Forester

The State of Delaware is hiring a Forester in Georgetown, DE, responsible for woodland management, wildlife conservation, and watershed management. Key duties include consulting on urban tree programs, conducting forest inventories, assisting in timber sales, diagnosing tree diseases, and engaging the community through educational presentations. The role also involves firefighting support and writing technical reports. A Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field and relevant experience are required.
About the position

The Service Forester plays a crucial role in providing expert advice on woodland management, wildlife conservation, tree planting, and watershed management. This position is responsible for developing comprehensive plans for privately owned forests and managing watershed resources on a countywide and statewide basis. The Forester will also offer specialized consulting services that focus on the design and implementation of urban tree programs, wildlife management strategies, and the economic aspects of woodland ownership. Additionally, the Forester will assist in the management of state forests across Delaware, ensuring sustainable practices are followed and resources are utilized effectively. In this role, the Forester will conduct thorough inventories of forest resources, identify various tree species, predict growth patterns, and mark trees designated for cutting. The position also involves assisting landowners in the sale of timber by providing contractor bid lists, drafting proposed contracts, and overseeing the work of selected contractors. The Forester will be tasked with identifying and diagnosing insect infestations and tree diseases, recommending appropriate treatments to mitigate these issues. Furthermore, the Forester will assess soil conditions and tree health, providing guidance on necessary interventions to improve forest vitality. The Forester will engage with the community by presenting lectures, workshops, and exhibits to schools, civic organizations, and other groups, promoting awareness and education about forestry and environmental stewardship. In emergency situations, the Forester will assist in combating forest fires and will be trained to operate specialized firefighting equipment. The role also requires the writing of technical reports and articles to document findings and share knowledge with stakeholders.

Responsibilities
• Provides expert consulting services on wildlife management, urban tree programs, economic aspects of woodland ownership and watershed management.
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• Inventories forest resources, identifies trees, predicts growth and marks trees for cutting.
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• Assists in the sale of timber, provides landowners with contractor bid lists, writes proposed contracts and oversees the work of successful contractors.
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• Identifies types of insect infestations, tree diseases and recommends treatments.
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• Identifies causes of poor soil, tree malnutrition and recommends treatments.
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• Presents lectures, workshops, exhibits and slide shows to schools, civic and other organizations.
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• Assists in fighting forest fires and operates specialty fire fighting equipment.
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• Writes technical reports and articles.

Requirements
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Forestry, Natural Resources or related field.
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• Six months experience in forest management including dendrology, forest fire behavior and control, forest mensuration, timber harvesting, forest management plans, and using tools and equipment such as prisms, clinometers and increment borers.
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• Six months experience in narrative report writing.
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• Knowledge of preventing, controlling and diagnosing tree insects and diseases.
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• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Nice-to-haves

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefit package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.