GNA Project Forester 2026

State of Wyoming; Kemmerer (WY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Wyoming, located in Kemmerer, is seeking a dedicated individual for the role of Good Neighbor Authority Project Forester. In this position, you will play a key role in managing federal lands, working closely with federal entities to implement important forestry initiatives.

This position entails planning and overseeing various forest and fuel management projects. Qualified candidates should ideally possess a Bachelor's degree in Forestry and relevant experience in the field. Opportunities for contract renewal exist after two years.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of forest ecology and management practices.
• Experience with timber management and harvesting systems.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and administer forest projects and fuel management.
• Prepare detailed project plans and evaluations.
• Coordinate with federal partners in forest management.

Skills

Knowledge of forestry principles and practices

Effective oral and written communication

Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Ability to work in outdoor conditions

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry

Tools

ArcPro and GPS devices

Job description

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

General Description: Join the Wyoming State Forestry Division as a Good Neighbor Authority Project Forester in Kemmerer! The Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD), is excited to announce an opportunity for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Project Forester. This role offers the chance to significantly impact the management of our beautiful federal lands, including those managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in collaboration with the Bridger‑Teton National Forest.

Position Overview: As the GNA Project Forester, you will be at the forefront of forest and fuel management projects, playing a crucial role in planning, preparing, and administering these initiatives. You will work directly with federal partners to identify high-priority projects, evaluate their feasibility, and make informed recommendations for their implementation.

This is an At-will Employee Contract position with limited benefits (no paid leave, employee‑only contributions toward insurance, no agency contribution toward retirement).

Essential Functions:

• Plans forest product sales and fuels mitigation projects based on factors such as harvestable timber, operability, access, and other natural resource considerations.
• Prepares and writes detailed project plans.
• Assists federal partners in identifying priority treatment areas, conducting environmental analyses, and providing written recommendations.
• Assists in establishing long-term forest management goals and objectives related to forest management activities.
• Prepares forest product sales, including property boundary determination, harvest unit layout, road design and layout, marking, cruising, volume determination, appraisal, and advertising.
• Prepares forest product sales and timber stand improvement project contracts and maps.
• Ensures agency policies and procedures are followed throughout the presale process.
• Administers forest product sale contracts to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and project goals.
• Monitors the progression of harvesting operations and ensures best management practices are being followed.
• Maintains the record of volume removed, payments, and account status.
• Makes recommendations regarding contract modifications or extensions for harvesting operations.
• Implements forest management projects such as timber stand improvement from project planning through preparation and contract administration.
• Coordinates with local, state, and federal partners in advancing forest management in the area.

Qualifications

Preferences / Agency Requirements:

• Preference may be given to candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry.
• Preference may be given to candidates with at least 3 years of progressive work experience in forestry.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of forestry principles and practices, forest ecology, fire behavior and ecology, silvicultural treatments and methodology, timber management, harvesting systems, forest products industry, surveying, and timber cruising techniques.
• Knowledge and experience using computers and software commonly used in professional land management, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of ArcPro and GPS devices and associated apps.
• Skills in effective oral and written communication and the ability to use various techniques to tailor the transmission of information to specific audiences.
• Skills in organizing work in a clear and easy-to-follow manner that commands attention and achieves desired results.
• Ability to apply logic and complex layers of rules to analyze and categorize complicated information.
• Ability to weigh each option's pros and cons before making a decision and moving forward, explaining the rationale for decisions.
• Ability to use sound methods to plan and track work, appointments, and commitments, evaluate progress on tasks, and adjust work as needed.
• Ability to address issues openly, constructively, and professionally.

Minimum Qualifications: None – see Preferences.

Necessary Special Requirements

Physical Working Conditions:

• Ability to perform strenuous work in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions, year-round.
• This position may require periodic travel.

Notes:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt.
• This is an At‑Will Employee Contract (AWEC) position to begin in the summer/fall of 2026 and extend for up to two (2) years, with the ability to renew after two (2) years.

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.