Employer Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills This position performs professional forest improvement and forest management activities within the forest management program of the Swan Unit, under the general supervision of the Forester 2.The incumbent plans, coordinates and implements projects necessary to oversee forest improvement treatments on trust parcels including thinning, timber stand improvement, hazard and fuels reductions, forest regeneration projects, and weed management. The incumbent will be required to assist in projects on trust lands to sell timber, assist in road maintenance needs and other related activities. The incumbent may also be required to assist in prescribed fire treatments. These forest improvement and forest management activities will occur within the boundaries of the Swan Unit. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.Trust Land Management (50% of time)Assist in planning, coordinating and evaluating activities on state endowment trust lands to maximize net revenue, to provide for the sustainable use of the land and associated resources, and to ensure adherence to state and federal laws and regulations.Coordinate and perform inventory monitoring to identify and prioritize timber sales and maintain Trust Land databases by extracting reports, performing GIS analysis, and conducting fieldwork to verify and update records.Establish project boundaries, negotiate access easements.Design specifications for aerial and/or ground-based logging systems.Design /maintain road systems, stream crossings and bridges or reconstruction specifications for state land and or/adjacent ownership.Assist implementation of timber-volume cruise designs and marking and participate in other sale layout activities.Implement the habitat conservation plan and ensure compliance with silvicultural prescriptions.Inventory and monitor land resources to assess conditions, trends and concerns, and complete statistical analyses, technical research, and financial analyses to determine the highest returns.Prepare technical written reports concerning the impact of projects and prepare all sale-package documents for Land Office and Forest Management Bureau review and distribution. These include the Silvicultural Prescription, MEPA documents, Timber Sale Contract, Prospectus, Notice of Sale, Summary of Actions and other summaries of timber values, cruise documentation, forest improvement appraisal, road and logging costs, and specifications.Review and evaluate plans and proposals for technical accuracy and make recommendations to management on the feasibility of proposals covering their area of expertise.Work within assigned allocation of budget and capital while ensuring harvest goals are met.Forest Improvement Projects (35% of time)Plan, coordinate and implement forest improvement activities on state endowment trust lands to provide for the sustainable use of the land and associated resources, and to ensure adherence to state and federal laws and regulations.Coordinate, design, and plan forest improvement projects to include thinning, timber stand improvement, hazard and fuels reduction, and weed control.Establish and mark project boundaries.Design and implement forest improvement timber cruises.Assist in forest improvement project contract preparation.Implement forest improvement projects by administering contracts.Assist in implementing prescribed fire projects.Conduct field work to verify and update inventory and treatment records.Assist in forest regeneration projects to include planting contract administration.Implement the habitat conservation plan and ensure compliance with silvicultural prescriptions.Wildland Fire Suppression (10% of time)Perform wildland fire suppression activities on and off the Swan Unit as required based on unit priorities. The incumbent will be required to pass an annual arduous pack test that consists of carrying a 45-pound pack a distance of 3 miles within 45 minutes. Minimum Qualifications:The required knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree in Forest Management or a related resource management field with 1-2 seasons of progressively responsible job-related professional experience in forest management or natural resource management. A combination of education and experience may be considered on a case by case basis. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:The position requires knowledge of forest management principles and practices; equipment and techniques used in forest management projects and operations; forest practices and hazard reduction laws, Administrative Rules, standards, guidelines, policies and procedures related to forest management operations and activities; and knowledge of the Montana Environmental Policy Act and related laws and rules governing natural resource management. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, methods and approaches used in silviculture, ecology, hydrology, wildlife and fisheries biology. Specific knowledge of plant taxonomy, habitat typing, timber cruising, log scaling, harvesting systems, data collection and sampling techniques; road design and layout; fire behavior, fire suppression techniques, land surveying and timber appraisal procedures. An essential function of the position is the ability to pass an arduous pack test as well as be capable of vigorous physical activity in all types of weather. The position requires working alone in the field, including winter conditions (using tire chains) and navigating with a map and compass. The position requires skill in the use and operation of tools, equipment and vehicles used in wildland fire control, forest management activities and field office operations; operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs/UTVs and skill in the use of computer hardware and software related to forest management business operations (word processing, spreadsheets, internet, e-mail and smart devices) and specialized resource management software. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to individuals, groups and representatives from other organizations; the ability to coordinate and direct multiple resources to complete work objectives, work on multiple projects simultaneously; work well with others and maintain a positive working environment. The position often works independently and requires critical thinking skills as they work in remote work conditions and may encounter various hazards throughout a typical workday including wildlife, road conditions, and hazardous terrain. Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: Swan Lake, Montana Application Deadline: Mon, 06/02/2025 - 12:00pm Link to Full Job Posting: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=25141013&tz=G…
