Arenac Conservation District Forestry Assistance Program Position Description

Date: June, 23,2026

Title: FAP Forester

Location: Arenac Conservation District, 4490 W. M-61, Standish, MI. 48658.

Coverage area: Arenac, Alcona and Iosco counties.

Start Date: immediately

Compensation: This position is funded by a year-to-year State of Michigan grant.  The starting wage will be commensurate with candidate’s experience and education.

Closing Date: July 30, 2026, or until the position is filled

Qualifications:

The Arenac Conservation District (CD) is seeking a Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) Forester.  Position requires a minimum of a B.S. in Forestry from an SAF-accredited college.  If not already an SAF-Certified Forester (CF) or SAF-Candidate Certified Forester (CCF), the new hire shall initiate efforts toward full CF certification.

The Forestry Assistance Program provides private landowners and local units of government, technical information and guidance on the use and management of their forestry, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource concerns.  The FAP Forester position is primarily a field position. 

The Arenac Conservation District will be the employer of record for this position and will handle payroll and accompanying paperwork.  Day to day administrative supervision will be provided by the Arenac Conservation District Manager.  The forester’s time is allocated between the Arenac, Alcona and Iosco Conservation Districts with the primary field office location being 4490 W. M-61, Standish, MI. 48658.

Upon acceptance of the job offer, the successful candidate must sign a work agreement which defines the conditions of employment including salary and benefits. A performance evaluation will be conducted annually. Continuing education needs and opportunities will be considered at that time and as applicable. 

Additional requirements for this position are:

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in computer use for correspondence, documentation, data management, and research
• Demonstrated ability to accurately read and interpret aerial imagery, topographic maps, soil surveys, and plat maps
• Competency in the use of GPS units, compasses, and related field navigation tools
• Ability to collaborate effectively with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community partners to advance mission driven short and long term objectives
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision

Basic Duties:

• Serve as initial point of contact for non-industrial private forest landowners, local governments, and other private property owners for forest management, wildlife habitat, and soil & water conservation concerns
• Fulfill grant agreement requirements which include meeting and setting goals (deliverables)
• Provide on-site land inspection and resource evaluation
• Provide options to clients regarding sustainable forest management, wildlife habitat management, and invasive species identification and control
• As needed, prepare written summary of findings, a management plan, or referral to an appropriate agency after an on-site inspection or other communication with clients
• Provide advice on tree planting/reforestation for timber production, windbreaks, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration
• Provide diagnosis and advice on the control of insects and diseases affecting individual trees or private forests
• Maintain a good working relationship with agency and other forestry assistance providers, both public and private
• Provide technical input regarding species selection for the Conservation District's annual tree, shrub, plant sales (primarily native species that are useful for reforestation, wildlife habitat, soil erosion control, etc.)
• Provide advice on the control of erosion, sedimentation, soil compaction and other environmental impacts resulting from forest management activities
• Conduct educational demonstrations and workshops
• Independently prepare correspondence, reports, news articles and social media posts
• Assist with preparation of the FAP documentation e.g. annual grant application and Natural Resource Plan of Work
• Submit monthly accomplishment reports to the CD Boards (more frequently if needed)
• Other duties as assigned