Forester

Wiregrass Ecological Associates (WEA) is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time forester position in Mississippi.  During the majority of the year, this position will be focused primarily on assisting WEA foresters with wildlife and forestry duties that include, habitat restoration efforts like invasive herbicide treatment, data collection, timber sale prep (cruising & marking), conducting oversight administration for timber sales and other contractor work, and other aspects of forest management. In addition to forestry-related tasks, this position will include assisting fellow team members in other projects including urban tree management, red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) management, gopher tortoise relocation, and other threatened and endangered species management.  We are looking for candidates who possess a high level of intrinsic motivation and demonstrate excellent analytical skills. An ideal applicant should be flexible and adaptive to changing conditions and challenges in the field. The ability to work effectively within a team-oriented environment is essential for success in this position, as collaboration and communication are key to achieving our conservation goals. If you are passionate about forest management, conservation, and ecosystem restoration and have the qualifications we seek, we encourage you to apply.

Primary Duties:

• Implementing a variety of silvicultural and ecological management practices designed to meet conservation objectives.
• Conduct herbicide treatments of invasive/undesirable species, aiming to promote the health of the forest and reduce competition.
• Provide administrative oversight to contractors (timber sales, hand crews, road work, site preparations)
• Monitoring the progress of reforested lands
• Assist biologists in various management activities associated with Threatened and Endangered species.
• Flexibility to travel (sometimes extended or frequent) to other parts of the US to assist foresters and biologists in the completion of their projects, cross-training skill development, and information exchanges within a team-oriented group.
• Ensure accurate records and reports

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry and/or wildlife science from an accredited university.
• Minimum 3 years of practical forestry experience is preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in timber sale management including:
  • Understand basic silvicultural practices and techniques.
  • Logging crew oversight
  • Understanding/enforcing BMPs & SMZs
  • Ability to visually determine timber products on the stump and loading deck
  • Conducting forest surveys and tree measurements
  • Timber marking
  • Best Management Practices (BMP) compliance oversight
  • Assessing potential environmental impacts of a harvest and identifying/addressing forest management challenges.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the flora, fauna, and forested ecosystems of the Southeast, is required.
• Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience with technical writings such as NEPA reporting, biological diversity reports, or environmental impact assessments.
• Applicants must be self-motivated, responsible, and have the ability to solve problems. The position requires excellent organizational skills, the capability to work independently with little direct supervision, networking and communication skills, and project management experience.
• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and experience using and operating common forestry field equipment and ATVs.
• Candidates must be able to work in challenging field conditions, including workable hard weather conditions, insects, wildlife, and dense brush.

Salary/Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience.  Benefits include Personally Assigned Vehicle, Health Insurance, Paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Leave, Parental Leave, Bonus-eligible, Retirement, and Training.