Forester II (Forester)

Purpose:

The Watershed Forester II will work with landowners, loggers and foresters to implement the various initiatives offered by the WAC Forestry Program in the Catskill/Delaware watersheds. These initiatives include: the Best Management Practices (BMP) Program, Management Assistance Program (MAP), 480a Incentive Program, Trained Logger Certification and MyWoodlot.com     

Duties and Responsibilities: 
   • Provide technical assistance and financial incentives to landowners and foresters to plan and implement the forest stewardship practices associated with WAC’s Management Assistance Program (MAP) in the WOH watershed region; 
   • Provide technical assistance and financial incentives to loggers, landowners and foresters to plan and implement water quality Best Management Practices (BMP) associated with the WAC’s BMP Program in the WOH watershed region; 
   • Conduct field inspections of forest stewardship projects and water quality BMP’s to ensure standards are met prior to payment; 
   • Provide technical assistance and financial incentives to forest landowners to encourage initial and continued enrollment in New York’s forest tax abatement program (480a); 
   • Coordinate the use of WAC’s fleet of portable bridges by loggers and foresters in the WOH watershed region; 
   • Help loggers design stream crossings and obtain stream crossing permits; 
   • Work with loggers, landowners, foresters and WAC’s Easements Program staff to develop and implement forest harvest plans for WAC’s 33,000 acre conservation easement portfolio; 
   • Design and teach logger training workshops like Forest Ecology & Silviculture, Skidder Bridge Building and Stream Crossing; 
   • Create content for MyWoodlot.com that provides forest landowners with the knowledge they need to make positive conservation decisions regarding their forestland in the watershed. 
   • Develop and deliver presentations about forests, water quality and WAC’s programs to stakeholder audiences; 
   • Continuously improve WAC’s programs by participating in periodic evaluations; 
   • Maintain positive and constructive relationships with loggers, landowners and foresters that contribute to the protection of water quality and the promotion of the working forest landscape;     

Reporting Responsibilities: 
   • Reports to the Forestry Program Manager 

Education and Experience Requirements: 
   • Minimum B.S. in forestry, silviculture, ecology or related natural resources field; 
   • Excellent personal, written, and oral communication skills; 
   • The ability to work independently and as part of a team 
   • Knowledge of and experience with forest stewardship practices, Forestry Best Management Practices and New York’s 480a Forest Tax Law; 
   • Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office software, Geographic Information Systems and Geographic Positioning Systems 
   • Must have a valid and current driver's license.