POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT  - DISTRICT TECHNICIAN –  FORESTER

POSITION  TITLE:  District Technician – Forester

Application Deadline:  4:00 pm., September 16, 2024

Position Classification:  Full Time, Regular

Position Location:  Aitkin Minnesota, Government Center

Position Salary:  Anticipated Hiring Range $ 24.00 - $ 27.00 per hour, plus benefits, DOQ

INTRODUCTION   The Aitkin County SWCD is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team! If you have a passion for natural resources, and want to help conserve Minnesota’s water and soil resources, please apply for our District Technician position!

THE POSITION: The major responsibility of this position is to assist landowners of Aitkin County manage their forest resources.  Forest Stewardship Plans and assisting with enrollment in the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act are a key responsibility.  This staff will also assist with the District Tree Sale program, and educational events relating to forestry.

A diverse background in forest management and public education methods is desired.

Typical duties may include:

• Provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners for planning and implementation of forest practices in Aitkin County
  • Complete accurate and comprehensive Forest Stewardship Plans for landowners to MN DNR standards, to achieve and maintain plan writer status.
  • Design, layout, and oversee installation of forestry practices including tree planting, TSI, habitat management, and other related forestry and habitat practices.
  • Provide financial assistance to landowners in all cost share programs including CSP, EQIP, State Cost Share, MN DNR, and all other available cost share programs.
• Assist the SWCD with education / information programs, outreach campaigns, reports, and other programs and duties as assigned.
  • Work within the SWCD office collaboration to assist with education / outreach events and campaigns to provide landowner information in an efficient and effective manner.
  • Maintain and develop new contracts for forestry services from federal, state, and local conservation partners.
  • Complete required reporting for grants and contracts.

• Coordinate the district’s annual tree

POSITION REQUIREMENTS - Required Education and Experience

Education

• A four year degree in Natural Resources, Biology, Ecological Sciences, Hydrology or a closely related field plus a minimum of 2 years of experience in a related field. Applicable experience may substitute for a 4 year degree.

Preferred Experience

• MN DNR Approved Forest Stewardship Plan Writer Credentials.
• Job Approval Authority for related forestry practices in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) agency system.
• Familiarity with MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) eLINK reporting system.

Minimum Experience

• Experience or knowledge of forestry concepts including tree species ID, cord volume estimating, stand recommendations, water quality implications of forestry best management practices and general knowledge of local land use practices and interactions with ground and surface water.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, sufficient to disseminate technical information to local citizens and board members.
• Comfortable speaking to large and small groups of varying demographics.
• Experience working with limited supervision and taking direction from multiple sources.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and programs simultaneously.
• Knowledge of governmental agencies ( MPCA, BWSR, DNR, NRCS, SWCD, and County).
• Proficiency with hand held GPS units and Arc GIS Programs.

Other Requirements

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently
• Interest in pursuing a career in natural resources.
• Familiar with standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers.
• Valid drivers license and ability to operate a standard transmission vehicle.
• Computer Skills – Proficient with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Outlook,

Physical Demands

• Requires frequent lifting of items weighing up to 60 pounds and walking in rough terrain.
• Requires working outdoors in all weather conditions.