Deadline: Tue, 12/13/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location: Georgia Location Detail: Gainesville, Georgia Job Description: Forest Wildlife Specialist- Forester Georgia- Public Lands Location: Gainesville, Georgia Employer: Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Region: Southern Appalachians Starting Date: January 16, 2023 Term of Position: January 2023 to January 2026, with a possibility of position extension. Background and Primary Duties: The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) are a national, nonprofit organization with a 60-year record of forest wildlife conservation. RGS & AWS in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA-DNR) and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (the Forest) are hiring a wildlife-oriented forester to work effectively with on the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia. The selected individual will coordinate the implementation of active forest management on National Forest lands to assist the recovery of Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan and achieve objectives from the Forest’s Land and Resource Management Plan (the Forest Plan). Position Summary: The Forest Wildlife Specialist’s main duties will include working with RGS & AWS staff, GA-DNR staff, and National Forest staff, as well as local partners such as Georgia Forestry Commission, The Nature Conservancy, National Deer Association, conservation nonprofits, consulting foresters, and timber purchasers to: • Identify high-priority watersheds for forest habitat restoration within the Foothills Landscape Project and high-priority watersheds for mid- to high-elevation habitat projects outside Foothills Landscape Project footprint through GIS analyses. • Assist with vegetation management project planning efforts by leading stand reconnaissance, common stand exams, GIS mapping, data analyses, REGEN3 or FVS model runs, and silvicultural prescription writing to feed to the Forest’s silviculturists and interdisciplinary planning team. • Develop and implement Stewardship Agreements with the Forest within the Foothills Landscape Project and other high-priority areas with active NEPA documentation. • Lead the administration of noncommercial treatments and commercial timber harvests to achieve desired forest conditions, including preparing bid announcements, selecting contractors, forest road maintenance, and performing site inspections and evaluations. • Inspect timber sales for compliance with contract clauses and adherence to best management practices for soil and water conservation (Georgia’s Best Management Practices for Forestry). • Assist with monitoring efforts, including the potential to assist with wildlife monitoring (e.g., ruffed grouse drummer surveys). • Promote active forest management to the public, including the potential to organize and conduct outreach and training workshops. • Lead volunteer efforts with RGS & AWS members and the public, including monitoring efforts, information or interpretive programs, and habitat workdays. • Communicate the importance of active forest management to RGS & AWS members and the public during field trips, presentations, blog posts, and local media pitches. • Maintain a database to track performance, achievements, and outcomes. • Write and submit regular summaries, and interim and annual reports to RGS & AWS and partners. The Forest Wildlife Specialist will report to the Forest’s Supervisor’s Office in Gainesville, Georgia. A portion of their timing working from a home office might be possible depending on the candidate. However, the position should be prepared to report to Gainesville multiple times per week as needed. The position is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS & AWS in their work. The position will be supervised by RGS & AWS’s Southern Appalachian Forest Conservation Director. There will be a 6-month probationary period for the purposes of determining the suitability of the employee to their new position. The Forest Wildlife Specialist will report to the Forest’s Supervisor’s Office in Gainesville, Georgia. A portion of their timing working from a home office might be possible depending on the candidate. However, the position should be prepared to report to Gainesville multiple times per week as needed. The position is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS & AWS in their work. The position will be supervised by RGS & AWS’s Southern Appalachian Forest Conservation Director. There will be a 6-month probationary period for the purposes of determining the suitability of the employee to their new position. Qualifications: • A bachelor’s degree in forestry or closely related field, with 3+ years of experience or a master’s degree in forestry. • A passion for forestry and wildlife conservation. • In-depth understanding of forest management including operations, silvicultural systems, forest product markets, and environmental regulation. Ability to assess wildlife habitat and make connections between forest management and wildlife needs. • Technical expertise in field forestry, including management plan preparation, forest inventory, timber marking, boundary layout, and GPS data collection. Experience in prescribed fire and burn plan preparation is a plus. • Excellent spoken and written communication skills, networking skills, well organized, and ability to engage with a diversity of stakeholders and conservation partners. Experience managing complex projects under deadlines. • Knowledge of USDA Forest Service processes, regulations, policies, and directives (e.g., NFMA and NEPA). Previous experience working with the US Forest Service, or another federal land management agency is preferred. • Previous experience working with Federal, or State agencies is desired. • Ability to use Excel, ArcGIS, Google Maps, and other computer mapping systems to identify and delineate project boundaries. • Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the Southern Appalachian region of north Georgia and perform arduous field work on steep terrain. • Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results and meet deadlines. Applicant must be self-motivated, responsible and have ability to solve problems. • The position will be required to participate in specific training programs to use partner facilities and equipment. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license. Salary: $50,000.00 Benefits: Compensation: The salary for the position is $50,000.00, plus benefits, health insurance, and retirement options. A vehicle will be available for the position, with the possibility of mileage reimbursement or a vehicle stipend. A purchasing card for business and travel expenses, computer, printer, cell phone, office supplies will be provided. How to Apply: Application Instructions: Please send a cover letter and resume to Nick Biemiller (RGS & AWS) at nickb@ruffedgrousesociety.org by 11:59pm on December 13, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact Nick at 412-719-0625.
