Nature & Purpose of the Position

The position serves as one of three designated Stewardship and Technical Assistance Foresters in Southwest Washington, primarily in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties. In this capacity, the position independently consults and provides professional judgment to help non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners understand how to develop individual forest stewardship management plans. This position also may provide technical review and approval of forest stewardship plans prepared by others, and responds to forest landowner information and assistance requests for on-site professional forest management advice to support individual landowner objectives, including recommendations regarding forest health problems, and fire risk assessments.

The position collaborates with Washington State University Forestry Extension, USDA NRCS, and WDFW to develop and deliver educational programs and materials for non-industrial forest owners and other natural resource professionals. The work includes program monitoring, evaluation, reporting function, and cooperation with other agencies and entities. The position is located in Battleground, WA.

The Stewardship Forester works under the guidance of the Clark Conservation District and reports to the Clark Conservation District Manager. This is a self-directed professional position responsible for assessing and responding to client and cooperator needs and requests. Work is assigned both in writing and verbally depending on the assignment. On a regular basis, it is expected that this position will coordinate with the two other district foresters in SW WA to identify workload issues and provide backup.

This position serves as the Stewardship and Technical Assistance Forester, and is independently responsible for program implementation in a large geographic area, but does not directly supervise others.

About the Clark Conservation District

Established in 1942, the Clark Conservation District (CCD) is a legal sub-division of state government enabled under statute is RCW Chapter 89.08 et seq. CCD is a non-regulatory agency bridging the gap between local landowners and government (at the local, state, and federal levels). Landowners engage with the CCD on a voluntary basis. CCD seeks to conserve and enhance natural resources by assisting land managers with their conservation choices. With our high rainfall, their biggest challenge is to manage their lands to prevent pollution of surface and groundwater often carried in runoff. CCD work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens.

Primary Job Responsibilities

This position is responsible for managing and implementing the Clark Conservation District’s new Forest Stewardship Program. The CCD Forest Stewardship Program is a voluntary, free, no obligation program offered to Non-Industrial Private Forest Landowners (NIPF) of any acreage primarily in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. This program consists of three main components 1) on-site forestry technical assistance 2) development of Forest Management/ Stewardship Plans and 3) significant landowner outreach including organization of local forestry educational events, networking, and tabling at events. This position also works closely with our federal partner the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program including development of Forest Management Plans (CAP106) and associated NRCS documentation for implementation of Farm Bill programs. Additional work may include post-practice specification check-out. This position collaborates and works closely with other natural resource agencies and schools within the area including the DNR Small Forest Landowner Office, WSU Extension, neighboring Conservation Districts, local governments, and school districts.

Major duties include the following:

  • Collaboratively develop comprehensive Forest Management/Stewardship Plans that meet requirements set forth by:
    • Washington State Integrated Forest Management Plan Guidelines & Template
    • NRCS CAP106
    • NRCS National Forestry Manual Part 536 Subpart B
  • Provide on-site forestry and wildlife habitat technical assistance.
  • Work collaboratively with agencies and landowners to achieve conservation goals.
  • Provide information on and assistance with available cost-sharing programs.
  • Outreach extensively for this new program and provide and participate in opportunities for forestry educational events.
  • Supervise forestry projects, management planning services and participation in Task Orders/Grants to ensure deliverables are met.
  • Attend monthly conservation district board meetings and/or provide boards of supervisors written monthly updates on activities and tasks.
  • Track, evaluate, and report activities to demonstrate impact, reporting numbers and types of conservation practices implemented.
  • Operate standard office equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned by the District Manager or Board of Supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree with academic training and/or experience in forestry or other natural resource related field. A minimum of four years of job experience related to the duties of Stewardship Forester may be considered in lieu of a degree on a case-by-case basis.
  • At least three years of operational field experience directly related to the duties and qualifications of the position.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance at time of hire and throughout employment.
  • Pass a job-related driving record check and criminal background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated successful professional experience in general forest management activities such as forest road design and construction, timber management planning, silvicultural techniques, reforestation methods, and timber harvest boundaries.
  • Current knowledge of Forest Practices rules, Forest Practices Board Manual guidance, and DNR forest practices policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including teaching or public presentation experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other agencies and organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to use basic forestry tools (measuring tools and hand tools).
  • Works well independently and effectively manages multiple tasks.
  • Experience in Forest Stewardship Plan development.
  • Demonstrated successful experience in program outreach and promotion.
  • Working knowledge of Small Forest Landowner Office Capital programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate individuals to adopt and implement resource management practices.
  • Proficiency in written and oral communication skill to address groups, to prepare and explain forestry plans, to prepare informational articles, and to prepare summary work reports.
  • Experience working closely and collaboratively with others in a public office environment.
  • Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Typical uses include writing reports, tracking work progress, preparing educational and informational materials, and recording field data.
  • Basic skill in using ArcGIS mapping software.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The District is a smoke-free and drug-free environment. This position involves both field and office work. You must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle to visit landowner facilities. These activities will occur outside in inclement weather conditions and require you to traverse difficult terrain, structures, fences, etc. You may occasionally lift and carry tools and other materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Position will require occasional work on weekends or after regularly scheduled work hours.

The Stewardship Forester will have an assigned desk, telephone, and computer at the CCD office. The position involves computer work that may include long periods sitting, typing, and reading from a computer screen. It is necessary to have adequate vision and motor skills to perform the duties of the position including hearing voice conversation and the manual dexterity to operate a computer. Frequent travel over a multi-county area is required, including occasional overnight travel. The ability to drive significant distances in a variety of weather conditions, year-round, is required. Nighttime travel is required. This position is funded with a 3 year grant; continuation is dependent on grant funding.

Compensation & Benefits

The base starting salary is $24.04 per hour which may be adjusted upward depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision for the employee, as well as accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, and eleven paid holidays per year. This is a full-time position consisting of 40 hours/week. CCD pays into a SIMPLE IRA retirement after 6 months of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The CCD is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, gender orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable state, federal, or local laws. This policy covers all programs, services and procedures of the CCD.

To Apply

Screening of applications for this position begins March 14th; the position is open until filled. Applicants must submit the following: 1) an application letter that specifically demonstrates how the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position, 2) a detailed resume or CV that shows all work/volunteer experience in enough detail to demonstrate how the applicant meets qualifications (also please let us know where you saw the job posting), and 3) the names and phone numbers of three professional references. All applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format to zoppenheimer@clarkcd.org. Failure to submit all required materials will remove an applicant from consideration.

The projected start date for the position is in April, subject to negotiation.

For further information, visit www.clarkcd.org/employment, or contact Zorah Oppenheimer, Interim District Manager at 360-859-4784 orzoppenheimer@clarkcd.org.