Stewardship Forester

State of South Carolina; Florence (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

State of South Carolina is seeking a Stewardship Forester to coordinate the regional Stewardship Program and assist with forest management and fire activities. The role includes developing plans for private landowners, coordinating with private consultants and agency staff, and providing technical assistance to foresters.

The position requires SAF-aligned forestry education and three years of experience, and a SC Registered Forester must be obtained within six months.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in forestry from SAF-accredited program.
• A forestry or natural resources degree meeting SAF requirements with three years forestry experience.
• Must become SC Registered Forester within six months of being hired.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement the Stewardship Forester Program at the regional level.
• Develop and monitor Stewardship Management Plans for private non-industrial landowners in the region.
• Coordinate plan development with private foresters and other state/federal personnel.
• Provide technical assistance to SCFC foresters in plan development.
• Coordinate educational programs and publish related materials.
• Participate as a volunteer in SCFC fitness standards for fireline qualified employees.

Skills

Communication

Team player

Public speaking

Education

Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate in Forestry (SAF-accredited)

Forestry or natural resources degree meeting SAF requirements

Three years forestry experience

Tools

GPS

GIS

Job description

Responsibilities of the Stewardship Forester:

To coordinate and implement the Stewardship Forester Program at the regional level. Serves as member of regional staff and assists with forest management and fire activities within the region.

• Develops and completes new and/or revised Stewardship Management Plans for private non-industrial forest landowners throughout the region. Coordinates the plan development of private forestry consultants as well as other state and federal agency personnel. Provides assistance to SC Forestry Commission foresters in plan development.
• Coordinates the implementation of Stewardship Management Plans on private non-industrial forest lands throughout the region. Monitors landowner accomplishments to assess implementation and the provision of technical assistance to Stewardship landowners that will move them toward "Forest Steward" status.
• Coordinates Stewardship educational program for assigned region. Presents program information to interested groups such as landowner associations, conservation groups, garden clubs, etc. Develops or assists in the development of publications, brochures, news releases, and displays associated with the Forest Stewardship Program. Assists with forest management activities and agency services within the region.
• Participates, as a volunteer, in the SCFC Physical Fitness Standards for fireline qualified employees as outlined in the SCFC Procedure Manual, and performs other related duties as required in support of the SC Forestry Commission's mission and strategic plan.

• 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 and three (3) years of forestry experience. ( A master's degree in forestry from a college or university accredited by SAF can be substituted for one (1) year of experience if the certified forester education requirements were previously met at the bachelor's level.)
• Must become a SC Registered Forester within six (6) months of being hired.
• Criminal background check and drug test are required.

• Familiarity with global positioning systems and Geographic Information systems is preferred.

• Position has the option of working out of Florence office or Camden office.
• Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm. Occasional overnight travel required.
• Considerable knowledge of SC Forestry Commission regulations, policies, and procedures. Considerable knowledge of forest management and silvicultural practices in South Carolina.
• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally. Ability to establish working relationships with employees, other agency representatives, and the general public. Must be highly motivated team player.
• Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb and carry objects up to 25 lbs. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions and navigating difficult terrain.
• Position is designated as safety sensitive. Position requires the employee to be subject to pre-employment, random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug and Alcohol Testing.