Forester

Seven Conservation Districts in Michigan are seeking outreach foresters through the Forestry Assistance Program (FAP). The purpose of the FAP is to provide private landowners with technical assistance regarding forestry, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource concerns so that they are able to make informed decisions and implement sound strategies related to the management of their forestlands. This is a grant-funded position that is anticipated to be renewed annually. The duties of this position are to: •Serve as initial point of contact for non-industrial private forest landowners for forest management, wildlife habitat, other natural resource issues or concerns •Provide on-site land examination and resource evaluation •Provide options regarding forest management that mesh with the landowners’ goals •Provide options regarding wildlife habitat management •Prepare written follow-up that may include appropriate handouts/materials after visiting with landowners on-site •Provide advice and technical support on tree planting/reforestation for timber production, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat •Provide diagnosis and advice on the control of insects, disease, and wildlife pests for individual trees and woodlands •Provide advice on the control of sedimentation resulting from forest management activities •Provide information and make referrals regarding programs, agencies, organizations, and private sector interests that furnish technical and/or financial assistance for natural resource management activities •Conduct forestry-related demonstration and workshops •Prepare news articles •Assist with preparation of the program documentation, including, but not limited to: grant applications, plan of work, monthly and annual reports, etc. •Fulfill grant agreement requirements and deliverables•Maintain a good working relationship with other forestry assistance providers, both public and private •If not already certified, pursue certification with Society of American Foresters (SAF) •Assist Conservation District and USDA-NRCS staff in achieving deliverables as well as short- and long-term goals