For more information, please follow this link: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-stewardship-forester-battle-ground-washington/1111320713?utm_source=ongage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regular%20

Salary– $24-30

Primary Job Responsibilities 

The primary responsibility of the Stewardship Forester is to work directly with small forest owners/operators within Clark Conservation District. The measurement of success is forestry plans and practices applied on the land to improve forestry operations via water quality, wildlife habitat, and soil health. The Stewardship Forester will work with private landowners to develop and implement forest stewardship plans for wildfire resilience and forest health. They will field technical assistance requests, complete site inventories, write forest stewardship plans that recommend forest management actions, identify cost share opportunities, assist landowners through the cost share process, and guidance during the implementation of forest management practices. This position will also provide support to partner organizations around forest stewardship issues and work with communities on wildfire resilience.

This is a self-directed professional position responsible for assessing and responding to landowner and land manager needs and requests. The Stewardship Forester also collaborates with WSU Extension Forestry, USDA-NRCS, DNR, WDFW, and other conservation districts to develop and deliver educational programs and materials for private forestland owners. On a regular basis, it is expected that this position will proactively coordinate with the other district foresters and other technical experts in SW Washington and statewide. The Stewardship Forester is independently responsible for program implementation in a large geographic area. The Stewardship Forester reports to the Working Lands Program Manager and is a member of a technical staff team. 

Required Qualifications 

  • A minimum of three years of professional experience in any combination of forestry, forest management, silviculture, terrestrial/plant ecology, or upland habitat restoration; or a combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. 
  • Associate degree in forestry or another related natural resource field. Additional years of relevant work experience can substitute for a degree; please address this in your cover letter. 
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and pass a job-related driving record and criminal background check.  

Preferred Qualifications 

This is a broad description of the qualifications for the Stewardship Forester position. We do not expect any single candidate to possess all the qualifications listed. Research tells us that some individuals will only apply to roles if they meet all the listed qualifications, but we will train you and we expect you to learn in the role. We are looking for team members who round out our current skill base. If this is you, we encourage you to apply. 

  • Bachelor’s degree with academic training and experience in forestry or another natural resource-related field. Working knowledge of forest management principles, strategies, and practices to plan and implement forest stewardship activities in rural and suburban landscape settings. 
  • Understanding of Washington DNR Forest Practices Board rules and implementation guidance, familiarity with Washington DNR Forest Practices application procedures, and knowledge of other local, state, and federal regulations affecting forest land management. 
  • Successful professional experience in general forest management activities such as forest road design and construction, timber management planning, silvicultural techniques, reforestation methods, and timber harvest boundaries. 
  • Experience providing technical assistance and working with on-the-ground implementation of conservation practices and natural resource management using NRCS standards, including writing NRCS CAP106 level plans. 
  • Demonstrated comprehensive project management skills, including project prioritization, goal analysis, and project evaluation. 
  • Experience working independently to manage workload, schedule, and resources to meet deadlines and achieve goals. 
  • Successful grant writing experience. 
  • Proficiency in written and oral communication skills to address groups, to prepare and explain forestry plans, to prepare informational articles, and to prepare summary work reports.  
  • Intermediate to advanced skills in computers and software, including ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Smartsheet. Typical uses include writing reports, tracking work progress, preparing educational and informational materials, and recording field data.  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

This position involves office work (75%) and fieldwork (25%). Regular office work includes long periods of stationary computer work, typing, and reading from a screen. It is necessary to have adequate vision and motor skills to perform the duties of the position, including hearing voice conversation and the manual dexterity to operate a computer.  

Fieldwork may occur outside in inclement weather conditions and may require you to traverse uneven terrain. You may occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds. You must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely. Occasional non-overnight and overnight travel may be required. The position will require occasional work on weekends or after regularly scheduled work hours. This position description describes the functions and qualifications for the position. It does not exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodations. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Benefits include: 

  • 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision for the employee and available insurance for spouses and dependents (paid by the employee). 
  • Retirement matched up to 3% after six months of employment. 
  • Accrued paid sick leave (8 hours/month) and annual leave (8 hours/month increasing with length of employment), plus 12 paid holidays per year. 
  • Available reimbursement for personal cell and home internet up to $25/month for each (internet only during teleworking due to COVID-19).  
  • Additionally, as a government organization, employees are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.