Montcalm Conservation District

Conservation District Forester

Job Posting and Position Description

Michigan Forestry Assistance Program

 

The Montcalm Conservation District is seeking a Forester to provide assistance to private forest landowners in Montcalm, Kent, and Ionia counties.

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This position requires a minimum of a B.S. or M.S. in Forestry from a Society of American Foresters accredited program or a forester certified by the Society of American Foresters. This is a granted position through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development - Forestry Assistance Program. The wage ($21-$24/hour) will be commensurate with candidate’s experience and education.

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Application deadline: 4:00 P.M. July 30, 2021.  Submit your resume, cover letter and references via regular mail or email to:

Montcalm Conservation District

ATTN:  Amber Snow, District Manager

77 South State Street

Stanton, MI 48888

Email:  amber.snow@macd.org

 

The purpose of the program is to provide landowners with technical information regarding forestry, wildlife habitat and related natural resource concerns, so that they may make informed decisions about the use and management of their forestlands.

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Day to day administrative supervision will be provided by the Montcalm CD District Manager.  Primary office space for the Forestry position is located at the USDA Service Center in Stanton, MI.  The forester’s time is allocated between the Montcalm, Kent, and Ionia Conservation Districts.  The forestry position is primarily a field position.

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Benefits include holiday pay, accrued sick and annual leave, health insurance stipend, mileage reimbursement and opportunities for training and skills development.

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Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Forestry (must be from a Society of American Foresters accredited program) or forester certified by the Society of American Foresters.

• Good communication skills (writing, public speaking, working with individuals of all ages)

• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence in

      the community.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and

      cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.

• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite, mapping programs

• Ability to read various types of maps (aerial, topography, soils) and navigate through properties accordingly

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Duties:

• Serves as initial point of contact for non-industrial private landowners, local governments, etc. for forest management, wildlife habitat, other natural resource issues or concerns

• Provides on-site land examination and resource evaluation, options regarding wildlife habitat and forest management

• Prepares written follow-ups and resource materials to landowners after on-site or office visits

• Provides advice on tree planting/reforestation for timber production, windbreaks, wildlife habitat

• Provides diagnosis and advice on the control of insects, disease, and wildlife pests for individual trees and woodlands

• Connects landowners with natural resources specialists regarding programs, agencies, organizations, and private sector interests that furnish technical/financial assistance

• Maintains a good working relationship with other forestry service providers, both public and private

• Provides technical input regarding species selection for the Conservation District’s programs

• Conducts outreach activities, demonstrations, workshops

• Works with Conservation District, NRCS, other staff and programs

• Pursues/maintains certification with Society of American Foresters (SAF)

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The Montcalm Conservation District office is collocated in the USDA Service Center in Stanton, Michigan, the county seat.  The District owns and manages a 69-acre model forest, a certified Tree Farm by the ATFS.  Montcalm County is home to a diverse range of agriculture, forested areas and recreational opportunities including numerous state game areas, lakes, rivers and walking/biking trails.  Larger metropolitan areas (Grand Rapids, Lansing) are approximately one hour away.