What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forestry Technician position at Ruffed Grouse Society | American Woodcock Society?
Application instructions can be found here: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ForestWildlifeTech_Kenton2.pdf
Background
Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is North America’s foremost conservation organization dedicated to creating healthy forests, abundant wildlife and promoting a conservation ethic. Together with the American Woodcock Society (AWS), established in 2014, RGS & AWS work with private landowners and government agencies to develop critical wildlife habitat utilizing scientific management practices. RGS & AWS has entered into a collaborative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service with the goal of creating and improving habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, golden-winged warblers, and other associated species. Together, RGS & AWS and USFS are looking for a motivated individual to assist in early successional habitat planning and preparation on the Ottawa National Forest.
Qualifications
• At least one year of college-level coursework in forestry and/or closely related field. Knowledge of forest ecology, forest management, plant identification, and silviculture pertinent to the upper Midwest
• Experience using forestry tools, including diameter tapes, clinometers, prisms, compasses, densiometers, and paint guns
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, ArcGIS Pro, Avenza, and other software for identifying and delineating project boundaries
• Ability to navigate independently in remote areas using handheld GPS units, tablets, compass, and paper maps
• Willingness and ability to navigate through adverse field conditions for long hours, often including water, biting insects, and dense brush.
• Experience operating 4WD vehicles, including trucks, side-by-sides, and ATVs.
• Applicant must be self-motivated and responsible. Candidate must be able to work as part of a team and manage multiple projects. Ability to produce quality results.
• The candidate must participate in specific training programs to use partner facilities and equipment. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
Position Summary
Work jointly with RGS & AWS and the USFS to increase forest diversity and enhance habitat for forest wildlife on the Ottawa National Forest. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of silvicultural and vegetative management work on National Forest lands to achieve objectives from the Ottawa National Forest’s Land and Resource Management Plan. Day to day tasks may include but are not limited to timber marking and cruising, alder shearing habitat project layout, breeding bird surveys and monitoring efforts, and chainsaw operation. The Forestry Technician will be part of RGS & AWS’ Great Lakes and Upper Midwest conservation team and report to the Western UP Michigan Coordinator for daily and weekly assignments and to the RGS & AWS Eastern Great Lakes Forest Conservation Director for overall supervision.