Forester | Lincoln County, WI

Purpose of Position 

The purpose of this position is to assist with the management of both timber and non-timber resources on the county forest; to assist with duties associated with the county’s parks/recreation program; to assist with maintenance/development projects undertaken by the department; and to assist with any other tasks performed by the Lincoln County Forestry Land and Parks Department. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Carries out the establishment of timber sales on County forest lands, including identifying potential timber sale sites, cruising timber, laying out timber sale boundaries, marking timber, updating recon data. Ensures annual allowable cut goals are met and that all sales comply with forest certification standards. 
• Participates in the planning, layout, and supervision of planting programs, road and trail construction and maintenance, trail mowing, and related field activities. 
• Inspects and assists with tree removal and planting operations on County forest lands. 
• Investigates and reports potential issues including theft, trespass, insect or disease concerns, and contract violations. 
• Follows established safety rules, protocols, and procedures. 
• Assists with implementing fire control programs, reducing fire hazards, and may assist with wildfire suppression efforts. 
• Provides technical forestry assistance to private landowners upon request. 
• Assists with the planning, implementation and maintenance of various forest and park recreation programs. 
• May train and supervise seasonal or temporary employees. 
• Prepares and maintains required reports and documentation. 
• Assists with implementing the Invasive Species/Forest Pest Control program, including handling and applying herbicides and other forestry-use chemicals. 
• Operates chainsaws, brush saws, UTVs/ATVs, and other related forestry-hand and power tools. 
• Uses GPS units and field data collection devices for navigation, mapping, and recon updates. 
• Works independently in remote field settings and makes sound decisions without immediate supervision. 
• Interacts professionally with the public, recreation users, contractors, and partner agencies. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions 

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field with three to five years field forestry experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements 

• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk; and hear. 
• Frequent bending, twisting, and squatting, and occasional climbing may be required. 
• The employee must occasionally lift, carry, and/or move fifty (50) pounds or more. 
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 
• Some driving is required. 
• Must have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license, proof of insurance that satisfies Lincoln County requirements and a good driving record. 
• Ability to ambulate between offices and other facilities.
• Ability to navigate remote forest areas using maps, aerial photos, GPS, and compass. 
• Ability to work independently in remote areas for extended periods.

 Computer and Office Equipment 

• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including personal computer, telephone, fax machine, calculator, copy machine, etc. 
• Good working knowledge of GIS software, Google Drive, WISFIRS, and NHI data. 
• Ability to use GPS units, field data collectors, and digital mapping tools. 

Mathematical Ability 

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percents, and make use of the principles of descriptive statistics. 

Language Ability, Interpersonal Communication Skills, and Other Knowledge and Skills 

• Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents including technical study reports, planting reports, forest certification reports, cultural reports, timber sale maps and contracts, vehicle maintenance reports, pesticide labels and statements, forestry-related references, aerial photographs, plat books. 
• Ability to prepare a variety of documents including timber sale inspection forms, close outs, forest certification documentation, cultural reports and maps, wood scale slips, daily log, time slips, etc. using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions. 
• Ability to use and interpret surveying and marketing terminology. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact positively with other county staff, timber sale contractors, DNR personnel, the general public, and others verbally and in writing. 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate field and office records. 
• Ability to provide courteous and professional customer service to landowners, recreation users, and the public. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with agency partners, contractors, and other county departments. 

Reasoning Ability 

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. 

Environmental Adaptability 

• Ability to work effectively in an office and outdoor environment. 
• Must be able to meet required deadlines, which may be stressful. 
• Ability to conduct field surveys and other outdoor work under adverse weather conditions 
• Ability to conduct field surveys and other outdoor work in challenging terrain with potential for injury due to falls. 
• Ability to conduct field surveys and other outdoor work with potential exposure to insect stings and bites, tick borne illnesses, hazardous plants and harmful chemicals (marking paints and herbicides). 
• Ability to conduct outdoor work in close proximity to heavy machinery where potential hazards may be present. 
• Ability to safely operate chainsaws, brush saws, UTVs/ATVs, and other forestry equipment in outdoor environments 

Lincoln County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.