Staff Forester II - Silviculture

Hiring Organization: Texas A&M Forest Service
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Lufkin, TX
Application Due Date: September 26, 2025

Salary: $58,000/year min. + benefits

Start Date: As soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

Major & Essential Duties: The selected individual will support the Texas A&M Forest Service Silvicultural Program by performing the following major and essential duties:

Provide scientific expertise on forest establishment, growth, vigor, productivity and sustainability by delivering current, research-based information to agency forester, consulting foresters and forest industry professionals.
Support landowner and public education efforts by developing and delivering educational materials and outreach activities that promote understanding of forest science, management practices and the environmental and economic benefits of forests.
Translate research into practice by synthesizing current silvicultural science into practical tools, including diagnostic guides, prescription methodologies and decision-support models to enhance forest vigor, resiliency and productivity.
Develop and implement silvicultural strategies that address a wide range of landowner objectives, with an emphasis on practical, science-based guidance tailored to small-acreage owners and diverse forest management goals.
Coordinate and deliver in-service training for agency Foresters and Resource Specialists on topics such as: 1) adaptive silviculture, 2) hardwood and pine production silviculture, 3) understory plant identification, 4) naturalist topics (e.g. animal ID, insect pollinators, wildlife management basics) and 5) ecosystem restoration (e.g. shortleaf and longleaf pine).
Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to ensure silvicultural science is integrated into forest management planning, policy development and program delivery.
Collaborate with state forest managers to establish and maintain "proof of concept" field plots primarily on state forest lands that demonstrate the effectiveness of current silvicultural strategies on forest productivity, resiliency, vigor, risk mitigation and economic return.
Develop and lead outreach and marketing campaigns that effectively communicate silvicultural science using modern communication methods. Messaging should emphasize appeal, clarity, directness, brevity, credibility, transparency and memorability.
Support and facilitate activities related to financial assistance programs administered by the Silvicultural Program.
A minimum of three (3) years of professional field experience in the application of southern silviculture.
Two (2) years' experience (may be concurrent) incorporating applied research into educational and outreach tools and conducting data analyses to solve complex problems.
Strong background in Southern Silviculture, with demonstrated knowledge of forest establishment, growth and management practices relevant to the region.
Excellent communication, organization and documentation skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and educational materials.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and similar software tools for data management, communication, presentations and documentation.
Familiarity with applied demonstration procedures and the ability to establish, assess and maintain field demonstration sites for educational or research purposes.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate complex forestry issues and develop practical solutions.
Effective project management skills, including planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of forestry-related projects.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
Demonstrated experience in organizing, conducting and delivering educational programs, including public speaking, field days, workshops or professional training sessions.
Assist with other Silvicultural Program needs and special projects as assigned.Assist with incident response and agency operations, including wildfire and all-hazard response, preparedness and recovery, as well as other program duties as assigned.
Occasional Responsibilities: The forester must perform related duties when required and is encouraged to be involved with the local community and professional activities not specifically related to the Texas A&M Forest Service

Work Experience and Required Skills:
A minimum of three (3) years of professional field experience in the application of southern silviculture.
Two (2) years' experience (may be concurrent) incorporating applied research into educational and outreach tools and conducting data analyses to solve complex problems.
Strong background in Southern Silviculture, with demonstrated knowledge of forest establishment, growth and management practices relevant to the region.
Excellent communication, organization and documentation skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and educational materials.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and similar software tools for data management, communication, presentations and documentation.
Familiarity with applied demonstration procedures and the ability to establish, assess and maintain field demonstration sites for educational or research purposes.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate complex forestry issues and develop practical solutions.
Effective project management skills, including planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of forestry-related projects.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
Demonstrated experience in organizing, conducting and delivering educational programs, including public speaking, field days, workshops or professional training sessions.

Educational Qualification and Required Training: Bachelor’s degree in Forestry with emphasis in forest management or closely related course of study from a SAF Accredited Forestry Degree Program. Master's degree in Forestry is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background in southern silviculture, including coursework and/or practical experience related for forest regeneration, stand dynamics, forest health and applied silvicultural systems

Working Conditions: This position involves a combination of office-based work and frequent outdoor fieldwork. While most duties will be performed in an office setting, the position will require regular travel to field sites for demonstrations, assessments, and educational activities. Fieldwork may involve infrequent exposure to harsh environmental conditions, including wind, sunlight, rain, and temperature extremes. The position demands a commitment to safely conducting outdoor work in a variety of conditions.

Comments:
- Must have a valid Texas driver's license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment, with record within Agency standards.
- Employee must meet and annually maintain a physical fitness standard.
- Must be able to work overtime occasionally, with some overnight travel.
Employment Status: Permanent, full-time position

Posting Duration: Open until filled

Closing date (last day application can be accepted): As soon as a suitable candidate is identified

Application procedures: Application is to be completed online. Search the following URL to gain access to the application process. Check back occasionally if the position described above is not yet available at the following link.

https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/about/jobs/job-listings/

Resume, cover letter and transcript(s) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.

Contact Person: Eric Taylor at: (903) 834-6191 or etaylor@tfs.tamu.edu