experience in forest management planning, including growth and yield modeling, database management, and the utilization of decision-support software applications (e.g., Forest Metrix Pro, ExamsPC, FVS, and REGEN3).
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills, networking skills, well organized, and ability to engage with a diversity of collaborators.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout southwest Virginia and perform arduous field work on steep terrain and a variety of weather conditions fully independently.
• Experience managing complex projects under deadlines.
• Applicant must have a valid U.S. Driver’s license.

Position Summary:

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will provide technical assistance in planning and implementing active forest management projects on the GWJEFF’s National Forest System lands. Specifically, the Forest Wildlife Specialist will:

• Provide project planning support, including GIS assessment, stand reconnaissance, common stand exams, old growth surveys, GPS data collection, GIS mapping of treatment areas, data analysis, model runs through decision-support software applications, and preparing draft proposed actions (silvicultural treatments).
• Administer commercial timber sales implemented under stewardship agreements with the GWJEFF, including drafting timber sale prospectuses, preparing contracts, and completing timber sale inspections of logging contractors.
• Administer noncommercial forest stand improvements and wildlife habitat enhancements through various agreements with the GWJEFF, including challenge cost-share and stewardship. This includes project layout, flagging or marking treatments, contract administration, and contractor inspections.
• Supervise temporary Forest Wildlife Technicians during the summer field season to assist with field work.
• Complete a geospatial habitat restoration prioritization analysis across the GWJEFF to inform priority watersheds for active forest management treatments.
• Develop future collaborative work with the GWJEFF and other partners. This might include assisting with grant writing and preparing agreement proposals.
• Lead volunteer efforts with RGS & AWS members and the public, including monitoring efforts, information or interpretive programs, and habitat workdays.
• Communicate the importance of active forest management to RGS & AWS members and the public during field trips, presentations, blog posts, and local media pitches.
• Maintain a database to track performance, achievements, and outcomes.
• Write and submit regular summaries, and interim and annual reports to RGS & AWS and partners.

Compensation:

The position salary is $50,000- $60,000 (commensurate with experience) plus benefits, health insurance, and retirement options. An RGS & AWS vehicle will be provided for business travel. A purchasing card for business and travel expenses, computer, printer, cell phone, office supplies will be provided.