Forest Research and Stewardship Technician (Research Professional 2)

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Saint Paul
Posted on: September 3, 2024

Job Description:

Apply for JobJob ID363770
LocationTwin Cities
Job FamilyResearch-Support
Full/Part TimeFull-Time
Regular/TemporaryRegular
Job Code8352P2
Employee ClassCivil Service
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About the Job


This position is a 12-month full time position that reports directly to the CFC Director of Operations. It is a multi-disciplinary position that will assist in a wide range of activities associated with forest stewardship and research at the Cloquet Forestry Center including the establishment, maintenance, and measurement of forest research plots, tree planting and protecting, mechanical, chemical, and fire- based vegetation management, fire prevention and suppression, forest road maintenance, timber cruising, forest health inventories, and regeneration checks. This position will occasionally assist or lead extension and outreach activities such as forest tours and educational activities with visiting user groups (e.g., youth groups, natural resource professionals). This position will serve as the safety officer for CFC.

CFC Forest Research Support Responsibilities 40%
Establishing, maintaining, measuring, and monitoring experimental plots under the direction of the Research Coordinator or a designated principal investigator or project leader.
Preparing, updating, digitizing, and organizing modern and historical harvest, planting, research, and plot records.
Analyzing, summarizing, and reporting on collected data to inform forest management decisions.
Producing and implementing protocols for the collection and storage of scientific data.
CFC weather station management including, but not limited to, collecting and digitizing weather data following NOAA Cooperative Observer Program and local protocols.

CFC Forest Stewardship Responsibilities 35%
Collecting and managing data related to forest inventories for timber condition and value appraisal, regeneration, native plant communities, forest health, wildlife habitat value, and other
Contributing to the development of commercial and non-commercial forest stewardship prescriptions under the framework of a forest stewardship plan and the FDL Integrated Resource Management Plan
Contributing to the development of a decadal forest stewardship plan that aligns with the FDL Integrated Resources Management Plan
Planting and protecting tree seedlings.
Carrying out mechanical (including chainsaws), chemical, and fire-based vegetation control.
Maintaining the tree arboretum including mowing, felling, planting and protecting trees.
Planning for and carrying out forest road maintenance including vegetation management and occasional grading, which will require the operation of equipment such as chainsaws, brush saws, skid steers, tree chippers, mowers, and other equipment.

CFC Outreach and Education Responsibilities 10%
Coordinating and overseeing extension and outreach activities (e.g. annual Conservation Education Days, forest tours, youth tree planting events, ).
Contributing on the CFC/HWRC communications team

CFC Safety Officer 10%
Maintain and develop, as necessary, CFC and HWRC operation safety plans
Schedule safety training and coordinate the maintenance of up-to-date staff training records
Assist DEHS and HSRM staff in the preparation and periodic updating of program plans
Conduct periodic inspections of area of responsibility
Function as the liaison between the CFC, CFANS, and UMN Health and Safety departments

General Support Responsibilities 5%
Tracking, updating, and maintaining Forest Management and Research equipment inventory
Monitoring and maintaining the Dept of Forest Resources student equipment cache for use during field session courses; this will include coordinating records with FR administrative and teaching staff
Other duties as assigned



Qualifications


Required qualifications
B.S. degree and at least 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years in Forestry, Natural Resources, Wildlife Habitat management, or a closely related field
Experience with forest stand delineation, regeneration checks, estimating site index, identifying native plant communities, and estimating forest stand volume
Demonstrated ability establishing, implementing, maintaining, and measuring a variety of ecological studies
Professional experience and familiarity with the maintenance and use of herbicide application equipment, chainsaws, brush-saws, brushers, ATVs, tractors, and logging equipment
Working knowledge of ArcGIS desktop and/or ArcGIS online, DNRGPS, Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Preferred qualifications
Working knowledge of the ecology and management of northern forest ecosystems
Experience working for or collaborating with Indigenous Nations and/or Indigenous Nation resource management personnel
Experience working with diverse stakeholders including university faculty, public and private forest land management organizations, field foresters, loggers, conservation organizations, and k-12 school groups
Knowledge of regional commercial and non-commercial forest stewardship prescriptions to meet a diversity of objectives (climate adaptation, timber income generation, regeneration opportunities, wildlife habitat, cultural resource maintenance or restoration, etc)
Experience with research and management digital equipment such as dataloggers and associated sensors, digital dendrometers, or unmanned aerial systems (drones)
Has completed or is willing to complete a chainsaw certification course
Maintains or is able to renew an Incident Qualification Card (red card) and physical ability to complete an Arduous Pack Test (carry 45 lbs for 3 miles in less than 45 minutes)
Experience in the use of prescribed fire
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including writing reports or publications and the ability to make public presentations to diverse audiences
Maintains or is able to obtain MDA non-commercial pesticide applicator license
Maintains or is able to obtain First Aid and CPR certification

About the Department


The Cloquet Forestry Center (CFC) is part of the College's Research and Outreach Center network, and serves as the primary research and education forest for the University of Minnesota. It is located two hours north of the St. Paul campus, and 30 minutes west of Duluth, MN on land reserved by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe. It is a regional hub for forest ecosystem community research and stewardship, undergraduate and graduate field instruction in natural resources, and extensive outreach and professional training programs. The position will be based at the CFC but may also include occasional duties at the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center (HWRC) and other experimental forest properties in Northeastern Minnesota.
Benefits


Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time offContinuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plansHealthcare and dependent care flexible spending accountsUniversity HSA contributionsDisability and employer-paid life insuranceEmployee wellbeing programExcellent retirement plans with employer contributionPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro areaPlease visit the for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply


Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Diversity


The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
Employment Requirements


Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M


The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Keywords: University of Minnesota, St. Paul , Forest Research and Stewardship Technician (Research Professional 2), Professions , Saint Paul, Minnesota