Forester - South Dakota

The National Wild Turkey Federation is seeking qualified candidates for a forester position, to be located in Rapid City or Custer, South Dakota. The position will be a cooperative position and will be responsible for promoting forest & riparian management on private lands in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This is a full time, term position expiring September 2027, with the potential to extend the term. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Assists 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; provides forestry assistance to private landowners, communities and public agencies to achieve optimum environmental, economic and social benefits from forest resources; implements silvicultural practices and delivers technical assistance and financial assistance programs under the direction of cooperating partners.

 

DUTIES:

• Provide 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
• Develop consensus among partners and provide recommendations for working in oak, aspen and other hardwood stands and riparian areas to ensure these critical habitats are included in private lands management planning
• Work with local conservation districts to identify and plan multi-partner landscape level conservation projects
• 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
• Prepare and implement forest management plans based on accepted silvicultural practices 
• Prepare forest management project contracts, providing specifications and prescriptions for thinning, mastication, slash treatments, and other forest management activities 
• Obtain Tree Farm Inspector Certification and work to promote and maintain certification of Tree Farms in the region
• Develop and deliver innovative forest management techniques to landowners and cooperators through workshops, written materials, field days and educational programs 
• Provide internal review and input as requested on need, purpose and design during all stages of USDA-NRCS program forest management project planning and implementation 
• Promote awareness and collaboration of state, federal and local conservation programs and planning, and acquire project support through engagement with conservation organizations, local conservation groups, industry and local communities
• Develop relationships and working partnerships with the USDA-NRCS offices, USDA-U.S. Forest Service, SD Game Fish and Parks Dept., SD Dept. of Agriculture Resource Conservation & Forestry, Conservation NGO’s, County Weed and Pest Management, County Commissioners, Private Forest Industry, Mountain Pine Beetle Conservation Leaders Group, Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group and Tree Farm committee

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Preferred candidates will possess experience working in ponderosa pine ecosystems, riparian communities and knowledge of wild turkeys, forest wildlife and their habitat requirements; knowledge of forest entomology, pathology, forest management and planning for major silvicultural types of the region; knowledge of basic surveying principles, map reading and GIS/GPS technology, ArcGIS skills; ability to apply professional scientific techniques to the land for which responsibilities are assigned; ability to effectively cooperate with private landowners, the general public, cooperators and peers; skills in the use and operation of forestry field equipment and ATVs; skills in communicating both orally and in written form to convey clear, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others; proficient skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated knowledge of forestry and wildlife biology
• Strong organizational skills and capability to work independently with little direct supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Applicants must possess 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, including Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook 

This position will remain posted until filled.