Forester | Oconto County, WI
Description
Under the guidance of the Forest, Parks & Recreation Administrator, manage the Oconto County forest program in accordance with Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 28.11. and additionally, to standards set forth in the County Forest Comprehensive Land Use Plan & 3rd-party certification compliance.
Examples of Duties
FORESTRY:
- Under supervision of the administrator & In coordination with the Oconto County DNR Liason, develops, implements and completes projects for the county forest utilizing available resources.
- Schedules forest management and cultural activities in accordance with the Comprehensive Land Use Forestry Plan and DNR Silvicultural Handbook.
- Maintain & update forest reconnaissance to determine current & future prescriptions and forest management needs
- Conducts field work to establish timber sales to meet multiple use objectives with preparation including but not limited to: marking boundaries, collecting boundary data, establishment of silvicultural objectives, tree selection and marking, estimating volumes, completing cutting notice, identification and implementation of required BMP’s, development of sale prospectus and maps, and timber cutting notice as required for each timber sale.
- Coordinates, administers and enforces timber sale contracts including field inspections of all sales for contract compliance and make recommendations to Forest Administrator regarding contract violations and damage assessments.
- Scales wood products on landing for billing, collects haul tickets and calculate billable volumes. Must be able to identify cut tree species.
- Evaluate, plan, & implement site preparation, reforestation, & post-harvest treatment projects
- Ensure compliance with FSC & SFI certification standards
- Attends yearly training to stay current with changing timber industry and comply with third party certification standards.
- Maintains and updates computerized forest reconnaissance data and completed forestry projects using ArcPro, WisFIRS, & TimberBase software.
- Work with County Surveyor and private landowners to determine and maintain common property boundaries and develop access for forest management and report encroachment, timber trespass, and theft to Administrator.
- Operates equipment commonly used for timber stand improvement, site preparation and reforestation projects.
- Coordinate and implement county forest pest management and invasive species strategies by monitoring and treating affected areas.
- Good Neighbor Authority Agreement-
- Provide number of hours per contract to complete activities identified in the US Forest Service supplemental work plan addendum.
- Specific activities will be identified by DNR may include but not limited to timber sale establishment (silvicultural prescription preparation, harvest boundary lay-out, timber designation, cruising, and contract development), reforestation site prep and plantings, regeneration monitoring, and other forest and watershed restoration projects.
- Learn and understand all US Forest Service Handbooks, Rules, Policies and procedures pertaining to activity assigned. Perform work to US Forest Service standards per handbook, rules, policies and procedures.
PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT:
- Assist in the maintenance & advancement of the county parks, trails, & recreation program as directed by Administrator.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Acts as lead worker while working with staff, other agencies, interns or contract crews in a forestry setting.
- Participates in work planning meetings, budget meetings, and County meetings.
- Completes and files reports with other agencies
- Assist in the up-keep & maintenance of forest roads, bridges, gates and facilities.
- Satisfactory complete handgun training provided by sheriff’s office yearly
- Enforce County ordinances – Have knowledge of ordinances & regulations, communicate with the public about following ordinances, and writing violation notices
- Complete routine maintenance on equipment and tools
- Work with multiple departments & agencies to include Surveying, Highway, Sheriffs, DNR, and recreational clubs.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment in 3000 sq. ft. facility and 5000 sq. ft. storage area.
- Interact with residents and members of the public in a courteous and respectful manner. This includes receiving complaints about schedules, levels and quality of service, and must make note of and report on any such complaints and respond in a courteous and respectful manner.
- Responsible for self-scheduling of work priorities and making sure work schedules align to complete priorities efficiently and accurately.
- All other duties as assigned or as necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the Forestry, Parks, & Recreation Department
Typical Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry is required; 2+ years of forestry-related work experience is preferred
- Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License. CDL Class “A” with air brake endorsement is preferred.
- Must possess a Wisconsin DATCP Commercial Pesticide Applicator license or be able to obtain one within 1 year of employment
- Must complete and successfully pass Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) training within 6 months of employment.
- Obtain and/or maintain training required for 3rd-party forest certification standards