County Forester

Position Summary

The essential purpose of the full-time County Forester position is to establish, administer, and supervise the timber sale program on County Forest and County Park Lands.  Also assists with planning and directing other forestry programs including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, dispersed recreation, reforestation and property management.  This work is performed under the general direction of the County Forest Administrator. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or Forest Administration from a university accredited by the Society of American Foresters plus three years professional forestry work experience that includes extensive responsibility for establishing, administering, and supervising timber sales.  Equivalent combination of paid work experience and closely related education may be considered.  Work experience in a multiple use management setting preferred. 

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Pesticide Applicators License required within one year of employment.

• Valid Drivers License and a driving record that meets County standards.

Job Duties

• Establishes timber sales in accordance with adopted plans for county forest and county park properties.
• Assumes direct responsibility for administering and supervising timber sale contracts; conducts forest inventories by interpreting photos, establishing field plots, and using cartography; conducts site evaluation of timber sales, planning and layout of road constructions, and log landings for sales; creates timber sale prospectus.
• Manages various surveys, projects and cultural cuttings on forest/park lands by examining and surveying land, completing entomological and pathological surveys, and completing forest research projects.
• Inspects tree removal and planting on forest lands.
• Monitors forest conditions (watershed, soil conditions, wildlife habitat) by field reconnaissance of all forestlands on a 20-year cycle.
• Develops and maintains GIS/GPS (Geographic Information System-ArcView and Global Positioning System) data bases for property lines, forest inventory, wildlife, recreation trails, timber types, and historical management practices.
• Develops and maintains DNR Wisconsin Forest Inventory Reporting System Databases. (WisFirs)
• Proposes policy for consideration by the County Forest Administrator and PRF Director; interprets existing policies and plans.
• Assists with planning and implementing various forest/park recreation programs in a dispersed recreation setting such as snowmobiling, ATV, cross-country skiing, equestrian, mountain biking, hunting, and hiking.
• Administers trail construction contracts plus coordinates trail maintenance for hiking and hunter walking trails.
• Assists with developing and presenting educational resource management programs for the public.
• Assists with identification, inventory, and assessment of land for potential acquisition.
• Cooperates with local organizations to improve and promote various aspects of forest management with dispersed recreation.
• Provides technical forestry assistance to public and private landowners.
• Assists with training, supervising, and evaluating seasonal/temporary employees and interns when applicable.
• Assists State and County law enforcement personnel to enforce natural resource laws and regulations.
• Applies and/or supervises herbicide applications; plants trees and supervises planting crews.
• Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.  Works extra hours as required.
• Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of forest management, conservation, and reforestation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations regarding forestry and government land surveys and conservation programs.
• Knowledge of logging and allied industries.
• Skill in using survey instruments, including GIS/GPS equipment.
• Skill in preparing resource management maps and drawings.
• Skill in using forestry tools and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret aerial photographs and prepare accurate type maps.
• Ability to utilize GIS/GPS software.
• Ability to identify diseases and infestations peculiar to trees in the region.
• Ability to plan and implement varied forest recreation programs.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Understands the County’s and department’s mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.

Apply online at link included