Deadline: Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: American Bird Conservancy Job Field: Forestry Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Illinois Location Detail: TBD, must be located in NE Illinois Project Area (Dekalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy, or Kankakee Counties) Job Description: The Oak Ecosystem Forester will primarily work with private landowners, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Morton Arboretum, and other local partners in the region to implement best management practices on non-industrial private lands as part of ABC’s NRCS Oak Ecosystem Regional Conservation Partnership Program in NE Illinois and SE Wisconsin. Knowledge of oak ecosystem improvement and management, wildlife management, and use of prescribed fire for natural community restoration is required. Qualifications: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in forestry (e.g., forest management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry), or a similar conservation-related field; and A minimum of three years of experience with technical forestry, wildlife habitat management, or related natural resource management is preferred. Miscellaneous: Required Experience: Knowledge of oak ecosystem improvement and management, wildlife management, and the use of prescribed fire for natural community restoration. Professional knowledge and skills to assess, devise, and apply silvicultural strategies for oak management to meet desired wildlife habitat and conservation objectives. Experience developing and implementing site-specific management plans/practices and the ability to utilize forest inventory tools and protocols. Experience working with private landowners as well as public agencies (NRCS, DNR, USFWS, USDA Forest Service, etc.), with knowledge of landowner incentive programs, especially NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and NRCS Regional Conservation Partnerships Program (RCPP). Communication skills are critical; ability to maintain regular and clear communication with supervisor, team members, and external partners, including contractors. The position requires regular travel both within and outside the greater Chicago project area. ABC will reimburse travel expenses. Applicants are required to have an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record. This position requires a background screening, and the Forester must also obtain and maintain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification. Forester will also be required to participate in specific NRCS training programs in order to use partner facilities, vehicles, and equipment. Salary: Estimated at $55,000; Based on experience Benefits: Excellent benefits package includes medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and employer-matched retirement savings, flexible schedule, etc. Paid vacation days (starting at 15 days annually and increasing to 20 days after 1 year of employment), paid holidays (including both US holidays and additional ABC holidays) and sick leave. Lodging, meals, and transportation covered for work-related travel away from home. Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement where applicable. Pre-approved forestry equipment, office expenses, and professional training/workshop expenses covered. How to Apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2536922 Linnea Rowse Great Lakes Private Lands Director Email: lrowse@abcbirds.org
