Limited-Term Forester

Description

The Douglas County Forestry Department manages 280,000 acres of public forest lands in northwest Wisconsin. Limited-Term Foresters perform forest reconnaissance and regeneration surveys and participate in special inventory projects as needed. This position is also responsible for assisting foresters in timber sale establishment, scaling and administration, detection of invasive species, forest insect and disease monitoring, and general forest sign and equipment maintenance.

This is a limited-term, non-represented position for the Douglas County Forestry Department in Solon Springs, WI. Two openings with an anticipated start date dependent upon candidate availability, potentially extending through December 2025, are available. There is potential to extend the position to one year, depending on performance and workload. Current students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. This position has previously been used as an academic internship and has reliably led to full-time, professional job placement in the forestry field.

Essential Duties

• Perform forest reconnaissance and regeneration surveys using highly accurate GPS units and electronic data recorders.
• Stand examination information consists of forest cover type, tree species, tree diameters, tree heights, stand age, basal area, soil type, timber volumes, habitat type, site index, invasive species identification, insect and disease damage, tree growing stock status, and deer browse damage.
• Other forestry-related duties include timber sale establishment, timber marking, assisting in establishing private harvest boundaries, scaling and active harvest administrative assistance, Emerald Ash Borer trapping, forest road and culvert inventory, invasive species mitigation, and timber stand improvement.

These duties will be performed independently and as part of a team.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduated or enrolled in an accredited curriculum with course work toward a degree in Natural Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.

• Forest measurement abilities should include the use of a compass and pace, clinometer, increment borer, diameter tape, and basal area prism.
• Knowledge of dendrology, silviculture, plant identification, habitat typing, aerial photograph interpretation, land navigation, and map reading are essential to perform the duties of this position.
• Ability to work in varied terrain and adverse weather conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.

Supplemental Information

Keen attention to detail, initiative, strong work commitment, ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Familiarity with, or knowledge of, data recorders, Global Positioning Systems, and Geographic Information Systems is beneficial. Course work in progress or leading toward a degree in Natural Resources preferred.

Douglas County Forestry Department does not provide housing. However, reduced-cost camping options may be available at one of our three county-managed campgrounds. The University of Wisconsin-Superior also offers temporary housing during the summer. More information can be found at their website: https://www.uwsuper.edu/student-life/living-on-campus/summer-housing/community-members-and-guests/