The Nature Conservancy’s Alaska Chapter is looking to hire a forester to work on Prince of Wales Island collecting field data for a LiDAR calibration project. This project aims to characterize forest and understory structure as it relates to wildlife habitat, timber, and cultural/traditional values. Work will primarily focus on an intensive forest inventory in support of LiDAR remote sensing data, and will require large amounts of time spent in the field practicing forest mensuration and plant and tree species identification. Successful candidates will lead a small team collecting forest structure and understory plant data, and will work closely with other TNC staff, regional partners, and contractors to accomplish the project. Additional work related to ongoing forest restoration projects may be performed as needed. The position is expected to last 12 weeks, with a tentative start date of June 4, 2018.
In support of TNC’s efforts to calibrate LiDAR for forest metrics on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, the Forester leads a small team in collecting tree measurements and understory vegetation data. The employee maintains tools and equipment, and may also assist in mapping, field work planning/organization, and inventory database management and analysis. Additional work may include working with local youth on explaining and implementing research methods.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Helps plan and direct work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Identifies trees and understory plants by species
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- May require long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- Works under infrequent supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience collecting forest data, conducting forest inventories or timber cruises.
- Experience using GPS and compass for navigation.
- Ability to perform physical work across rough terrain, under adverse conditions, with minimal supervision.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- Ability to pass a background screening to qualify for working with youth.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience identifying tree and plant species of the Pacific Northwest coast and/or Southeast Alaska.
- 3 years or more of education towards a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from an SAF-accredited school (or graduate degree in Forestry).
- Experience in conducting LiDAR forest metric calibration inventory work.
- Experience using GIS mapping software to plan field work.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including experience with databases.