Forester Specialist; District Forester

85% of forestland in Indiana is in private ownership. District Foresters work one-on-one with private forest owners to help understand the importance of the resource they own and how to manage it for future generations and for the environmental benefits forests provide for all Hoosiers. District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program, a property tax abatement program promoting forest, wildlife habitat, and water quality, in a multiple county area.

They write management plans and practice plans (tree planting, timber stand improvement, invasive species) for landowners. District Foresters provide the technical assistance for federal programs through Farm Service Agency (FSA) & Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). A state vehicle, computer, cell phone, iPad, laptop, and office are provided.

• A degree in Forestry is required to fill this position
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management, tree species and forest types native to Indiana.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and in written.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work to achieve desired program outcomes, and apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of land situations.
• Ability to successfully complete basic wildfire courses (red card certification) and prescribed burning course within 2 years of employment.
• Obtain and retain an Indiana driver’s license.
• Obtain a pesticide applicator license and appropriate category within the first year of employment and retain.