Lead Forester

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Lead Forester is responsible for planning and implementing forest management activities on the 14,742-acre Tribal Forest. The position may be hybrid (Oregon residents within Coos, Douglas, and Lane counties), or based at the Tribal Government Offices in Coos Bay with field work taking place at remote locations near Triangle Lake, Reedsport, and Camas Valley, Oregon.

Note: This position includes a vehicle stipend as outlined in the Forestry Program Vehicle Policy.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, implements, and administers the Forest Management Plan and Operations Plans, including the following tasks:
  • Oversees forest inventories and assessments.
  • Performs field assessments to determine management needs.
  • Develops short and long-term management plans, including harvest schedules.
  • Performs field layout of timber sales and other silvicultural projects.
  • Develops and administers contracts relating to log sales (delivered and stumpage), logging, log haul, road work, reforestation, stand improvement, etc.
  • Develops and administers reforestation, vegetation management, road maintenance, and other forestry contracts.
  • Appraises timber sales and markets logs to area sawmills.
  • Assures management activities are consistent with federal and tribal law.
  • Manages fire suppression strategy in cooperation with state and federal partners.
  • Implements invasive species, pest, and disease control strategies.
  • Coordinates with interdisciplinary staff to ensure protection of non-timber resources.
  • Develops site-specific mitigation measures to protect of non-timber resources.
  • Oversee management, maintenance, renovation, and construction of forest roads.
• Performs day-to-day administration and record-keeping related to the Tribes’ O&C Logging Road Rights-of-Way program.
• Administers forestry budgets, monitors expenses, and pursues grant funding opportunities.
• Administers the minor forest products permit program.
• Work with partners (tribal, state, federal, non-profit, private, and industry) to promote the Tribes’ forest management objectives both on and off the Tribal Forest.
• Attends courses, seminars, conferences, lectures, and meetings (state, federal, tribal, etc.).
• Maintains accurate and orderly records and files.
• Oversees various special projects as assigned.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS

• May supervise Forestry Program staff, on-call employees associated with forestry, internships, seasonal staff and other who may be involved with forestry activities. Performs overall work planning, establish work schedules and priorities, and assign and review work.
• Oversees forestry contractors.
• Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Forest Management.

JOB LOCATION
Hybrid position (Oregon residents within Coos, Douglas, and Lane Counties), or based at the Tribal Government offices in Coos Bay.
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 25 years old.
• Bachelor of Science in forestry or closely related discipline.
• 5 years or more experience as a professional forester with oversight of timber sale planning, marketing, and implementation; reforestation; and stand improvement activities.
• Experience planning and implementing cable-logging units.
• Experience with Southwest Oregon silvicultural issues and practices.
• Proficiency in map reading, compass orientation and aerial photo interpretation.
• High computer proficiency (MS office) and basic statistical analysis skills.
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) or higher qualification.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicle (manual and automatic transmission).
• This is a Non-Covered position and is subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal history background check.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies applicable to management of tribal forest lands and natural resources (e.g., NIFRMA, NEPA, ESA, NHPA Section 106, NAGPRA, OFPA, etc.).
• General knowledge of Tribal governments, and the concepts of Tribal sovereignty and federal trust responsibility.
• Proficiency with forest inventory, growth modeling, and GIS software.