Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society · Nationwide / location varies · posted today
Forester - Huron-Manistee National Forest Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society Location: Wellston, Michigan | Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District Supervisor: Zach Evans, Eastern Great Lakes Forest Conservation Director Region: Eastern Great Lakes Position Type: Full-time, ongoing (contingent on funding) Salary: $44,000 to $68,000 annually Outreach Open: October 30, 2026 Posting Closes: November 30, 2026, or until filled MAKE FOREST MANAGEMENT COUNT FOR WILDLIFE At RGS & AWS, timber management is a tool for conservation. We're looking for a Forester to work alongside the Huron-Manistee National Forest, advancing timber sales and turning stewardship agreements into healthier forests and better wildlife habitat. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) works with the U.S. Forest Service to improve forest health and wildlife habitat through active forest management. Stewardship agreements help make that possible: timber management advances forest objectives and supports associated restoration projects. We need a dedicated, in-house Forester to increase timber sale capacity on the Huron-Manistee National Forest and help carry stewardship work from preparation to completed habitat improvements. Your work will have a direct, visible effect on habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other forest wildlife. You'll have meaningful ownership of assigned projects, a flexible schedule built around fieldwork and deadlines, and the opportunity to grow into increasingly independent timber sale and stewardship responsibilities alongside experienced USFS colleagues. WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH Timber Sale Preparation and Administration (Approximately 65%) - Prepare assigned timber sales through cruising, tree marking, boundary delineation, sale layout, and field documentation in accordance with approved prescriptions. - Support USFS personnel with sale inspections, contractor coordination, documentation, and closeout tasks; build proficiency toward greater independence within authorized duties. - Work with other natural resources specialists in the development and incorporation of the necessary resource mitigation measures required to conduct timber sale activities. - Advance agreed annual timber sale milestones while identifying schedule, quality, and operational issues early. Stewardship-Funded Forest and Wildlife Habitat Restoration (Approximately 25%) - Plan and deliver non-commercial restoration funded through assigned stewardship agreements, including wildlife habitat and invasive species management treatments. - Prepare scopes of work, treatment specifications, estimates, and schedules; coordinate applicable bidding and contracting processes. - Monitor contractor performance, verify treatment quality, and deliver assigned projects within approved budgets and requirements. Stewardship Planning and Accountability (Approximately 10%) - Maintain an organized schedule of current and upcoming timber sales and restoration projects with USFS partners. - Track project expenditures, milestones, accomplishments, and required records; communicate progress and barriers clearly. Success in the first year will be measured against an agreed USFS/RGS & AWS work plan, including sale preparation milestones, required administration documentation, stewardship project completion, and accurate financial and accomplishment records. Acreage targets will reflect available sales and approved projects. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Must-Haves - A forestry degree, or related natural resources education combined with relevant practical forestry experience. - Working knowledge of silviculture and the ability to apply established forest management prescriptions in the field. - Basic GPS, map-reading, and field data collection skills. - Strong organization, communication, problem-solving, and ability to work independently while coordinating with agency staff. - Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varied terrain and weather and travel on remote forest roads. Experience That Would Set You Apart - Timber cruising, marking, sale layout, or other timber sale preparation experience. - Prior timber sale administration work, particularly with the USFS or other public-land agencies. - Familiarity with stewardship agreements, contractor management, project budgeting, or bidding. - Experience with ArcGIS, forest inventory tools, and wildlife-oriented silvicultural treatments. You do not need every preferred qualification. We will consider applicants with strong forestry fundamentals and the ability to learn. Sale administration training will progress under applicable USFS procedures and authorities. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS This position is based in Wellston, Michigan, and works primarily on the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District. Expect approximately 75% fieldwork and 25% office-based coordination, planning, and reporting. Scheduling is flexible around field assignments, seasonal demands, and project deadlines. The salary range is $44,000 to $68,000, with starting pay based on qualifications, experience, and organizational needs. Benefits include paid time off; medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement options with employer contribution; a vehicle or approved mileage reimbursement depending on availability; purchasing card for authorized expenses; and necessary computer, phone, and office equipment. Training and professional development may be available based on role needs and resources. JOIN US If you want to see your forestry work produce meaningful wildlife habitat improvements, we'd like to hear from you. Send your cover letter and resume and any references to ZachE@RuffedGrouseSociety.org with the subject line "Huron-Manistee Forester Application." Questions: (412) 463-8305. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION Employment is contingent upon verification of eligibility to work in the United States (E-Verify). The position is full-time and ongoing, subject to continued funding. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY RGS & AWS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
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