Inventory Forester/GIS Specialist

Douglas County Forestry Department, a recognized leader in forest management information system technologies, is currently seeking a full-time Inventory Forester/GIS Specialist to help manage the largest County Forest land base in the State of Wisconsin.  The primary purpose of this position is to provide expertise and leadership in all matters of forest inventory.  Responsibilities include annual inventory plan development, inventory design and analysis, field data collection and compilation, updating inventory records, maintaining spatial tabular databases, and hiring and supervising seasonal forest inventory staff.  Other duties include leading the development, maintenance, use, and integration of GIS, GPS, data recorder, and related technologies to support forest management program needs and providing training and technical assistance to staff and field personnel in the application of forestry information systems.  This is a diverse position, with opportunities for growth in many areas related to forest management, forest inventory and analysis, and forestry information system technologies.

2022 Wages: Hourly: $26.20 - $29.94; Annually: $54,496 - $62,275
+ Plus an excellent comprehensive benefits package.

1. Lead and manage the forest inventory program; including annual inventory plan development, designing data collection policies and procedures, field data collection, data analysis, and database integration.
2. Recruit, hire, and supervise seasonal forest inventory staff; provide training, direction, assign work, and review performance.
3. Conduct regular forest compartment and stand level inventory updates utilizing the Wisconsin Forest Inventory and Reporting System (WisFIRS).
4. Monitor, track, and report on staff assigned annual inventory program goals and accomplishments; assign and coordinate inventory program work with partnering agencies and monitor progress.   Evaluate results and program accomplishments and make recommendations for program improvements.
5. Develop, maintain, and integrate timber resource growth and yield models, standard planned treatment assignments, and assist with determination of annual harvest levels and track timber sale accomplishments.
6. Interface with field foresters on inventory program needs and analysis, and provide technical assistance for timber sale cruising and land ownership boundary determination.
7. Serve as a technical resource on forest health monitoring, suppression, and prevention activities.  Assist with planning, scheduling, and directing forest insect and disease detection, evaluation, suppression, and prevention activities.
8. Lead the development, maintenance, use, and integration of the information technology program (GIS, GPS, data recorders, and related technologies) to support program needs.
9. Develop, maintain, and expand GIS spatial data including, data standardization, data quality control, data updating, storage and archiving, and end user support.
10. Produce maps and other mapping products to internal and external customers.
11. Analyze new or emerging technologies and provide guidance for integration into existing systems and assist with technology program annual budget planning and development.
12. Serve as a technical resource and provide support to other team members on information system technologies.
13. Assist with SFI and FSC forest certification program compliance and participate in program audits.
14. Assist other team members with timber sale establishment, including sale layout, cruise design, and timber marking; assist in forest recreation and wildlife habitat planning and development projects.
15. Enforce County ordinances, policies, and regulations.  Make reports to the Forest, Parks, and Recreation Committee.
16. Provide customer service to the public regarding Department programs and functions, forest management activities, land-use policies, and recreational offerings.
17. Prepare materials and present at conferences, meetings, school/local functions.  Partner and coordinate with State, Federal, and other agencies to achieve maximum program objectives.
18. Assist in the standard maintenance of Department facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
19. Assist with wildfire suppression and prescribe burning programs.
20. Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field from an accredited University or College.  Two years of related work experience and/or training in forestry, forest inventory and analysis, and/or GIS/GPS applications preferred but not required.  Or any equivalent combination of education and work experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

Environmental working conditions:
Approximately 70% of this position is performed within an office setting with the remaining 30% being performed in a field-base environment.  The typical field-based setting requires exposure to extreme and inclement weather conditions and often uneven, difficult terrain.  Seasonal winter conditions often include ice, snow, and extreme cold.  Seasonal summer conditions often include extreme heat, humidity, and exposure to biting and disease carrying insects.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time using office equipment and computers.  This sedentary work includes spending long hours working with data and other information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.  At times, field work will include performing physical exertion for extended periods walking through natural terrain, including but not limited to, walking, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, sitting, standing; and reaching, grasping, talking, hearing, and seeing.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds and apply up to 500 pounds of force to push, pull or otherwise move objects.  The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions.  The employee must also have the physical ability, in all types of weather conditions, to operate four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles.
 
TESTING REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a valid driver’s license.  Structured interview and background investigation required.  Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.