Senior Forester

About the role

The Senior Forester supports the Tribe's work to promote forest health and diversity and sustainable harvests from Snoqualmie Tribe forested lands. The Forester assists and is responsible for planning, recommending, and implementing strategies for forest regeneration, growth, and health while balancing environmental, economic, and cultural factors.

Responsibilities

• Assist with forest restoration activities including wildfire fuel reduction, thinning, and replanting.
• Aid in arranging logistics such as road use agreements, gate keys, vehicle equipment checks, and briefings on safety, remote medical emergencies, and radio/GPS communications.
• Establish and maintain a tracking system for forest products harvested by Tribal Members to inform sustainable management to meet Tribal Member needs from the Forest for the long term.
• Develop policies and educate staff and Tribal Members about safety precautions and culturally appropriate forest activities.
• Monitor, identify, and coordinate with external parties for relevant and beneficial training or educational opportunities.
• Collaborate with the TLRE team to strengthen relationships between Tribal Members and the Ancestral Forest, incorporating indigenous knowledge into forest management activities.
• Oversee road maintenance and site disturbance activities in the Forest, ensuring DAHP review and compatibility with other forest uses, and monitor and report Forest road conditions.
• Support development of databases and maps related to the Ancestral Forest, protecting Tribal sensitive information.
• Assist with various Forest work programs including Uplands, Tribal Lands Resource Engagement, Wildland Fire, Restoration, Wildlife, Water Quality, and others as needed.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment inventory in accordance with Tribal policies and procedures.
• Escort contractors on Tribal Lands and across easement roads.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions in stressful, fast-paced situations.
• Knowledge and ability to use computer programs to input inventory data, perform data analysis, and model outcomes including timber growth and yield.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to learning and safeguarding Snoqualmie Tribal cultural and traditional practices, specifically including knowledge of traditional planting and harvesting across the Tribe’s ancestral lands.
• Knowledge of and commitment to learning and safeguarding Snoqualmie Tribal cultural and traditional practices, specifically including knowledge of traditional planting and harvesting across the Tribe’s ancestral lands.
• Knowledge of and commitment to learning and safeguarding Snoqualmie Tribal cultural and traditional practices, specifically including knowledge of traditional planting and harvesting across the Tribe’s ancestral lands.
• Knowledge of and commitment to learning and safeguarding Snoqualmie Tribal cultural and traditional practices, specifically including knowledge of traditional planting and harvesting across the Tribe’s ancestral lands.
• Advanced understanding of silviculture strategies, forest ecology, and sustainable forest management and demonstrate respect for Indigenous Knowledge.
• Knowledge of mensuration, forest biology, ecology, and silviculture.
• Experience preparing, submitting, and managing Forest Practices Applications/Notifications.
• Understanding of forest engineering practices.
• Knowledge and experience with GIS and other mapping platforms.
• Experience preparing maps for permits.
• Knowledge of forest management theory, including timber management planning and silviculture.
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest tree species, markets, and forest economics, plant nutrition, propagation, reforestation, inventory, water quality protection measures, and noxious weed control.
• Knowledge of site productivity and desired stocking levels of forest types on the west slopes of the Cascade Mountains and stand treatments that can be employed to achieve desired stocking levels.
• Knowledge of remote sensing and geoprocessing tools and procedures to design and plan forest management projects.
• Ability to compile and analyze data, prepare maps, graphs, and technical narratives, and write comprehensible technical reports with summaries of evaluations and findings.
• Demonstrated skill in contract preparation, administration, and reporting.
• Knowledge of forest operation methods.
• Knowledge of timber sale administrative procedures to interpret and attain compliance with contract requirements and provisions.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to form and maintain effective working relationships, to be a successful leader, and a contributing team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective community engagement.
• Familiarity with laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Tribe’s management of forest lands including Washington State Forest Practices Act and Timber, Fish & Wildlife regulations, Bureau of Indian Affairs regulations, and the Tribal Forest Protection Act.
• Strong navigation/orienteering and remote forest safety skills.
• Ability to work safely in challenging terrain and weather.

Education & Experience

• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, biology, conservation biology, or related field or a combined equivalent of education and experience that demonstrates the abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Practical experience and at least 3 years of working in forestry or in a similar capacity pertinent to the skills required for this position may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience Required: A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in cultural practices, forestry, conservation, or natural resource management is required. Experience working in a remote forest setting is required. Experience working with Indigenous communities or tribal governments is required. Proficiency in identifying forest plants, animals, and habitats is required. Minimum of four (4) years of forestry experience across professional, volunteer or internship environments. Minimum of six (6) years of professional forestry experience with specific silvicultural duties including preparation of forest health and timber sale projects, timber growth modeling, and cruise data compilation. Experience managing all phases of commercial timber sales. Demonstrated experience submitting and managing permits needed for forest management activities. Experience working with forest operation contractors. Demonstrated understanding of forest practice rules and best management practices. Experience mapping and laying out timber sales in the field independently. Demonstrated knowledge of silvicultural science as well as respect for Indigenous Knowledge. Demonstrated skill in developing and maintaining close, productive relationships with internal and external partners. Demonstrated desire and enthusiasm for taking initiative, solving problems, and developing strategies. Experience managing forest practices permit process.
• Experience Preferred: Experience in radio or satellite remote communication systems. Experience working with Tribal governments managing a Tribal forestry program or project. Experience in radio or satellite remote communication systems. Experience supporting a safe workplace in a remote forest environment. Experience working with forest engineering projects.