The Shawnee RC&D is seeking applicants to fill a term Forestry Technician contract position. As a contract position, the work schedule is flexible. The ideal applicant is self-motivated, capable of working independently, and willing to learn. The focus is to implement Cross Boundary Ecosystem Restoration on forest land in Southern Illinois. This will be accomplished through reviewing, writing and updating forest management plans and implementing practices that restore and regenerate oak forests.
Work will be conducted on private and public land. This is a labor-intensive field position, and the successful applicant should expect to spend approximately 75% of their time working in the field. Typical duties will include contacting and meeting landowners, communicating the need for forest management, designing and conducting forest inventory sample plots, regeneration plot sampling, input of inventory data, and writing forest stewardship plans. Duties will also include updating plans, writing specifications for thinning and invasive control projects, and obtaining bids from contractors for implementation. Additional duties include preparing and implementing prescribed burns, conducting Forest Stand Improvement, invasive species control, and other duties as assigned. This position works under the general direction of the IDNR District Foresters and submits reports to the Shawnee RC&D. Office space is available to the successful applicant at the Lake Murphysboro IDNR office. Remote work is also an option.

PROJECT PARTNERS:

• Shawnee Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc.
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources
• U.S. Forest Service Shawnee National Forest

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry preferred.
• Education and/or experience laying out and conducting forest inventory and regeneration plots.
• Ability to communicate effectively both oral and written.
• Ability to use a prism, Biltmore stick, and clinometer.
• Ability to use ArcGIS to manage data, plan projects, and map property and stand boundaries.
• Be able to identify tree species and invasive plant species common to southern Illinois during the growing anddormant season.
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Applicant must present themselves in a professional business-like manner when interacting with contractors,clients, and the public.
• Working knowledge of forest management, oak ecosystems, and invasive species control.
• The position requires the individual to complete basic wildland firefighter training (S130/S190/I100/L180).
• Able to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• If hired, must provide certificate of general liability insurance with the SRCD listed as an additional insured (wewill work with you on this if there are questions).

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Meet with landowners to discuss management techniques for oak ecosystem restoration and management ontheir land.
• Lay out forest inventory plots and collect data in the field.
• Conduct forest inventory and enter data into the TIGER program.
• Write forest management plans.
• Develop tree planting plans.
• Enter data in ArcGIS and produce maps.
• Assist District Forester with dissemination of information on forest management within priority areas.
• Use pesticides according to the manufacture’s label.
• Effectively represent the Let the Sun Shine In (LSSI) Campaign to the general public, individuals, andorganizations.
• Maintain tools and equipment.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., manual and powered sprayers,chainsaws, Global Positioning Systems, all-terrain vehicles, and 4-wheel drive vehicles).
• Drive personal vehicle as necessary.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions in inclement weather.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule during prescribed fire season (Oct. – Nov. and Feb. – March) including weekends.

Note: Electronic submittals are preferred. Submissions will be collected and considered on a rolling basis.

For questions, contact Ray Bieri at 618-944-1736.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.