Forester

Center for Heirs' Property; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Heirs' Property in the United States seeks a Forester to manage and conserve forested lands. You will assess forest conditions, develop management plans, and implement practices balancing ecological, economic, and recreational needs.

Work includes collaborating with landowners, agencies, and communities to promote responsible forest stewardship. Responsibilities cover monitoring forest growth, health, pests, and biodiversity, while addressing wildfire risks and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field.
• PF certification or eligibility for certification.
• Knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, and inventory techniques.
• Familiarity with federal and state forestry regulations and environmental laws.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field assessments to evaluate forest composition, health, and growth patterns.
• Develop and implement sustainable forest management plans tailored to landowner goals and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and manage forest resources to prevent pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Collaborate with government agencies, private landowners, and community groups to promote conservation.
• Prepare detailed reports, maps, and documentation to support management activities and compliance.
• Advise on timber harvesting practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing returns.
• Participate in wildfire prevention and response planning.
• Stay current with forestry science, technology, and best practices.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Attend advocate meetings and community meetings.

Skills

Fieldwork

Stakeholder communication

Forest ecology

Silviculture

Forest inventory

Wildfire management

Habitat conservation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field

Professional Forester (PF) certification or eligibility

Tools

GIS

Forest modeling software

Job description

The Center for Heirs’ Property® (CHP) helps under-resourced and small-acreage landowners protect what matters most — the roof over their heads and the land under their feet. Since 2005, CHP has empowered families through legal education, direct legal services, and sustainable land-use programs that strengthen ownership, clarity, and generational prosperity.

Rooted in South Carolina and recognized nationally for its leadership, CHP envisions a nation where every family can enjoy the legacy of home—securing ownership, protection, and prosperity for generations to come.

Position Description:

As a Forester, you will play a critical role in managing and conserving forested lands to ensure their health, sustainability, and productivity for future generations. You will assess forest conditions, develop management plans, and implement practices that balance ecological, economic, and recreational needs. Your work will involve collaborating with landowners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote responsible forest stewardship. You will also monitor forest growth, health, and biodiversity, while addressing challenges such as pests, diseases, and wildfire risks. Ultimately, your efforts will help maintain the ecological integrity and economic viability of forest ecosystems across diverse landscapes in the United States.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, and forest inventory techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant federal and state forestry regulations and environmental laws.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of forest management techniques and practices, and some knowledge of fire suppression procedures and tactics.
• Must be willing to engage in outreach work in the project services area.
• Professional Forester (PF) certification or eligibility for certification.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and forest modeling software.
• Experience in wildfire management and prescribed burning techniques.
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat management and conservation biology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct field assessments to evaluate forest composition, health, and growth patterns.
• Develop and implement sustainable forest management plans tailored to specific landowner goals and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and manage forest resources to prevent and control pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Collaborate with government agencies, private landowners, and community groups to promote conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.
• Prepare detailed reports, maps, and documentation to support forest management activities and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Advise on timber harvesting practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic returns.
• Participate in wildfire prevention and response planning and activities.
• Stay current with advances in forestry science, technology, and best practices.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Attend advocate meetings, task forces, and other community meetings.

Skills:

The required skills enable you to effectively assess forest conditions and develop management plans that balance ecological and economic objectives. Strong communication skills are essential for educating landowners and collaborating with agencies to implement sustainable practices. Proficiency in fieldwork techniques ensures accurate data collection and monitoring of forest health. Preferred skills such as GIS and forest modeling software enhance your ability to analyze spatial data and predict forest growth trends. Additionally, expertise in wildfire management and habitat conservation allows you to address complex environmental challenges and promote resilient forest ecosystems.