Forest Wildlife Specialist – Forester

Background and Primary Duties:

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) are a national, nonprofit organization with a 60-year record of forest wildlife conservation. RGS & AWS in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), are looking for a wildlife-oriented forester to work effectively with private forest landowners in the upstate of South Carolina.

The selected individual will conduct outreach, collect and review data, draft forest management plans, and prepare stands for implementation for private landowners interested in being part of NRCS conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) while also promoting forest health and timber production objectives.

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will work with NRCS field staff, RGS & AWS staff, and local partners to:

• Promote forest management that benefits healthy forests to private landowners and consulting foresters; including helping organize and conduct education and outreach events.
• Identify and directly engage private landowners with NRCS-based forest stewardship opportunities intended to benefit forest health.
• Conduct site visits to provide technical assistance to interested landowners and advance management plan development.
• Work with NRCS field offices and other professional resource managers to assist with drafting and implementing management plans on private lands using established forest management guidelines known to benefit and improve forest health.
• Assist with monitoring and tracking project activities using an electronic database and GIS to ensure proper reporting for assessing success, and potentially assist with focal species monitoring.
• Assist resource professionals with developing site-specific forest management plans according to NRCS practice standards and focal species’ best management practices.
• Write and submit monthly summaries and interim and annual reports to funders and partners.

 Position Requirements:

• A degree in forestry or a closely related natural resource field is required. A deep understanding of forest stand improvement practices and wildlife conservation is a benefit.
• Professional skills, knowledge, and experience in active forest management to meet desired silvicultural and wildlife habitat objectives. Experience developing and implementing site- specific forest management plans or practices and the ability to utilize forest inventory tools or inventory protocol needed.
• Experience working with private landowners as well as public agencies, including NRCS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state forestry agencies, and state wildlife agencies.
• Knowledge of NRCS landowner cost-share programs such as EQIP preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to be self-motivated, responsible, and solve problems.
• Applicant must be able to develop and manage their daily work schedule to achieve results and work highly independently.
• Ability to use GIS to identify and delineate project boundaries; and Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Database to manage information.
• The position requires excellent networking and communication skills.
• Willing and able to work in physically challenging environments under adverse conditions.

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will report to the NRCS field office in Newberry, South Carolina. The position should be prepared to report to the Newberry NRCS field office multiple times per week as needed. The position is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS & AWS in their work. The position will be supervised by RGS & AWS’s Southern Appalachian Forest Conservation Coordinator. There will be a 6-month probationary period for the purposes of determining the suitability of the employee to their new position. RGS & AWS will provide all field forestry supplies required for this position.

Compensation:

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