Forest Ecologist

Position

Forest Ecologist – Full Time – Natural Resource Department

This position assists the Wildlife Division Manager with forest ecosystem management, including extensive fieldwork, technical report writing, and data analysis. Duties cover prescription and administration of timber harvests, reforestation projects, coordination of tree pest control, and forest habitat management. The Forest Ecologist consults with state and federal agencies to recommend forest management strategies that protect the Tribe’s right to co‑manage natural resources within the 1836 Ceded Territory.

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or closely related field AND three (3) years’ work experience in forest management, silvicultural applications, timber harvest administration, and forest inventory collection and analysis.
• Ability to perform field work under strenuous environmental conditions.
• Proficiency and demonstrable computer skills with MS Office applications, GIS and GPS.
• A valid Michigan Operator’s License with the ability to be insured under the Tribe’s policy.

• A Michigan commercial pesticide applicator’s license.
• Experience collecting and maintaining forest data, including preparing timber prescriptions and harvests.
• Experience designing forest management projects, including pest control, tree planting, and restoration.
• Experience coordinating with contractors and outside agencies.
• Experience writing and reporting grants.

During employment, the employee will consistently demonstrate strong verbal and written communication, good organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to work cooperatively with other departments, and a commitment to confidentiality.

Limited supervisory capacity – Leads surveys and projects; directs daily work assignments and schedules of field technicians.

Frequent walking, standing, or sitting and occasional heavy lifting, running, climbing, reaching, bending, kneeling, stretching, or working from heights. The employee routinely lifts or carries up to fifty (50) pounds, and in some instances lifts or carries one hundred (100) pounds or more with assistance.

Work is performed in woods, swamps, leveled and uneven terrains, and all weather types. The employee’s schedule may need periodic flexibility. The employee must handle stressful situations, remain professional, and deal with difficult people without losing perspective.

Conditions include superior performance in the selection process, pre‑employment interviews, skills testing, credentialing, drug…