Watershed Agricultural Council

WAC Forester

Professional/Learned Exempt Employee

This role ensures the protection and enhancement of water quality and the economic viability of the working forest landscape in the New York City water supply system by overseeing programs that provide technical assistance, financial incentives, and educational support for loggers, landowners and foresters.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum B.S. in forestry, silviculture, ecology or related natural resources field.
• Excellent personal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with forest management practices (specialized watershed forest management skills a plus).
• Preference will be given to candidates with two years of experience in forestry.
• Competent with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office products.
• Proficient with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Must have a valid and current driver’s license.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee Watershed Forestry Program activities established to provide forestry planning services, and technical assistance to landowners, foresters and loggers within the Catskill/Delaware watersheds.
• Work with landowners and watershed qualified foresters to implement forest management plans with a special focus on riparian areas.
• Oversee the application of forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) and evaluate their applicability to watershed pollution control objectives; provide technical assistance to loggers, foresters and landowners in the layout, design and implementation of forest access systems.
• Provide post implementation review of practices funded by the Forestry Program, conduct field inspections and review forest harvest activities to ensure standards are met prior to payment.
• Manage budgets, subcontracts and procurement relating to forestry BMP programs, forest management planning program.
• Implement forestry extension activities. Develop and deliver presentations for logger training and landowner education activities.  Perform site visits to aid foresters, loggers and forest landowners in the stewardship of forestland. Develop content for WAC’s MyWoodlot.com website.
• Work with staff of the Watershed Agricultural Council, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Society of American Foresters, SUNY-College of Environmental Science and Forestry, USDA Forest Service, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and regional not-for-profit agencies to develop workshops, public and group field education programs, and outreach activities.

Reporting Responsibilities:

• Reports to the Forestry Program Manager.