FORESTER

About the role

Combines forestry expertise, natural resources management, property acquisition, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support land management programs, right-of-way acquisition, easement management, and capital improvement projects. Works closely with engineering, environmental, land services, operations, contractors, and property owners to acquire and maintain utility rights-of-way while utilizing GIS technology to support planning, analysis, and asset management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate acquisition of new utility easements and property rights for transmission and distribution projects.
• Meet with landowners to explain projects, negotiate easement agreements, and resolve property concerns.
• Coordinate with surveyors, engineers, appraisers, title companies, and legal counsel during the acquisition process.
• Plan timber harvests to generate revenue, enhance wildlife habitat, maintain forest health, and remove timber for infrastructure expansion.
• Administer contracts for timber harvesting, reforestation, and herbicide applications to ensure forest sustainability and improved productivity.
• Monitor contractor performance for quality, safety, and contract compliance.
• Conduct timber cruises for the acquisition of transmission line easements and parcels for electrical infrastructure.
• Maintain and update GIS databases related to utility rights-of-way, easements, vegetation management, and utility assets.
• Produce maps, exhibits, and reports to support engineering, construction, and operations.
• Perform spatial analysis to identify vegetation risks, property ownership, and maintenance priorities.
• Collect field data using GPS and mobile GIS applications.
• Administer the Wildlife Management Area Agreement with SCDNR to provide multiple resource management on Santee Cooper's lands and public recreational opportunities.
• Administer agricultural leases and hunt leases to generate additional revenues.
• Inspect forested and undeveloped lands for operational planning and to prevent/control trespass and property abuse issues.
• Conduct prescribed burns and control wildfires on Santee Cooper properties.
• Coordinate with South Carolina Forestry Commission and rural fire departments as needed.
• Develop and implement management plans on undeveloped property for the FERC License and other environmental plans.

Requirements

Forester II

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry.
• 3 years of vegetation maintenance experience on electrical rights-of-way.
• Vegetation management experience utilizing herbicides on electrical rights-of-way preferred.
• Must acquire a South Carolina Pesticide Applicators License (Category 5 & 6) within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must be registered with the State Board of Registration for Foresters.

Forester III

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry.
• 5 years of vegetation maintenance experience on electrical rights-of-way.
• Must have vegetation management experience utilizing herbicides on electrical rights-of-way.
• Must have a South Carolina Pesticide Applicators License (Category 5 & 6).
• Must be registered with the State Board of Registration for Foresters.

Pay

Forester II: $60,470 - $75,580 (min. - mid.)

Forester III: $75,500 - $94,350 (min. - mid.)