Forest Wildlife Specialist - Kentucky

Location: Within 35 miles of Barbourville, KY

Supervisors: Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

Region: Southern Appalachians

Starting Date: May 2025

Term of Position: May 2025 to December 2026, with a possibility of position extension.

Background and Primary Duties:
The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is a national, nonprofit organization with a 60-year record of forest wildlife conservation. RGS & AWS in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kentucky (NRCS-KY), the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF), and other partners, are looking for a motivated individual to work effectively with private forest landowners and public land managers in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky. The selected individual will work as an all-lands conservation forester leading sustainable forest management practices on private, state, and federal lands, with the goal of benefiting imperiled wildlife, local livelihoods, and forest health.

On private lands, the Forest Wildlife Specialist will prepare NRCS-compliant Forest Management Plans for eligible landowners, along with other technical assistance. On state-owned lands, the Forest Wildlife Specialist will assist state agency land managers with forest inventories, layout and marking of habitat treatments, and other forestry activities. On National Forest lands, the Wildlife Forester will produce deliverables for RGS & AWS’ Stewardship Agreements with DBNF, including leading the administration and inspections of commercial timber harvests and noncommercial treatments.

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will work with RGS & AWS staff and partner organizations to:

Provide outreach and technical assistance to eligible private landowners, including…

• Participating in public outreach events
• Conducting forest inventories
• Preparing NRCS-compliant Forest Management Plans
• Assisting with layout and marking of habitat improvement practices

Support state agency land managers with conservation forestry activities, including…

• Conducting forest inventories
• Layout and marking of commercial and non-commercial forestry projects
• Drafting contracts and prospectuses for forestry projects
• Administering and inspecting work performed by contractors

Produce deliverables for RGS & AWS’ agreements with DBNF, including…

• Conducting forest inventories
• Administering and inspecting timber sales
• Preparing contracts and prospectuses for non-commercial service work
• Administering and inspecting non-commercial service work
• Conduct all mapping, monitoring, record-keeping, and reporting for the activities above.
• Communicate clearly and frequently with RGS & AWS staff, partner organizations, and contractors to facilitate the activities above.

Position Requirements:

• A degree in forestry or a closely related field, preferably including coursework or professional experience in forest stand improvement practices and wildlife conservation.
• Ability to identify the tree species of southeastern Kentucky reliably, leaf-on or leaf-off,including seedlings and saplings.
• Professional skills, knowledge, and experience in utilizing active forest management to meet desired silvicultural and wildlife habitat objectives.
• Experience using forest inventory tools and software to follow detailed inventory protocols.
• Experience developing and implementing site-specific forest management plans or practices.
• Experience working with private landowners as well as state and federal government agencies.
• Knowledge of USDA Forest Service and NRCS processes, regulations, and programs preferred.
• Experience developing and overseeing forestry contracts preferred.
• 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 and work highly independently.
• Experience with GPS units, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office software.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work in physically challenging environments under adverse conditions.
• Willingness and ability to drive 4WD vehicles on remote mountain roads and trails.

The Forest Wildlife Specialist will be based out of a USDA field office in Barbourville, Kentucky, with the option of working from a home office. The Specialist is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS & AWS in its work. The Specialist will be supervised by RGS & AWS’ Southern Appalachian Forest Conservation Coordinator. There will be a 6-month probationary period.

Compensation: The salary range for the position is $50,000.00-$60,000 (commensurate with experience) plus benefits, health insurance, and retirement options. A work vehicle, or mileage reimbursement, will be available for the Specialist. A purchasing card for business and travel expenses, computer, cell phone, office supplies, and field forestry supplies will be provided.