Stewardship Forester

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement the Stewardship Forester Program at the regional level.
• Serve as member of regional staff and assist with forest management and fire activities within the region.
• Develop and complete new and/or revised Stewardship Management Plans for private non-industrial forest landowners throughout the region.
• Coordinate the plan development of private forestry consultants as well as other state and federal agency personnel.
• Provide assistance to SC Forestry Commission foresters in plan development.
• Coordinate the implementation of Stewardship Management Plans on private non-industrial forest lands throughout the region.
• Monitor landowner accomplishments to assess implementation and the provision of technical assistance to Stewardship landowners that will move them toward "Forest Steward" status.
• Coordinate Stewardship educational program for assigned region.
• Present program information to interested groups such as landowner associations, conservation groups, garden clubs, etc.
• Develop or assist in the development of publications, brochures, news releases, and displays associated with the Forest Stewardship Program.
• Assist with forest management activities and agency services within the region.
• Participate, as a volunteer, in the SCFC Physical Fitness Standards for fireline qualified employees as outlined in the SCFC Procedure Manual, and perform other related duties as required in support of the SC Forestry Commission’s mission and strategic plan.

Requirements

• A bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or a bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the Society of American Foresters Certified Forester educational requirements and three (3) years of forestry experience.
• (A master’s degree in forestry from a college or university accredited by SAF can be substituted for one (1) year of experience if the certified forester education requirements were previously met at the bachelor's level.)
• Must become a SC Registered Forester within six (6) months of being hired.
• Criminal background check and drug test are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with global positioning systems and Geographic Information systems is preferred.

Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
• Ability to establish working relationships with employees, other agency representatives, and the general public.
• Must be highly motivated team player.
• Ability to lift, walk, squat, climb and carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions and navigating difficult terrain.
• Considerable knowledge of SC Forestry Commission regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of forest management and silvicultural practices in South Carolina.
• Position is designated as safety sensitive.
• Position requires the employee to be subject to pre-employment, random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Schedule

• Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.
• Occasional overnight travel required.
• Position has the option of working out of Florence office or Camden office.