Project Forester

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

State of South Carolina seeks a Project Forester to provide forest management assistance to private landowners and to administer cost-share programs. The role involves conducting prescribed burns, wildfire suppression, and disaster response, while representing the SC Forestry Commission at local meetings.

The candidate will write management plans, promote sustainable forest practices, and engage with communities to reduce wildfire risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in forestry from SAF-accredited program or meeting SAF Certified Forester requirements.
• SC registered forester within two years of appointment.
• Pass a physical fitness test (2 miles in 30 minutes with 25 lb pack) or comply with agency fitness program.

Responsibilities

• Provide forest management assistance and outreach to landowners and the public to promote active management of forestland.
• Write forest management plans to produce multiple benefits (timber, air and water quality, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, wildfire risk reduction).
• Administer cost-share programs and prepare reports; assist landowners with forestry practices implementation.

Skills

Outdoor work capability

Written & verbal communication

Emergency response readiness

Driver's license

Education

SAF-accredited forestry degree

Tools

Job description

The Responsibilities of the Project Forester

Under general supervision, provides forest management assistance to private landowners to include preparation of forest management plans. Administers cost-share programs for the project. Assists with conducting prescribed burns, wildfire suppression, and disaster response. Represents the SC Forestry Commission at local meetings.

• Provides forest management assistance and outreach to landowners and the general public to promote active management of forestland. Writes forest management plans to produce multiple benefits including the sustainable production of forest products, clean air and water, wildlife habitat, aesthetics and to mitigate wildfire risks through recommending mastication and other fuels reduction activities. Administers cost-share programs and prepares reports. Assists landowners with implementation of forestry practices. Performs insect and disease activities. Represents agency at local meetings.
• Responds to wildfires and all-hazard incidents both in-state and out-of-state through Southeast Compact requests and western wildfire assignments. Participates in FireWise activities to include conducting wildfire risk assessments for at-risk communities in the wildland urban interface and other wildfire prevention events. Responds to non-wildfire disasters, and participates in wildfire and disaster-related exercises as directed. Assists in basic wildfire investigations, burn site inspections, participates in incident management activities on large fire events. Supports Sector Fire Management Officers on fire suppression activities.
• Participates in opportunities for professional growth as directed such as working with specialty foresters and participating in and/or conducting training as directed to include wildland fire training (i.e. fireline refresher). Serves as acting Sector Fire Management Officer when needed.
• Provides landowner services such as prescribed burning and timber marking in project area and elsewhere as directed.
• Participates in activities and/or projects in support of agency’s mission and performs other duties as required.

• A bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or a bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the Society of American Foresters Certified Forester educational requirements.
• Required to be a SC registered forester within two years of appointment.
• Must pass a physical fitness test of walking two (2) miles in thirty (30) minutes carrying a 25 lb. pack or meet the agency physical fitness program requirements.
• Must obtain firefighter registration with the SC State Fire Marshal's office.
• Criminal background check required. Drug and Alcohol test required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• This position works in Florence and Dillon Counties. Must be a resident of South Carolina and must live in their area of responsibility or within a radius of 30 miles of their assigned work center.
• Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb, and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions.
• Works a Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. schedule. Occasional overnight travel required.
• Working knowledge of forestry management techniques and procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally. Ability to establish working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public. Ability to act effectively in emergency or stressful situations.
• This position is designated as safety sensitive and essential. Position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing.