Forester in South Dakota

Hiring Organization: National Wild Turkey Federation
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Rapid City, SD
Application Due Date: August 28, 2023

The forester will be responsible for administering, implementing and promoting forestry improvements through Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) technical assistance programs. Work will be accomplished primarily through the development of conservation management plans focused on forestry resources, conducting outreach activities (workshops, field days, etc.). The forester provides forestry assistance to private landowners, communities and public agencies to achieve optimum environmental, economic and social benefits from forest resources. The forester assist with multiple resource management planning that addresses significant forest and riparian health concerns on private lands through the delivery of technical assistance and available federal and state financial assistance programs while assisting partners in promoting management of privately owned forested lands and riparian areas for multiple resource benefits, including forest health, wildlife habitat, fuels reduction and water quality. The forester will work with local conservation districts to identify and plan multi-partner landscape level conservation projects and provide expertise related to management of wildlife habitat beneficial to wild turkeys, elk, deer and other wildlife species with emphasis placed on forest health, including forest thinning, proper grazing regimes and riparian improvements. The primary deliverable of the forester will be the preparation and implementation of forest management plans based on accepted silvicultural practices, including providing specifications and prescriptions for thinning, mastication, slash treatments, and other forest management activities. The forester also will develop and deliver innovative forest management techniques to landowners and cooperators through workshops, written materials, field days and educational programs

The Forester – South Dakota, is a salaried exempt, full-time, term-limited position (3 years) with full benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, Vacation, Sick pay, Holidays, 401(k) with employer match, and more. This position will be housed in the NRCS Service Center in Rapid City, South Dakota and have the flexibility to, on occasion, work remotely.

The Forester – South Dakota, requires a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry (from a SAF-Accredited Program) or other natural resource degree with a strong forestry emphasis or relevant experience (Applicants with a Master’s degree in forestry or education/experience in wildlife management are preferred), demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook), ArcGIS, Google Maps, and other computer mapping systems, to identify and delineate project boundaries. Experience with forestry and silvicultural, conservation implementation, habitat management, and wildlife biology is desired, strong organizational skills, ability to work independently with little direct supervision, strong written and verbal communication skills, experience working with private landowners, as well as Federal & State agencies with working knowledge of cost-share programs, such as Farm Bill programs. Preferred candidates will possess experience working in ponderosa pine forest ecosystems and with associated techniques to manage those forests, as well as riparian forests in the Western United States. Knowledge of forest inventory, management, and planning for major silvicultural types of the region is preferred; map reading and GIS-GPS technology, ArcGIS skills; ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in written form, to convey clear and persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others and work with the general public, state, federal, NGO partners & other cooperators and peers is also required. The forester will possess knowledge and skills in the use and operation of forestry field equipment as well as skills in preparing spreadsheets, reporting accomplishments within NWTF reporting systems and using basic computing applications.

Apply