We’re Hiring – Managing Forester Position
October 22, 2018
Downeast Lakes Land Trust
Position Opening
Managing Forester
Profile:
The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Grand Lake Stream, with a mission to contribute to the long-term economic and environmental well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and exemplary management of its forests and waters. DLLT sustainably manages the 55,678-acre Downeast Lakes Community Forest for wildlife habitat, forest products, and public recreation.
The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) Managing Forester, working with DLLT’s President and the Forest Resources Committee of the Board of Directors, manages the DLLT community forests for conservation, economic, and recreational purposes. The Managing Forester provides experience, highly developed professional skills, dedication to sustainable forestry, and communications capability to an organization that has become a model for operation of a true community forest; providing local residents and visitors with the benefits of the traditional activities in and on Maine woods and waters, while supporting a local and growing economy based on those resources.
Committee Support: The Managing Forester works with an engaged volunteer committee structure to develop projects that further DLLT’s mission. The Managing Forester prepares committee agendas and reports, and participates in Forest Resources and Wildlife Habitat Committee meetings and other meetings as needed.
Staff and Volunteer Support: This position is under the direct supervision of the President and collaborates with a small, dedicated full-time staff as well as seasonal positions. The Managing Forester provides support for interns, contractors, technicians, and volunteers working in the Forester’s areas of responsibility.
Location: The position is based in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. This is a small, rural community (winter pop. 100) with a traditional natural resource-based economy focused on outdoor recreational tourism and the timber products industry. Amenities are available in nearby towns including Calais (30 miles), Machias (70 miles), and Bangor (100 miles).
Duties:
- Developing and monitoring compliance with long term and short term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources, including harvest plans with emphasis on wildlife habitat management and restoration.
- Planning and supervising timber harvests of varying volumes, both for forest products and for wildlife habitat management, including water and soil quality protection and improvement.
- Planning specific projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.
- Planning and directing forest surveys including estimates of standing timber and growth; preparing maps and related reports utilizing geospatial technologies, including ArcGIS.
- Assisting with the negotiation of the terms and conditions of contracts for timber harvests and land management projects. Marketing timber based on sound, current knowledge of relevant markets and forest product economics including marketing and negotiation of service contracts.
- Supervising maintenance and improvement of forest roads, stream crossings; preparation of bid packages and contracting for necessary services and materials relative to such maintenance.
- Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to DLLT forest resource operations including conservation easements, Federal contracts, carbon credit obligations, and maintenance of FSC certification.
- Planning and installation of recreational sites such as trails and primitive campsites.
- Conducting public outreach to diverse audiences related to DLLT’s forestry program including tours, presentations, and written reports.
- Representing DLLT in professional settings including working groups, meetings, and conferences.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of DLLT’s carbon credit program.
Desired Qualifications
- Maine Forestry License or the ability to obtain a Maine Forestry license within one year of employment.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Forest Management, Natural Resources Management, or equivalent.
- Minimum of two years of experience managing all aspects of commercial timber harvests in accordance with Best Management Practices and/or sustainable timber management certification requirements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Service Provider certification, or the ability to obtain such certification within one year of employment.
- Considerable knowledge of principles of conservation and management of wildlife and natural communities
- Experience planning and maintaining forest roads to conserve soil and water resources
- Experience with compliance obligations related to forest carbon offset projects
- Training and experience with Stream Smart ecological road crossings for fish passage
- Experience supervising seasonal employees or technicians
- Substantial proficiency in analysis and interpretation of remote sensing data including GPS, GIS, LiDAR, and aerial imagery.
- Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for conservation of working forests, water resources, fish, wildlife, and rare ecosystems.
Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications.
Contact:
Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references in a single document by email to dmontague@downeastlakes.org, ATTN: Managing Forester Position. For more information on the Downeast Lakes Land Trust, see www.downeastlakes.org. DLLT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications must be received by Sunday, November 25th.
