Silviculture Scientist (Silviculture & Reforestation)

Full Time

  Weyerhaeuser

  Madison, Georgia, United States

As a Silviculture Scientist, you will be a member of the Southern Timberlands Technology (STT) Team that develops and implements new technology for growing Southern pine plantations. The STT Team is responsible for research planning, coordination of activities with area foresters, managing plot installation and measurement, data handling and analysis and developing operating guidelines for the business.
In this role you will:

  • Design, lead, and implement research projects to improve plantation performance in a cost-effective way across Southern Timberlands and other timberlands regions.
  • Work with other scientists and project leaders. Strong coordination is required with the entire Strategy and Technology Team to ensure proper scientific rigor, experimental design, hypothesis testing, data analysis and documentation of all research projects.
  • Utilize different sources of information (internal and external) to understand and solve complex challenges in plantation management using ecophysiological principles, and be able to understand and manipulate variables that impact forest productivity across the different landscapes.
  • Communicate and seek input from operations to align research to business and operational needs.
  • Have the capacity to work in collaboration with external scientists from universities and government agencies while protecting Weyerhaeuser’s intellectual property.
  • Transfer technological information in a practical manner to managers, early- and mid-rotation foresters, harvesting foresters, planners, and other relevant parties. This transfer of information may be in the form of group presentations, field tours, and written reports.
  • Assist in all aspects of the Production Forestry Field Research Program as well as other related areas of research (Environmental and Tree Improvement) as needed.
  • In addition to formal research activities, stay abreast of current science to understand operational practices, and recognize research needs and challenges as they arise.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in forest management, silviculture, or a closely related field; PhD in forest management, silviculture, or closely related field is desired
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of ecophysiological principles in pine plantation
  • Strong math, analytical and financial analysis skills including but not limited to interpreting research data, generating discounted cash flows to compare alternative regimes, understanding forest inventory data and interpreting growth and yield model outputs
  • Basic understanding of a broad range of core competencies including: plantation nutrition, tree physiology, tree genetics, soils, growth and yield, vegetation management, and silvicultural systems
  • Field forestry experience
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
  • Excellent working knowledge of MS Office applications
  • Excellent computer and GIS skills
  • Knowledge of statistical software: SAS and R
  • Excellent knowledge of experimental design and the importance of data quality
  • Excellent team working and communication skills
  • The ability to work alone safely, often in remote areas and during periods of change, prepared to do field-intensive work.
  • Proactive problem solving skills
  • Ability to travel up to 40% of the time, sometimes 1-2 weeks at a time, often requiring irregular work hours


Desired Attributes

  • Familiarity with spatial and tabular data in GIS and databases
  • Familiarity with remotely sensed data and how it correlates with stand conditions
  • Herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer application management
  • Demonstrated ability to work safely in forestry or related operations


About Timberlands
We believe trees are a remarkable resource that can and should be managed responsibly to make a range of products that meet human needs, while also providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and other important ecosystem benefits.

For more than a century, we've been taking care of forests to make life better.
About Weyerhaeuser
We sustainably manage forests and manufacture products that make the world a better place. We’re serious about safety, driven to achieve excellence, and proud of what we do. With multiple business lines in locations across North America, we offer a range of exciting career opportunities for smart, talented people who are passionate about making a difference.

We know you have a choice in your career. We want you to choose us.
Weyerhaeuser is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment women, minorities, qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.