Forest Stewardship Specialist

Position Information

Position Description & Details: The Forest Stewardship Specialist works within the program goals and objectives set forth by the state Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) and the FSP Manager. The Forest Stewardship Specialist provides field services and support statewide to private forest landowners and partner agency staff to ensure that our planted and native forests will be healthier, more diverse, and more valuable places for future North Dakotans than they are today. Duties include both office and field responsibilities and will require coordination, policy interpretation and individual initiative to resolve issues as they arise. Specific areas of technical assistance will include the sustainable management of windbreaks and other conservation tree plantings as well as native upland and riparian forests.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance to North Dakota landowners and partner agencies statewide and coordinate on-the-ground program implementation.
• Assist the Forest Stewardship Manager in establishing goals and objectives for the Forest Stewardship Program.
• Maintain the Lisbon Field Office and Shop Complex.
• Focus on providing exceptional service to internal and external customers through a professional and team oriented environment.
• Work safely.

Work Schedule: 8-5 M-F

Advertised Salary: $45,827 + DOE

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or of Arts in Forestry or a related field.
• Valid Driver's license.
• One year of directly-related forest or natural resource managment experience. Experience in effectively coordinating with landowners and local, state, or federal institutions on forest or natural resource managment practices.
• Skills that demonstrate knowledge, expertise and leadership in forest management, natural resource management, or other related fields.
• Computer skills and ability to use Microsoft Office programs.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through various media.
• Ability to conduct oneself professionally, be self-directed in the work environment and work flexible and extended hours.
• Willingness and ability to travel alone extensively, stay overnight and work in semi-rural areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic skills using forestry tools including GIS software.
• Experience providing direct technical assistance to landowners.

Applicant Materials Required: Please attach a resume to your application and a cover letter specifically addressing how you meet the qualifications.

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

About Us

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures.

NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Employees often attend on-campus cultural events, lectures, athletic events and enjoy walks through our beautiful campus.

NDSU employs over 6000 full-time and part-time employees across the state, making it the second largest employer in the community. NDSU is the best college in ND, according to Money Magazine (September 2018). NDSU was named a 2019 Best Value College by Forbes.

NDSU offers a wide array of professional opportunities including faculty, executive, managerial, professional, technical, paraprofessional, office support, servers and crafts/trades. Like a small city, NDSU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Full time employees are offered a superb benefit package to include 100% company paid health insurance premiums and tuition assistance for employees and immediate family members. All of us at NDSU play an important role in serving our students and public constituencies. We encourage motivated and talented team members that thrive in a higher-ed environment to join our university!

Mission

We provide transformational education, create knowledge through innovative research, and share knowledge through community engagement that meets the needs of North Dakota and the world.

North Dakota Forest Service

The North Dakota Forest Service, a state agency within NDSU, administers cooperative forestry programs statewide. NDFS provides technical assistance relating to the management of private forest lands, state forest lands, urban and community forests, tree planting and wildfire protection. The agency works in cooperation with rural landowners, urban residents, communities, rural fire districts, schools, and other governmental entities to direct and strengthen forestry services. The mission of the North Dakota Forest Service is to care for, protect, and improve forest and natural resources to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Additional Information

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.