Early Successional Habitat Private Lands Forester (3 Positions Available)

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Position Summary:

 

Title: Early Successional Habitat Private Lands Forester (3 positions available)

Locations:

1. Rhinelander, WI

2. Duluth, MN

3. Marquette, MI (Tentative)

Note: All positions are based out of Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.
                               
Position Reports to: ABC’s Migratory Bird Program Director

Term of Position: Approx. May 1, 2015 to Dec, 31, 2018

 

Application Deadline: March 20, 2015

(first round of interviews will be conducted the weeks of March 23 and 30th, 2015)

 

 

Introduction and Primary Duties:

 

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is looking for three motivated individuals to work effectively with private forest landowners and local partners in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, to implement best management practices on private lands for Golden-winged Warblers (GWWA) and other wildlife associated with early successional habitat through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

 

These three states are key states in an international initiative to save the Golden-winged Warbler from further population decline. Successfully achieving GWWA population goals and keeping this bird species off the endangered species list will require creating, restoring and maintaining high quality early successional habitat in these three states. To accomplish this early successional habitat (or young forest) best management practices for GWWA have been designed. Much of the work consists of improving forest stand health, conducting modified Aspen cuts and Alder shearing.

 

These positions will conduct work on private lands which will complement efforts already underway on public and private lands for this species. American Bird Conservancy currently has three other foresters working in Minnesota and Wisconsin on GWWA habitat management. These additional three foresters will work in conjunction with the existing staff to expand the coordination and implementation of best management practices on private lands through NRCS funding via the RCPP program.

 

The Early Successional Habitat Private Lands Forester’s main duties will be to work within the identified GWWA focal areas in Minnesota Wisconsin or Michigan to:

• Identify and communicate with landowners who may be interested in managing their forests for wildlife.
• Conduct visits to landowner properties to evaluate property for possible treatment using the Golden-winged warbler BMPs.
• In conjunction with the landowner, develop site specific forest management plans in accordance with NRCS practice standards and GWWA best management practices.
• Provide technical assistance to private landowners, and facilitate private landowners through the NRCS contracting process. This includes pulling together necessary paperwork and creating appropriate plans and maps for the treatment areas.
• Identify contractors to conduct habitat management (this includes soliciting bids for restoration activities and timber sales), mark and layout treatment areas for contractors, and oversee proper implementation of habitat management activities by contractor. For the landowners to receive financial support from NRCS the activities must be completed satisfactorily.
• Communicate with, and provide technical assistance and training to private landowners as well as local, state and federal agency staff on implementation of best management practices for young forest focal species.
• Monitor and track project activities using an electronic database and GIS to ensure proper reporting for assessing success, and assist with focal species monitoring pre and post treatment.
• Communicate with partners to track activities conducted on public lands while communicating with them about advancements on private land objectives.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in forestry (or wildlife management or environmental sciences, with an emphasis on forest management) is required. A deep understanding of forest stand improvement and management, wildlife management, and bird conservation desired.
• Professional knowledge and skills to assess, devise, and apply strategies for forest management as to meet desired wildlife habitat and forestry objectives. Experience developing and implementing site specific forest management plans/practices and the ability to utilize forest inventory tools/inventory protocol needed.
• Experience working with private landowners as well as public agencies (ex. NRCS, DNR, USFWS) and knowledge of landowner incentive programs desired.
• Knowledge of NRCS landowner cost-share programs such as EQIP and RCPP preferred.
• A general knowledge of environment laws, regulations and policies to ensure legal standards are met in formulation of habitat development and restoration activities.
• 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.
• Ability to use ArcGIS and Google Maps to identify and delineate project boundaries; and Microsoft Excel and Database to manage information.
• The position requires excellent networking and communication skills (presentation, inter-personal, reading, and writing); project management experience, and organizing and leadership skills. Applicant should be a team player and also work well independently.
• Willing and able to work in physically challenging environment under adverse conditions.
• Forester may be required to participate in specific training programs in order to use partner facilities and equipment. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.

The Early Successional Habitat Private Lands Forester’s will be based out of NRCS offices in Rhinelander Wisconsin, Duluth Minnesota, and Marquette Michigan. The foresters are ABC employees and they will report to ABC’s Migratory Bird Program Director who is based out of Virginia. However, each position will have an NRCS District Conservationists who will provide daily guidance to the position. The position is currently a term position based on funding availability.

 

Application Instructions:

Please send a cover letter and resume to: Merrie Morrison by email to: hr@abcbirds.org