Forester - National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Preston, MN

About the Job

Forester
ID:	AMN-076	Location:	Preston	Program:	ACE
Wage/Hr:	$33.00	Hours/Week:	20-40	Minimum Age:	55
Being Age 55 or Older is Good for The Environment! The Agricultural Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program offers unique opportunities in Scientific, Technical, and Agricultural support for individuals aged 55 and over to support the Department of Agriculture?s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through a grant administered program awarded to National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions). This is a unique program where your talents, expertise, and experience will truly be valued. The ACES program provides an opportunity to work side-by-side with NRCS staff that are doing important work every day. Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period, Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period. Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an "at-will" relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee. NOTE: An ?ACES Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?ACES Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the USDA-NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions.This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.
Qualifications: Minimum of 10 year(s) of experience in working with forest management or writing forest management plans. Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs, and mapping software to develop plans. Proficient at using forestry tools such as compass, tree and log scale sticks, diameter tapes, prisms, and angle gauges. The incumbent will need a working knowledge of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) software such as Protracts, Toolkit, Performance Results System, and Excel. Additionally, the incumbent will establish and maintain files in Toolkit and Protracts. OR BA/BS Degree in Forerty, Forestry-related degree, or Wildlife Management-related degree. Valid State Driver?s license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position. This may require the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark. May require the operation of an ATV/UTV on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark. OTHER REQUIREMENTSSubject to satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Failure to pass the background investigation will result in termination of enrollment. Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel Adobe, ArcGIS The incumbent will need a working knowledge of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) software such as Protracts, Toolkit, Performance Results System, and Excel. Additionally, the incumbent will establish and maintain files in Toolkit and Protracts. Skill in operating personal computer software, as well as simple programming (including word processing, spreadsheets, email, file transfers, internet, timekeeping, and databases), in order to research, tabulate, and analyze economic data, prepare correspondence, finalize documents, and foster work improvement. Duties: Provide contract support with financial review and ensure all documents are accountable in the file and uploaded in the database systems for payment obligations. Incumbent in consultation with the supervisor develops and designs plans for complex and traditional projects that utilize forest management plans and include practices such as Tree Plantings, Brush Management, Forest Stand Improvements, Structures for Wildlife, Early Successional Habitat Management, Forest Trails, and Landings, and others using mobile tools, GPS equipment, and GIS throughout the SE Area 50% Provides on-site consultation to producers and field staff with the implementation of forest management plans throughout the SE area. 25% Complete field visits and checkouts related to Farm Bill-funded conservation practices. Have knowledge of NRCS conservation standards and specifications in order to certify practices installed correctly throughout the SE Are 15% Provide training to field staff on tree ID and forest management practices. 10% Other: Annual information system security, anti-harassment, and civil rights training. Travel Requirements: Day trips to the field and to other field offices. Health and Safety Considerations: Performs duties in a supportive manner of a safe and healthy work environment. Exercises caution and maintains all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The conservation work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, prolonged walking on rough terrain, crossing ditches and furrows, and/or climbing steep banks. Carry equipment and tools while conducting fieldwork, routinely lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. The work requires regular and recurring exposure to operating agricultural equipment requiring safety precautions; protective gear and clothing are necessary at such times. There may be exposure to inclement weather, poisonous insects and animals, and irritating plants. Required Safety Gear: hard hat, boots, safety vest, helmet glove, and eye protection if utilizing the ATV/UTV

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.

Source : National Experienced Workforce Solutions