Inventory Forester
Position Location: Preferably either Hayward or Rhinelander, but flexibility is possible for other locations across Northern Wisconsin.
Closing Date for Applications: Continuous until filled.
Background:
Lumberjack has an established history of doing inventory work in Wisconsin for the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources (WDNR) and has an excellent record of working collaboratively on these inventories with the United States Forest Service. Lumberjack installs and measures Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) P2 and Urban plots as well as Wisconsin State Forest Continuous Forest Inventory (WisCFI) P2 and P3 plots.
The current inventory staff consists of six permanent field foresters with a combined total of nearly 60 years of inventory experience with Lumberjack.
Job Description:
The inventory program is primarily involved in the establishment and measurement of permanent forest inventory plots, though it is not strictly limited to this. At times other work that may or may not be related to forest inventory is made available and would be considered part of the job.
In general, the job is 95% outside work and applicants should be prepared to work in all types of weather, year-round. This job is physically demanding and requires long hikes through sometimes very difficult terrain and conditions. Candidates cannot have any physical limitations. In addition to physical demands, candidates must be comfortable working alone in sometimes remote areas.
There is substantial travel associated with this position and the successful candidate should expect to be away from home (Mon-Fri) for approximately 25% of the year. Additional travel may be required during the initial 3-month training period.
Specific Duties:
Using aerial photos locate selected locations on the ground. Determine ownership and obtain access permission for all privately-owned properties. Locate the plot by transferring photo measurements to the field. Run compass lines and measure distances. On the plot, take tree diameters, heights and crown measurements; assess disease and damage agents; grade logs (standing); classify forest types, assess land use, determine tree ages and site indexes, measure slope, aspect and more. All data items are to be taken by strictly following established guidelines.
Other non-tree related items measured and/or evaluated may include down woody material, soils and herbaceous vegetation (habitat typing). Document completed work and file data according to established procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
A. two-year natural resources related degree or equivalent experience* (see below for details).
B. The ability to identify Wisconsin tree species both leaf-on and leaf-off.
C. The desire to work outdoors in Wisconsin, year-round.
D. A degree in Forestry, previous FIA/CFI inventory experience, knowledge of herbaceous plants and QGIS software proficiency all plusses, but not required.
E. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
F. A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required.
* Candidates who do not possess a natural resource degree will be considered provided they can clearly demonstrate the ability to identify Wisconsin’s tree species and can show through prior work experience that they are comfortable working outdoors, year-round, in Wisconsin.
Compensation:
Positions are full-time permanent subject to availability of funds. Starting salary is $21.51/hour and up depending on experience, plus benefits including paid vacation, retirement plan, health insurance, paid holidays, paid sick leave and more.
Lumberjack’s pay scale mirrors the Federal pay scale regarding advancement and cost-of-living increases.
Hotel and per diem are paid while on travel status.
Work vehicle and equipment are provided.
Questions:
Contact Paul Mueller (715.499.7242) directly with questions about the position or application process.