The Wexford Conservation District (WCD) is seeking a District Forester in the area of private lands forestry for the Michigan Forestry Assistance Program (FAP).  The purpose of the FAP is to provide private forest landowners with technical assistance regarding forestry and related natural resource concerns.  So they can make informed decisions about the use and management of their forested lands. The Forester will be based in Cadillac, Michigan (Wexford County) but will cover landowners in Wexford, Missaukee, and Kalkaska Counties. Duties will be performed under the direction of the WCD Administrator with yearly goals guided by an advisory board made up of Conservation District staff, directors, local, state, and federal partners. Office to field work ratio is approximately 50/50 depending on the time of year.

Required Qualifications (these are the basic requirements for the position)

• Forestry degree from SAF accredited University *(see below for more details)
• Timber knowledge; insect and disease problems, timber values, harvesting methods
• Knowledge/experience with the Michigan Qualified Forest Program (QFP)
• Knowledge/experience with writing Forest Management Plans
• Good communication skills: writing, public speaking, working with all ages
• Able to work alone but also with the public and in a team setting
• Proficient in using computers, aerial photos, GIS, mapping
• Valid driver’s license with reliable personal transportation, ability to use district vehicle

*It is preferred that this position hold a bachelor’s degree from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited program. The SAF does not accredit colleges and universities; rather, they accredit specific degree programs.  Bachelor’s degrees in forestry from a university program that is not accredited by the SAF may also be accepted, although not preferred.  Candidates that maintain the Certified Forest credential, regardless of degree, will be accepted.

Note: SAF Certified Forester Credentials are not required at the “entry level” position, but at some point the certification must be obtained.

Essential Functions

• Serve as initial point of contact for private forest landowners, natural resource professionals and local governments for the management of forestland and related natural resource activities in Wexford, Missaukee, and Kalkaska Counties.
• Provide in-office and on-site assistance to private forest landowners so they can make informed decisions regarding resource management of their property.
• Conduct outreach and education including demonstrations, workshops, and field days. Topics may include types of forest management plans, QFP, Michigan Tree Farm, forestry & taxes, timber management options, forest health, tree identification, tree planting trainings, and more.
• Keep in contact with private foresters (consulting foresters) and implement a referral program which connects interested landowners with those foresters for writing forest plans or other management activities.
• Maintain a good working relationship with other resource management professions, in the public and private sectors.
• Prepare an annual plan of work and accomplishment reports to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain a landowner contact list, including a summary of their timber and a general assessment of their management plans.
• Provide advice on the selection and planting of trees and shrubs for reforestation and wildlife habitat.
• Work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to provide the technical assistance necessary for landowners to access Farm Bill cost-share funds for forest management activities.
• Review all QFP applications to determine program eligibility and complete the necessary forms.
• Support Conservation District programs and activities, such as tree and plant sales, and perform other essential activities as required by the MDARD grant agreement or as assigned by the Conservation District Administrator.

Working Location and Conditions

This position is based in Cadillac at the USDA Service Center.  This is a full time (40 hours/week) position, typically working from 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, with a possibility to occasionally telework after 1 year of employment.  Working hours can be flexible with approval from the District Administrator.  Evening and weekend work will occasionally be required.  Work time is split between office and field work.  Working in the woods will require traversing uneven terrain or wetlands, in a wide range of weather conditions.  The forester may occasionally be in the vicinity of timber harvesting crews using logging machinery.

Compensation and Benefits

This is an hourly position paid bi-weekly.  Benefits include paid federal holidays, vacation & sick leave, and use of the District’s vehicle.  *Starting pay rate will be $21-$23 per hour (See below for more details).  This position is funded by an annual grant provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to the Wexford Conservation District.

*Starting pay will be higher if the candidate is currently a FAP Forester in another Conservation District or a Certified Forester.  There are 3 levels of pay for district Foresters, based on MDARD guidelines and experience, and reaching the higher levels requires obtaining the SAF Certified Forester credentials. If the candidate doesn’t have the SAF credentials, but wishes to work toward that goal, study time will be allowed to prepare for the testing.

Note: It is common that new District Foresters do not yet have the SAF Certified Forester credentials, but it is a goal and a requirement that at some point the certification be obtained. Normally the time frame is within a year after hiring.