Assistant Forester (Internal Only)

Berea College; Berea (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Berea College seeks an Assistant Forester to actively implement forest management projects on the Berea College Forest and supervise the Horse Logging crew to assist the College Forester in managing the College Forest.

The role involves roughly 50% fieldwork and 50% shop/barn work, with duties including GIS management, timber stand improvement, herbicide application, and trail maintenance, while also coordinating student workers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or a similar field required.
• 3-5 years hands-on forest management experience in Eastern U.S. hardwood forests; other regions considered.
• 1-3 years leading logging teams and organizing work preferred.
• Experience with livestock, horses, farm equipment, and/or logging preferred.
• Knowledge of forestry and natural resource management; strong tree identification skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Horse Logging and Barn team, organize activities, approve time, manage performance, address employee relations, ensure safety and Berea College policy compliance, and train staff on tasks.
• Manage the Forestry Department’s GIS and data."
• Assist in research projects within the College Forest and conduct educational outreach.

Skills

Forestry knowledge

Tree identification

Chain saw

Power equipment

Basic computer skills

Oral and written communication

Horsemanship

GIS software

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry

Tools

Tractor operation

Power tools maintenance

Job description

The primary function of the Assistant Forester is the active implementation of forest management projects on the Berea College Forest and the supervision of the Horse Logging crew with the goal of assisting the College Forester in the management of the College Forest. All knowledge and skills required for the College Forester are required for the Assistant. The position requires less time spent in Department administration. The Assistant may be required to make decisions as Department Head in the absence of the College Forester. This position involves approximately 50% fieldwork and 50% shop/barn work.

• As part of the role, the position is the supervisor for the Horse Logging and Barn team. This includes organizing and supervising the crew's activities and daily work, administrative tasks such as time approval and performance management, addressing employee relations issues, assuring safety standards and protocols are followed, assuring all employees follow Berea College policies, and ensuring all employees are fully trained on the tasks they are asked to perform.
• Manages the Forestry Department’s GIS
• Assist in research projects within the College Forest as well as interpretive education for the College community and greater community educational outreach
• Implement management plans for the College Forest; including timber stand improvement, herbicide application, mowing, clearing brush and the construction and repair of fences.
• Conduct logging operations and the implementation of timber stand improvement (TSI) operations.
• Plant trees for reforestation and manage open areas by planting native grassland/prairie species.
• Herbicide applications in TSI, in managing exotic invasive plant species, and in prairie restoration.
• Trail and road maintenance and construction.
• Operate a portable or stationary sawmill.
• Wildfire suppression as well as implementation of prescribed fires.
• Supervise student workers, as assigned, in day-to-day operations.
• Security, neighbor relations, and protection of the Forest.

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, or similar field, required.

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• 3-5 years of hands-on forest management experience in Eastern U.S. hardwood forests, preferred; experience from other regions considered
• 1-3 years of previous experience leading logging teams and organizing the work is preferred.
• Experience with livestock, horses, farm equipment, and/or logging is preferred.

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of forestry and natural resource management
• Tree identification skills
• Skills acquired through construction work, farm work, and mechanical repair work, such as basic chain saw and tree felling skills, and ability to use power equipment and tractors is required.
• Basic computer skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Horsemanship skills are desirable.
• GIS software experience is desirable.

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Will need to attain Pesticide applicator’s license within three months of employment.
• NWCG FFT2 or KPFC Burn Crew Member preferred
• Master Logger certification preferred

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to walk long distances.

Environmental conditions:

• Must be willing to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.

Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:

• Chainsaw and power tool operation and maintenance.
• Ability to operate and perform minor repairs on tractors and other equipment is desirable.
• Ability to handle and care for horses and their associated equipment is desirable.