Inventory Forester/GIS Specialist

Job Description:

Douglas County Forestry Department, a recognized leader in forest management information system technologies, is currently seeking a full-time Inventory Forester/GIS Specialist to help manage the largest County Forest land base in the State of Wisconsin. If you have a strong forest inventory background and technical experience with databases and geographic information systems (GIS), this is a great opportunity to lead an advanced forest inventory program while working with cutting edge technologies to support a very active forest management program covering 280,000 acres of public forest land in Wisconsin’s great northwoods. 

The primary purpose of this position is to provide expertise and leadership in all matters of forest inventory. Responsibilities include annual inventory plan development, inventory design and analysis, field data collection and compilation, updating inventory records, maintaining spatial tabular databases, and hiring and supervising seasonal forest inventory staff. Other duties include leading the development, maintenance, use, and integration of GIS, GPS, data recorder, and related technologies to support forest management program needs and providing training and technical assistance to staff and field personnel in the application of forestry information systems. This is a diverse position, with opportunities for growth in many areas related to forest management, forest inventory and analysis, and forestry information system technologies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the forest inventory program; including annual inventory plan development, designing data collection policies and procedures, field data collection, data analysis, and database integration.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise seasonal forest inventory staff; provide training, direction, assign work, and review performance.
• Conduct regular forest compartment and stand level inventory updates utilizing the Wisconsin Forest Inventory and Reporting System (WisFIRS).
• Monitor, track, and report on staff assigned annual inventory program goals and accomplishments; assign and coordinate inventory program work with partnering agencies and monitor progress.
• Evaluate results and program accomplishments and make recommendations for program improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and integrate timber resource growth and yield models, standard planned treatment assignments, and assist with determination of annual harvest levels and track timber sale accomplishments.
• Interface with field foresters on inventory program needs and analysis, and provide technical assistance for timber sale cruising and land ownership boundary determination.
• Serve as a technical resource on forest health monitoring, suppression, and prevention activities.
• Assist with planning, scheduling, and directing forest insect and disease detection, evaluation, suppression, and prevention activities.
• Lead the development, maintenance, use, and integration of the information technology program (GIS, GPS, data recorders, and related technologies) to support program needs.
• Develop, maintain, and expand GIS spatial data including, data standardization, data quality control, data updating, storage and archiving, and end user support.
• Produce maps and other mapping products to internal and external customers.
• Analyze new or emerging technologies and provide guidance for integration into existing systems and assist with technology program annual budget planning and development.
• Serve as a technical resource and provide support to other team members on information system technologies.
• Assist with SFI and FSC forest certification program compliance and participate in program audits.
• Assist other team members with timber sale establishment, including sale layout, cruise design, and timber marking; assist in forest recreation and wildlife habitat planning and development projects.
• Enforce County ordinances, policies, and regulations.
• Make reports to the Forest, Parks, and Recreation Committee.
• Provide customer service to the public regarding Department programs and functions, forest management activities, land-use policies, and recreational offerings.
• Prepare materials and present at conferences, meetings, school/local functions.
• Partner and coordinate with State, Federal, and other agencies to achieve maximum program objectives.
• Assist in the standard maintenance of Department facilities, vehicles, and equipment.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have effective communication skills, excellent customer service skills, positive enthusiastic attitude, passion for forestry, and strong relationship building skills with colleagues, partners, contractors, and the general public. We are looking for a highly motivated team player with a drive for success and a desire to make a lasting contribution to the Douglas County Forest.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from an accredited University or College of Forestry or related natural resource management field and two years of related experience and/or training in forestry or forest inventory and analysis with GIS/GPS preferred; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform essential duties and responsibilities. Preference will be given to applicants who meet the educational requirement and have additional professional forest inventory and advanced GIS/GPS experience. A graduate degree may be substituted for the experience.

How to Apply:

To apply, please visit the Douglas County Employment Page. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.