Conservation Specialist/Forester

Capstone Properties Ltd. is seeking a full-time Conservation Specialist/Forester in Athens, OH, to lead forestry management and develop a forest products business. Responsibilities include tree planting, site preparation, tree care monitoring, and managing recreational land activities. Candidates should have a degree in Forestry or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of GIS. The role offers a competitive salary and the chance to create an innovative forestry enterprise.
Job Summary

Position Overview
Capstone Forestry (www.capstonecompany.com), a real estate and property management company with a small timberland portfolio (3,500 acres), seeks a full-time forester to substantially grow its recreational and woodland preservation portfolio and develop a forest products and services business. The position plays a leadership role in the company, and would be responsible for all Capstone’s forestry management, acquisition, and recreational land activities, as well as take the lead in forming a broad-based forestry services company. Candidate must have an environmental stewardship ethic commitment to sustainable practices that promote woodland preservation.

Job functions will include the following:

· Responsibility for tree planting from inception to free-to-grow status.

· Site preparation for planting, including broadcast or prescribed burning, brush piling, soil ripping and herbicide applications. Develop and implement prescriptions to control unwanted competing vegetation.

· Monitor tree care practices, including pruning, planting, pest management, invasive species and disease control to promote healthy growth.

· Management plan formulation and writing.

· Investment and financial analysis of potential acquisitions and an understanding of anticipated rate of return from comprehensive forest products.

· Advance Capstone’s recreational land activities, including the conceptualization, development, and marketing of existing and new recreational assets.

· Hunting administration - respond to hunting lease customers inquiries, concerns or complaints, assure adequate communication of silviculture activities with hunting lease customers.

Required qualifications:

Associates or Bachelors degree in Forestry or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Strong communication and negotiating skills

Ability to estimate and evaluate timber, logging productivity, and effective timber management practices

Competent in technical forestry skills

Proficient skills and knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, spreadsheets, and database software, and specifically ArcGIS for mapping and spatial analysis of conservation sites.

Planting, herbicide and pesticide use, and pre-commercial thinning and tree improvement technology.

Leadership and management abilities to build and lead a broad-based forestry services company.

Desired qualifications:

Experience in a broad range of forest operations

Experience in developing woodland management plans

Drive to create a leading forestry services company

Capstone Properties is located in Athens, Ohio, home to Ohio University and in the heart of the Appalachian foothills. The successful candidate will bring leadership and have the rare opportunity to create and develop an innovative forestry enterprise within a company deeply committed to woodland stewardship and long-term conservation principles. You will join a dynamic and progressive work environment and contribute in areas beyond forestry. A competitive compensation package including housing if desired, including home purchase program. Pay is $55,000 to $98,000 based on qualifications & experience.

Interested candidates include a cover letter with resume. Cover letter is required for consideration.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance programProfessional development assistanceRetirement planApplication Question(s):

Did you submit your cover letter?Work Location: In person