Watershed & Conservation Staff Forester

The Watershed & Conservation Staff Forester at the United States Forest Service in North Carolina focuses on outreach, training, and technical assistance related to forestry best management practices to protect water quality. Responsibilities include delivering BMP education, supporting special projects, and participating in emergency response efforts. A Bachelor's degree in forestry and three years of experience are required. Telework options are available.
About the position

The Watershed & Conservation Staff Forester position at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services involves providing outreach, training, and technical assistance related to forestry best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality. The role supports various educational programs and projects, collaborates with agency personnel and forest operators, and participates in emergency response efforts. This position is integral to the North Carolina Forest Service's mission of resource management and environmental education across the state.

Responsibilities
• Provide BMP/nonpoint source/water quality outreach, training, and education events.
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• Deliver BMP technical assistance to agency and partner field personnel, forest operators, and forestland owners.
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• Support BMP case study projects that demonstrate or examine BMP effectiveness.
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• Assist in reviews, comments, and interpretations of new Federal and State rules/regulations pertaining to forestry operations.
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• Support special projects related to agency operations and water quality protection.
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• Conduct BMP implementation survey field work, analyses, and outreach.
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• Participate in water-related committees advancing the agency's mission.
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• Support all-risk incident/emergency response.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in forestry from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited institution and three years of related professional forestry experience.
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• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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• Knowledge of forestry Best Management Practices.
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• Ability to meet deadlines and effectively manage projects.
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• Ability to work collaboratively and provide quality customer service.

Nice-to-haves
• N.C. Forest Service experience.
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• Knowledge of North Carolina's Forest Practices Guidelines Related to Water Quality (FPGs).
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• Knowledge of forestry Best Management Practice (BMP) surveys and/or effectiveness monitoring.

Benefits
• Telework options available (subject to change).
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• Potential for salary adjustments based on experience and education.