Conservation District Forester

Conservation District Forester

Job Posting and Position Description

Michigan Forestry Assistance Program

The Montcalm Conservation District is seeking a Forester to provide assistance to private forest landowners in Montcalm, Kent, and Ionia counties.

Application deadline: 4:00 P.M., September 15, 2023; position is open until filled. Submit your resume, cover letter, college transcripts and three professional references via regular mail or email (with “Application-Forester” in the subject line) to:

Montcalm Conservation District

ATTN:  Amber Snow, District Manager

77 South State Street

Stanton, MI 48888

Email:  [email protected]

The purpose of the program is to 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 will be provided by the Montcalm CD District Manager; position is based   in the USDA Service Center in Stanton, MI.  The forester services landowners in Montcalm, Kent and Ionia counties.

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 from a Society of American Foresters accredited program. Bachelor’s or master’s degrees in forestry from a university program that is not accredited by the Society of American Foresters will also be accepted, although not preferred. Candidates that maintain the Certified Forester or Candidate Certified Forester credential, regardless of degree, will be accepted.
• 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 and forest 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
• 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 and programs
• Pursues/maintains certification with Society of American Foresters (SAF)

This is a granted position through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development - Forestry Assistance Program. The wage ($21-$24/hour) will be commensurate with candidate’s experience and education.  Outreach activity required in this position offers a wide variety of topics and opportunities for professional development, flexibility of content, and can frequently be tied to the forester’s own interests within forestry/wildlife habitat/etc. 

The Montcalm Conservation District office is collocated in the USDA Service Center in Stanton, Michigan, the county seat.  The District owns and manages a 69-acre model forest, a certified Tree Farm by the ATFS.  Montcalm County is home to a diverse range of agriculture, forested areas and recreational opportunities including numerous state game areas, lakes, rivers and walking/biking trails.  Larger metropolitan areas (Grand Rapids, Lansing) are approximately one hour away.