Stewardship Forester

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

State of South Carolina is seeking a Stewardship Forester to coordinate and implement the Stewardship Forester Program at the regional level. The role supports forest management with regional staff and assists with fire activities.

The position will develop and implement stewardship plans for private lands, monitor progress, and provide technical assistance. Travel and field work are required, with an expectation to engage with landowner groups and agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate in forestry or related field with SAF accreditation; 3 years forestry experience.
• Master's in forestry can substitute for 1 year of experience if SAF requirements were met at bachelor's level.
• Must become SC Registered Forester within 6 months; background check and drug test required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and completes Stewardship Management Plans for private non-industrial landowners; coordinates plan development with private consultants and agency staff.
• Coordinates implementation of Stewardship Plans; monitors landowner progress and provides technical assistance to move toward Forest Steward status.
• Coordinates Stewardship educational program; presents to landowner groups and develops publications and displays for the program.

Skills

GPS

GIS

Communication

Team player

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Forestry or related natural resources

SAF-accredited forestry program

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The Responsibilities of the Stewardship Forester:

• 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.
  

Job Responsibilities

The 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.
  

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• 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.
  

Preferred Qualifications

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

Additional Comments

• 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.