Deadline: Fri, 07/22/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location: Michigan Location Detail: Sault Ste Marie Job Description: The Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District (CLMCD) is seeking enthusiastic applicants to serve as an educational/outreach Forester in the area of private lands forestry for the Michigan Forestry Assistance Program (FAP). The purpose of the Forestry Assistance Program is to provide private landowners with technical assistance regarding forestry, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource concerns, so that they may make informed decisions about the use and management of their forestlands. The candidate will be based in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and will include assignments in all of Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties. Duties will be performed under the direction of the CLMCD Executive Director with yearly goals guided by an advisory board made up of directors and staff from the Conservation District, local, state, and federal partners. Office to field split is approximately 50/50 depending on the time of year. About the Area: Sault Ste Marie is unique waterfront community with many historical attributes and diversity of people. Sault Ste Maris is very much a small town with affordable housing options and quaint local businesses. Sault Ste Marie has much to offer to someone looking to get away from a larger town or city. The greater Eastern Upper Peninsula is an outdoor lover’s dream with world class fisheries, hunting, hiking, ATVing, paddling, and other outdoor activities with unlimited places to see including the Hiawatha National Forest, Tahquamenon State Park, Mackinac Island, Drummond Island, Les Cheneaux Islands, Paradise, and thousands of acres to roam between. Qualifications: Required Qualifications: • *Forestry degree from SAF accredited program • Enjoy working with the public • Superior customer service skills • Excellent organization/self-starting skills • Experience with technical writing for general public • Valid state issued license and reliable personal transportation • Knowledge base of tree pests and disease • Willingness to expand services and programs • Positive outgoing attitude Preferred Qualifications: • SAF Candidate/Certified Forester Status • Experience with the Michigan Qualified Forest Program (QFP) • Proficient in using GIS (QGIS and ArcMap) • Grant writing experience • USDA Farm Bill Programs knowledge • Previous experience with Conservation District’s • Prior outreach and program planning experience • Forest Management Plan writing experience Miscellaneous: Essential Functions: • Serve as initial point of contact for private forest landowners, natural resource professionals and local governments for the management of forestland, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource activities in Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac Counties. • Provide, as a public service, both in-office and on-site assistance to private forest landowners so that they can make informed decisions regarding resource management on their property. • Conduct outreach and education including demonstrations, workshops, and field days. Topics may include, types of forest management plans, Qualified Forest Program, Commercial Forest Program, Michigan Tree Farm, forestry and taxes, timber management contracts, selecting a consultant, options available for forest management, forest health, invasive species, or fire management. Preferred Qualifications: • SAF Candidate/Certified Forester Status • Experience with the Michigan Qualified Forest Program (QFP) • Proficient in using GIS (QGIS and ArcMap) • Grant writing experience • USDA Farm Bill Programs knowledge • Previous experience with Conservation District’s • Prior outreach and program planning experience • Forest Management Plan writing experience Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District Position Posted: Conservation Technician: Forester Expected Start Date: August 2022 • Create and maintain a list of qualified foresters, and actively implement a referral program which connects interested landowners with those professionals to facilitate sustainable planning and management of their property. • Work closely with and maintain a good working relationship with other resource management professionals, both public and private, in support of landscape level planning and management of natural resources. Additionally, establish a relationship with mills, processors, and co-gen plants utilizing forest products from the local area. • Prepare and submit an annual plan of work and monthly and annual accomplishment reports. • Maintain a landowner contact document which tracks name, address, phone, site location, acres, a general assessment, and timber type. • Provide public relations activities and indirect contact with the news media and general public. • Prepare articles for newsletters, magazines, newspapers, radio or television spots. • Provide advice on the selection and planting of trees, shrubs, and other plants for reforestation and wildlife habitat restoration. • Provide appropriate management options for threatened and endangered plants and animals to all landowners through the use of the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) database. • Provide advice on the identification and control of insects, diseases, invasive plants and wildlife pests for woodlands. Help monitor the occurrence and spread of insects, diseases, and pests. • Provide information on federal and state programs, agencies, organizations, and individuals that provide technical and/or financial assistance for forest management activities. • Review all Qualified Forest Program (QFP) applications to determine program eligibility and complete all QFP Parcel Eligibility Determination Forms sent to the district office by the QFP staff. • Promote the availability of the MAEAP Forestry, Wetlands, and Habitat (FWH) assessment tool to landowners. Conduct and record the completion of the MAEAP FWH assessments. Encourage the full implementation of the management plan and pursuit of MAEAP verification. • Assist CLMCD with their tree and shrub sales. Other Functions • Prepare regular, written reports to Conservation District Boards (monthly). • Pursue certified forester status with the Society of American Foresters (SAF). • Attend trainings and conferences. • Assist the Conservation District to achieve deliverables as well as short- and long-term goals. • Other duties and functions as assigned. Salary: Range: $45,300 - $49,900 Benefits: This position is funded by an annually renewed grant provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to CLMCD. The technician wage will be contingent on whether they are a certified forester through SAF and the years of experience with a starting wage of $45,300 up to $49,900. The technician will be required to work 40 hours/week and compensated on a bi-weekly basis. Regular hours of duty are between 8:00am 4:30pm, but includes night and weekend hours with schedule flexibility. Candidate will be required to use personal vehicle at times. Benefits include paid time off (PTO), holidays, Flex time, and $2,080 yearly contribution to a retirement savings. How to Apply: nterested applicants should send a professional resume, cover letter, and a list of three (3) references to clmcd@macd.org with the subject: Forester Position or mail to CLMCD C/O Mike McCarthy, 2847 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 for consideration. Applications Due July 22nd, 2022 by 4:30pm.
