Forester

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and our conservation partners are seeking a Forester to perform forest inventories, develop forest management plans, and coordinate implementation of forest management practices on private lands enrolled in wetland conservation easements in Missouri.  The selected candidate will work as part of Missouri’s Wetland Emphasis Team, one the most successful and accomplished wetland restoration partnerships in the Nation.  The position’s work area is a priority landscape for migratory bird’s dependent on woodland habitats for all or part of their life cycle. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recognize the value and need for additional staffing resources in this area to develop relationships with landowners, provide technical assistance for woodland management practices, and work with additional partners to manage, restore and protect critical habitats.  This position is dedicated to improving woodland and wetland habitats on behalf of all conservation partners and provides a unique opportunity to build relationships with a wide range of landowners. The Forester will work with State and Federal field offices to provide technical and biological expertise tied to the delivery of the NRCS Wetland Reserve Easement Program, other Farm Bill Programs, the MDC Landowner and Community Assistance Program, and the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.  The incumbent will have access to high quality training programs and mentorship opportunities while providing both programmatic and technical assistance to private landowners.  This is a full-time, term DU position with excellent advancement opportunities. It is co‑funded by the USDA-NRCS, MDC, DU, and the Service.  The successful applicant will be a fulltime employee of DU’s Great Lakes Atlantic Regional Office in Dexter, MI, but will be based in Chillicothe, Missouri. The position will work collaboratively with DU, Missouri NRCS, MDC, and Service staff and will adhere to all subject conservation program policies and directives. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

(Approximate percent time spent annually accomplishing each)

80% 

• Perform forest inventory in support of Forest Management Plan development for landowners with land enrolled in conservation easement programs.
• Develop Forest Management Plans for WRE easement landowners with particular emphasis on natural community management and wildlife habitat improvement.  
• Provide programmatic and technical assistance for state and federal wetland conservation programs to private landowners;
• Coordinate forest management activities on WRE including tree planting, invasive plant species control, forest thinning, and tree harvesting.  This will involve working directly with landowners, contractors, consulting foresters, loggers, and partners.
• Conduct site visits to develop forest management plans and determine eligibility for USDA Farm Bill, DU land protection, MDC cost share, and Partners for Fish and Wildlife programs;
• Work closely with participating landowners to promote and enhance woodland and wetland conservation management to enhance water quality and wildlife benefits;
• Assist USDA, DU, MDC and the Service with required monitoring of various conservation program lands to ensure program intent is being met while also identifying other enhancement opportunities;
• Work as a member of Missouri’s Wetland Emphasis Teams ensuring that forest management recommendations meet program requirements and purposes
• Develop compatible use authorizations (CUAs) for approval under USDA-NRCS WRE Program;
• Use knowledge of general life history of terrestrial and aquatic species to develop tree planting plans, grass planting plans, water level management plans and moist soil/emergent marsh management plans matching plant and wildlife species to hydrology, topography and landform;
• Promote and encourage private landowners to participate in USDA Farm Bill programs along with the suite of other wetland-friendly conservation programs available to them as private landowners;
• Work closely with the NRCS Wetland Emphasis Teams (WET) and other conservation partner staff from each of the sponsoring agencies and conservation organizations to ensure woodland management is implemented on private land in a manner that maximizes the water, soil, waterfowl and other benefits of the programs;
• Coordinate with other conservation interests to effectively leverage conservation resources for delivery of conservation programs;
• Assist all involved agencies with woodland and wetland management workshops, promotions, and training.

10% 

• Assist local WET and private landowners with applications, contracts and other documentation required for participation in all wetland friendly conservation programs;
• Provide support to MDC Private Land Conservationists and the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Biologists with forestry projects funded through the MDC Landowner Assistance Program, the Conservation Reserve Program, and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program;
• Serve on a team to help create, enhance, and modify wetland conservation programs to increase product delivery;
• Submit monthly activity progress reports to include names of landowners receiving technical assistance, number of acres by county of wildlife habitat planned/improved, and staff time allocated to each program request (i.e., MDC LAP, PFW, CRP, WRE, DU Land Protection Program etc.);
• Annual summary report of activities;
• Assist with other woodland and wetland enhancement/restoration and private land duties as needed.

10%

• Expand knowledge of wooded wetlands/riverine systems and further develop technical skills to support the design and management of wetland communities by participating in available training/educational opportunities.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

4-yr. Bachelor of Science degree in forestry, natural resource conservation, agriculture, wildlife management, or a closely related natural resources field.  At least 2 years of experience with forest management is required.  Duties will consist of both office and field work and may require infrequent overnight travel, both in and out of state.  Duties may require field work in extreme weather conditions.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of forestry, including identification skills of woodland and wetland associated flora and fauna;
• Specific knowledge in writing and delivering forest management plans;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software;
• Knowledge of the USDA Wetland Reserve Easement and CRP programs, the MDC Landowner Assistance Program, the DU Land Protection Program, and the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program;
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team;
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work activities and complete tasks to meet deadlines;
• Ability to prepare and present information on conservation programs to peers and the public;
• Possess strong personal skills in order to effectively communicate with private landowners, USDA staff, other wildlife professionals and the general public;
• Possess good writing skills for preparation of reports, management plans, etc.;
• Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive personal vehicle for federal mileage reimbursement rate when a fleet vehicle is not available.