Forester

Job Description:

Forester

Description

This position performs forest management and is responsible for overseeing conservation practices, maintaining the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems, coordinating responsible timber harvests, and securing grant funding for forest-related projects. The County Forester will work closely with local, state, and federal agencies, private landowners, industry stakeholders, and the public to promote sustainable forest management practices.
THIS POSITION IS EXPECTED TO WORK APPROXIMATELY 20 HOURS PER WEEK.

1.Assess forest resources, including timber volume, species composition, and overall health of forest land.
2.Conducts on-site forest viewing/inspections to assess for forest health and protect from disease, insects, wildfires, signs of unsustainable use, etc.
3.Research, plan and implement forestry projects, conservation initiatives and reforestation efforts.
4.Investigates complaints and documents violations of County Forest land. Develops written notice of violations and orders for compliance.
5.Reviews and issues timber cutting permits or notifies applicant when additional information is needed. Provides denial notifications as needed.
6.Serves as a resource and educator on the health and sustainability of forest land management.
7.Provides necessary documentation and testimony to Corporation Counsel for litigation required for enforcement of County forest land use ordinances.
8.Apply for and secure grant funding for related projects.
9.Educates customers and all stake holders of code and ordinance requirements.
10.Reviews application requests, compiles facts of the ordinance and develops recommendations to the Board or Committee.
11.Participates in public hearings relating as requested.
12.Complete inventory timber stands, estimate timber volume, and appraise timber value.
13.Enter and track pertinent information and data for annual audit completion.
14.Draft amendments to the Forest Land Use Ordinance as directed.
15.Work cooperatively with the local DNR Forester and other DRN Personnel.
16.Effective data entry into the WISFIRS program.
17.Record and maintain timber sale documents and pass required DNR reviews of timber sales.
18.Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree Forestry, Forest Management, natural resources management, land use planning, geography or closely related field with at least 3 years of experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Prior experience with forest land use management and timber appraisal

• Knowledge of forest and land use best practices.
• Knowledge of legal land descriptions.
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures regarding Forest Management.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate detailed effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of open records laws.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

May become eligible for participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System and life insurance.

Closing Date/Time: 9/9/2025 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$28.47 - $31.43 Hourly