Full-Time Michigan Private Lands Forester
Job Description
Title: Private Lands Forester
Location(s): Marquette, MI
Reports to: American Bird Conservancy Forest Habitat Coordinator
NRCS District Conservationists
Term: Renewed annually based on funding availability.
Application Submission Deadline: September 8, 2017
Introduction:
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is the Western Hemisphere’s bird conservation specialist — the only organization with a single and steadfast commitment to achieving conservation results for birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. We are currently looking for a motivated, self-starting, and detail-oriented individual with forestry experience to join our Great Lakes team in northern Michigan.
This individual will work effectively with private forest landowners, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and other local partners in Michigan to implement best management practices (BMP’s) on non-industrial private lands for Golden-winged Warblers (GWWA) and other wildlife associated with early successional habitat through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Successfully achieving GWWA population goals and keeping this bird species off the endangered species list will require creating, restoring and maintaining high quality early successional habitat (young forests) in Michigan and in conjunction with other Foresters in Minnesota and Wisconsin. To accomplish this, BMP’s for GWWA were designed through the GWWA Working Group (www.gwwa.org). Much of the work consists of improving forest stand health by conducting modified clear-cuts and alder shearing.
Primary Duties:
The Private Lands Forester’s main duties will be to work within the identified GWWA focal areas in Michigan which currently includes 22 counties with the potential to expand. Specific duties include:
• Identify and communicate with landowners who may be interested in managing their forests for wildlife.
• Conduct field visits of private lands to evaluate property for possible treatment using GWWA BMP’s.
• In conjunction with the landowner, provide technical assistance, facilitation through the NRCS contracting process, development of site-specific conservation plans and in accordance with NRCS practice standards and GWWA BMP’s.
• Identify consulting foresters and/or logging contractors to complete projects that involve timber sales. Also, work closely with Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) foresters to refer projects to the private sector when necessary.
• Layout and/or mark project areas for non-commercial treatments such as tag alder or young aspen shearing. Identify and communicate with contractors capable of doing these treatments to continue developing a growing referral list to provide to landowners.
• Certify project completion via GPS tracking and camera to provide NRCS District Conservationists with GIS shape files and photo evidence to complete contracts and cost-share.
• Provide training and technical assistance to private landowners; technical service providers (TSP’s); local, state and federal agency staff on early successional habitat and GWWA BMP’s through workshops, trainings, meetings, etc.
• Monitor and track project activities using an electronic database and GIS to ensure proper reporting for assessing success, and assist with focal species monitoring pre and post treatment.
• Communicate with partners to track activities conducted on public lands while communicating with them about advancements on private land objectives.
Position Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry (or wildlife management or environmental sciences, with an emphasis on forest management) is required. A deep understanding of forest stand improvement and management, wildlife management, and bird conservation desired.
• Professional knowledge and skills to assess, devise, and apply strategies for forest management as to meet desired wildlife habitat and forestry objectives. Experience developing and implementing site-specific forest management plans/practices, and the ability to utilize forest inventory tools/inventory protocol needed.
• Willing and able to travel across Michigan (mostly UP and Northern LP) with occasional travel to Wisconsin and Minnesota. Applicant should be prepared to spend as much as 20% of their time away from home. ABC covers travel expenses.
• Experience working with private landowners as well as public agencies (NRCS, DNR, USFWS, etc.) and knowledge of landowner incentive programs (QFP and CF) desired.
• Knowledge of NRCS landowner cost-share programs such as EQIP preferred.
• A general knowledge of environment laws, regulations and policies to ensure legal standards are met in formulation of habitat development and restoration activities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results and meet deadlines. Proven ability to be self-motivated, responsible and solve problems. Applicant must be able to develop and manage their daily work schedule to achieve results.
• Ability to use ArcGIS, Google Maps, Web Soil Survey to identify and delineate project boundaries; and Microsoft Excel and Database to manage information.
• The position requires excellent networking and communication skills (presentation, inter-personal, reading, and writing); project management experience, and organizing and leadership skills. Applicant should be a team player and also work well independently.
• Willing and able to work in physically challenging environment under adverse conditions. ABC provides a GPS, snowshoes, cruising vest, prism, flagging, forestry paint, etc.
• Forester may be required to participate in specific NRCS training programs in order to use partner facilities and equipment. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
Benefits:
• Benefits include medical, dental, and 403(b) plan.
• Paid vacation days (15), holidays (10+), and sick leave.
• Forestry equipment/office expenses covered.
• Pre-approved professional training and workshop expenses covered.
• Lodging and meals covered for travel away from home.
• Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement, if partner vehicles are unavailable.
To Apply:
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Shawn Graff, Vice President, Great Lakes Region by September 8, 2017.
Please apply online at Bamboohr.com: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=11
If you have trouble, please send your cover letter and resume as one document to [email protected]
How to Apply
Please apply online at Bamboohr.com: https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=11 If you have trouble, please send your cover letter and resume as one document to [email protected]Apply for this Job
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