Forester – Conservation Educator

The Montcalm Conservation District is seeking a Forester – Conservation Educator to provide assistance to private forest landowners in Montcalm County.
This professional will provide landowners with technical information regarding forestry, wildlife habitat and related natural resource concerns, so that they may make informed decisions about the use and management of their forestlands.
Day to day administrative supervision is provided by the Montcalm CD District Manager; position is based in the USDA Service Center in Stanton, MI. The Forester-Conservation Educator services landowners in Montcalm County.

Benefits include holiday pay, sick and annual leave, health insurance reimbursement, MERS retirement program, mileage reimbursement and opportunities for training and skills development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Forestry.
• Pursues/maintains certification with Society of American Foresters (SAF).
• Pursues/maintains certification with the State of Michigan for Pesticide Application Candidates that maintain the Certified Forester or Candidate Certified Forester credential, regardless of degree, will be accepted.
• State of Michigan Pesticide Applicator Certification is required and must be maintained. Certification must be obtained within 6 months of the date of hire.
• Invasive species knowledge and identification
• Good communication skills (writing, public speaking, working with individuals of all ages)
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence in the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite, mapping programs
• Ability to read various types of maps (aerial, topography, soils) and navigate through properties accordingly

Duties:

• Serves as initial point of contact for non-industrial private landowners, local governments, etc. for forest management, wildlife habitat, other natural resource issues or concerns
• Provides on-site land examination and resource evaluation, options regarding wildlife habitat, forest management, and invasive species management
• Prepares written follow-ups and resource materials to landowners after on-site or office visits
• Provides advice on tree planting/reforestation for timber production, windbreaks, wildlife habitat
• Provides diagnosis and advice on the control of insects, disease, and wildlife pests for individual trees and woodlands
• Connects landowners with natural resources specialists regarding programs, agencies, organizations, and private sector interests that furnish technical/financial assistance
• Contact, interact, and deliver invasive and native species information to the public on the prevention, identification, and best management practices for controlling invasive species
• Seeks grants to supplement and grow the MCD forestry – conservation programs
• Maintains a good working relationship with other forestry service providers, both public and private
• Provides technical input regarding species selection for the Conservation District’s programs
• Conducts outreach activities, demonstrations, workshops
• Works with Conservation District, NRCS, other staff, programs, agencies (DNR, MSUE, etc.)
• Provides recommendations/management assistance for the Comden Towle Model Forest
• Pursues/maintains certification with Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Pursues/maintains certification with the State of Michigan for Pesticide Application

This is a full-time position; minimum of 40 hours / week. $20 – $24/hour depending on qualifications. Benefits include paid holidays, sick and annual leave, health insurance stipend, mileage reimbursement, and opportunities for training and skills development. Position requires intermittent time outside of regular office hours. Position reports to District Manager.