Forestry / Wildlife Technician
(Technologists & Technicians)
Contract
Fort Knox, Kentucky, United States
This position will conduct Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) operations to improve foraging and maternity habitat for forest dwelling bats, remove invasive species, and release crop trees to increase regeneration of desirable species. The position requires strong summer and winter tree identification skills, knowledge and experience in TSI operations, and herbicide application. The position requires that the individual be, or become, a state certified pesticide applicator. Treatments will be conducted via chemical and mechanical means.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:
• Work as part of a team conducting TSI in hardwood stands at Fort Knox, KY.
• Apply pesticides by direct injection, basal, and foliar methods.
• Use pesticides according to the manufacture’s label.
• Mechanical methods may include limited chainsaw use for girdling and felling.
• Follow detailed instructions to complete required tasks.
• Maintain tools and equipment.
• May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision.
Other duties may include assisting with fish stocking, timber marking, timber sale layout, the operation of farm tractors with various implements for wildlife habitat improvement projects, and prescribed burning.
Employment Qualifications
Knowledge and experience: Minimum of an associate’s degree in forestry, wildlife management, or related science; experience working with or knowledge of natural systems; knowledge of forest and wildlife management techniques; and the ability to identify trees by species. Experience with prescribed fire or wildland firefighting is recommended, but not required.
Personal characteristics: Ability to follow instructions from colleagues.
Technology and software: Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., manual and powered sprayers, chainsaw, Global Positioning Systems, all-terrain vehicles, and 4-wheel drive vehicles).
Physical: Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must be able to pass a background check to gain access to the installation. Ability to obtain a Kentucky Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License within two weeks of hire. Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
Position will require working in variable weather conditions on rough, rocky, uneven terrain at remote locations under physically demanding circumstances.
Position may also require:
• considerable physical exertion and/or muscle strain including the ability to lift objects up to 40 pounds
• require long hours in isolated settings
• require ability to work varying and flexible work schedules.
Compensation
$14/hr - Funded through June 2018Benefits: Available upon request. Start date is flexible.