Forest Stewardship Specialist

The Forest Stewardship Specialist will be employed by the Klamath Soil & Water Conservation District but will work most closely with and report to the USDA NRCS District Conservationist. In this role, the Forest Stewardship Specialist will focus on supporting private forest land owners with the planning, implementation, and improvement of timbered lands. This role will also include serving as a liaison and technical advisor between forest management authorities and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with communication & outreach to foster conservation on private non-industrial small forest lands in Klamath County.

• Technical Assistance (65%)
  • Provide technical assistance to private landowners to improve forest health, restore ecosystems, and reduce the potential for catastrophic wildfires.
  • Provide technical assistance on land management considerations including site preparation, controlled burning, reforestation planning, implementation verification in accordance with standards.
  • Provide technical assistance to private landowners with routine insect and disease issues, commercial harvesting, and road maintenance/improvement as needed.
  • Assist clientele with NRCS program eligibility and applications (EQIP, CSP, CRP, ACEP, WLW, and RCPP)
  • Coordinate with NRCS, ODF, and partners on conservation initiatives.
  • Utilize GPS, GIS, and other technology for inventory, field layout, inspections, certification, and managing program data.
• Administrative (25%)
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of activities.
  • Participate in meetings with contractors and operators, stakeholders, and District Conservationist in Klamath County to coordinate work and prioritize where technical assistance will be provided.
  • Participate when requested in staff meetings and collaborative efforts with agency partners.
  • Assist in preparing reports for the District Manager, Board of Directors, District Conservationist, and funding agencies.
  • Support grant reporting and compliance documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with USDA Privacy Act regulations when handling private landowner information.
• Outreach, Education, and Collaboration (10%)
  • Ensure that the delivery of agency programs and services are compliant with policy and procedures including equal opportunity and accessibility.
  • Help create educational materials and participate in workshops and on-farm demonstrations to promote best practices pertaining to forest management, habitat conservation, and fuels reduction.
  • Help coordinate technical training and workshops.
  • Assist other staff members with project proposals as well as grant applications and reporting.

• Occasional attendance at conferences, meetings, or training opportunities may require evening or weekend attendance and travel to support professional development.
• Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support team adaptability.

• Associate’s degree in Forestry, Silviculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field OR a minimum of one year of relevant experience in forest resource conservation.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize GIS platforms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Oregon Forest Practices Act, ORS 477 Fire Protection of Forests & Vegetation, and other pertinent legislation.
• Demonstrated experience in ecological site inventory.
• Demonstrated skill in applying basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of the natural resources field.
• Strong communication skills, including both verbal and written formats.
• A flexible working style and the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs.
• Experience adapting and using problem-solving skills to help manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite.
• This position requires driving a vehicle; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check and possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Silviculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, OR a minimum of two years of relevant experience in forest resource…