Forester II/Sr - AI

Ahtna, Inc.; Alaska; On-site; USD 71,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to sustainable forestry and land management. As a Forester, you will spearhead the forest carbon sequestration program while collaborating with various stakeholders. This role demands a blend of technical expertise and project management skills, ensuring all forestry-related projects align with organizational principles. The position offers a dynamic work environment, requiring outdoor work and the ability to navigate challenging terrains. If you are passionate about forestry and eager to make a positive impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field required.
• 3+ years of progressive work experience in forestry projects.

Responsibilities

• Administer forest carbon sequestration program and forestry projects.
• Deliver technical reports and supervise entry-level employees.

Skills

Technical Forestry Measurement

Project Development

GPS Navigation

Supervision and Mentoring

Wildlife Management Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry

Master’s degree in Forestry

Tools

Handheld GPS Units

Hypsometers

Diameter Tapes

Clinometers

Chainsaw

Google Earth

ArcMap 10.8

Job description

The Forester will be responsible for administering the forest carbon sequestration program and developing, conducting, and maintaining all forestry-related projects for the Land and Resources Department on Ahtna Lands while working closely with State, Federal, and non-profit organizations.

The salary range for this position is $71,979-$110,621/year; please note this is a tiered position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ability to develop forestry projects within the scope of Ahtna principles, including preparing and adhering to budgetary constraints.
• Ability to deliver technical reports required upon project completion in a timely manner.
• Requires familiarity with technical forestry measurement tools to include handheld GPS units, hypsometers, diameter tapes, clinometers, compass, and other tools as needed, such as chainsaw and a variety of hand tools.
• Capable of working with team members in remote environments with little direct supervision.
• Ability to supervise and mentor entry-level employees.
• Assists in the meeting of production targets and quality targets.
• Patience, diligence, independence, and preparedness are important traits for success.
• Assists in navigation using GPS, downloading of data to computer, operation of digital data recorders, and technical measuring devices.
• Load, off-load, and secure ATV, boat, and snow machine to a trailer or pick-up bed.
• Knowledge of firearms and firearm safety and the ability to obtain shotgun certification within nine months of hire.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field
  • Experience may be substituted for education on a 1:1 basis.
• Ability to pass/complete the following position requirements:
  • Federal background check.
  • Firearms safety course.
  • Bear guard security course.
  • Wilderness first aid course.
• Obtain certification for Forestry within six (6) months from The Society of American Foresters (AFS).
• Obtain Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) pilot license within one (1) year.
• Knowledge of ANCSA, ANILCA, Ahtna Regional Corporation.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience that demonstrates the ability to meet core competency requirements.
• Capable in Geographic Information System (GIS) data entry, integration, and manipulation, including experience with ESRI products such as ArcMap 10.8.
• Driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Certification in firearms training or ability to obtain certification within two (2) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Forestry or related discipline.
• Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certification.
• Field first aid training.
• Certified bear guard.
• Certified firearms safety.
• Experience and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of proper wildlife and forest management fundamentals.
• Knowledge of computer mapping programs (e.g., Google Earth, ArcMaps, etc.).
• Knowledge of local ecosystems and environment of the Cooper River Valley.
• Patience, diligence, independence, and preparedness.

Shareholder Preference

Pursuant to PL 93-638, as amended, preference will be given to qualified Ahtna Native Corporation Shareholders, Descendants, and Spouses in all phases of employment.

Physical Demands

Work performed outdoors will include exposure to extreme weather conditions. It will also include field data collection by car, truck, ATV, boat, and/or aircraft. Ability to load, off-load, and secure ATV and boat to trailer or pick-up bed for safe transport. Forms of transportation can be bumpy and can cause whole-body vibrations, jarring, and/or awkward movements. Ability to walk long distances, up to 8 miles daily, while carrying materials up to 45 lbs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment characteristics described in this job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.

Exposure to extreme weather conditions and rough terrain. Walking, hiking, bending, sitting, and squatting outdoors for extended periods of time. Will require training to work in areas where dangerous wildlife may exist. Employees must provide their own waterproof footwear. Ahtna will provide all other safety gear, including rain gear.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, or as business needs dictate.