Job Summary: 
This position will assist with a variety of programs and projects as defined in the Vilas County Forest 15 Year Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  The priority for this position will be assisting with forestry operations including timber sale preparation and administration, forestry cultural treatments including site preparation, planting and timber stand improvement, forest property line maintenance, and county forest road system maintenance. The position will be responsible for maintenance and operation of a variety of large and small equipment and tools.
Work duties are performed in all types of weather. Routine exposure to moving mechanical parts, loud noises, extreme heat and cold, fumes, caustic chemicals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assists in the regulation of approximately 42,000 acres of County Lands involving all aspects of timber management as outlined in the Vilas County 15 Year Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
• Helps maintain updated reconnaissance information on 2000 acres of forested stands each year.
• Assists with timber sale administration including product scaling as required.
• Cruises timber for the determination of age, volume and growth of stands to properly prescribe and apply the correct silvicultural systems.
• Maintains and updates County Forest surveys by blazing and painting boundary lines, bearing trees, and corners and edits this information into the county GIS database as well as maintaining the database of all historical management practices. 
• Determines insect and disease problems; determines acreage using aerial photography; identifies, prescribes and assists with site preparations and planting needs.
• Assists in management of the operation and maintenance of forest based County recreation facilities which include 96 miles of hunter/hiking trails, and a cross-county ski trail. 
• Safe operation and maintenance of department equipment.
• Maintenance and organization of department shop and office. 
• Assists in planning for future development.
• Maintains and inspects all County Forest Roads and established County Forest Boundary lines. 
• Assists in the planning and implementation of wildlife habitat improvement projects.
• All other duties as assigned by the Forest Administrator.

WORK REQUIREMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

A. Education/Knowledge: 

• 2 Year College Degree - Required
• 4 Year College Degree - Preferred in Forestry or Natural Resources

B. Licensure/Certification: 
Required:

• An applicant’s driving record for the five (5) years prior to date of hire will be reviewed. A revocation, suspension, or the accumulation of six (6) or more demerit points in that period may be grounds for disqualification.
• Wisconsin Certified Pesticide Applicators License
• Equipment operation certifications - Preferred

C. Required Work Experience: 
In addition to Education/Licensure:  

Two year degree with one to three years’ experience in the field of natural resources in Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Recreational Management or Natural Resources Law Enforcement.  Any combination of the above training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED TO PERFORM POSITION: 

• Knowledge of Multiple Use Concepts in Public Land Management.
• Knowledge of forest management techniques and silvicultural characteristics of forest stands. 
• Knowledge of and the ability to safely operate a variety of forest management equipment including but not limited to skidders, heavy trucks, UTVs, ATVs, snowmobiles and other site preparation equipment.
• Knowledge of methods, practices and equipment used in wildlife conservation and recreation management. 
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Demonstrated personal and professional integrity and ability to work well with others.
• Ability to objectively and effectively supervise and resolve complex problems when required.
• Considerable ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and set own and subordinates’ work priorities.
• Ability to work independently, possess and utilize strategic planning skills, exercise judgment and effectively utilize authority.
• Ability to supervise contracted, volunteer, and subordinate personnel and crews.
• Knowledge and use of contemporary office equipment, including department-specific programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with forest and recreation users, departmental employees, clubs and organizations, other County Departments, the general public and elected officials. 
• Ability to promote all Vilas County Forest management activities. 
• High level of record keeping ability.