Forester

The State of Delaware is seeking a Service Forester in Dover, DE, responsible for woodland management, wildlife conservation, and watershed management. Key duties include providing consulting services, conducting forest inventories, assisting with timber sales, diagnosing tree issues, engaging in public outreach, and participating in fire management. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field and relevant experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered.
About the position

The Service Forester plays a crucial role in providing expert advice on woodland management, wildlife conservation, tree planting, and watershed management. This position is responsible for developing comprehensive plans for privately owned forests and managing watershed resources on a countywide and statewide basis. The Forester will also offer specialized consulting services that focus on the design and implementation of urban tree programs, wildlife management strategies, and the economic aspects of woodland ownership. Additionally, the Forester will assist in state forest management efforts throughout Delaware, ensuring sustainable practices are upheld in forest resources management. In this role, the Forester will engage in various essential functions that include providing expert consulting services on wildlife management, urban tree programs, and watershed management. The Forester will conduct inventories of forest resources, identify tree species, predict growth patterns, and mark trees designated for cutting. They will also assist landowners in the sale of timber by providing contractor bid lists, drafting proposed contracts, and overseeing the work of selected contractors. Furthermore, the Forester will be responsible for identifying insect infestations and tree diseases, recommending appropriate treatments, and diagnosing issues related to soil quality and tree nutrition. The position also involves public engagement through lectures, workshops, and presentations to schools and civic organizations. The Forester will play a vital role in fire management by assisting in firefighting efforts and operating specialized firefighting equipment. Additionally, the Forester will be tasked with writing technical reports and articles to document findings and share knowledge with the community.

Responsibilities
• Provides expert consulting services on wildlife management, urban tree programs, economic aspects of woodland ownership and watershed management.
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• Inventories forest resources, identifies trees, predicts growth and marks trees for cutting.
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• Assists in the sale of timber, provides landowners with contractor bid lists, writes proposed contracts and oversees the work of successful contractors.
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• Identifies types of insect infestations, tree diseases and recommends treatments.
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• Identifies causes of poor soil, tree malnutrition and recommends treatments.
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• Presents lectures, workshops, exhibits and slide shows to schools, civic and other organizations.
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• Assists in fighting forest fires and operates specialty fire fighting equipment.
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• Writes technical reports and articles.

Requirements
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Forestry, Natural Resources or related field.
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• Six months experience in forest management including dendrology, forest fire behavior and control, forest mensuration, timber harvesting, forest management plans, and using tools and equipment such as prisms, clinometers and increment borers.
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• Six months experience in narrative report writing.
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• Knowledge of preventing, controlling and diagnosing tree insects and diseases.
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• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Nice-to-haves

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefit package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.