Research Forester

~ The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) manages nearly one million Missouri acres for conservation and public use. ~

Our mission is to protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife resources of the state; to facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. 

Position Overview

The Research Forester will develop, lead, and conduct collaborative research projects and adaptive management evaluations across a wide range of Missouri forests and woodlands and will provide science-based information and guidelines to resource managers to help restore and sustain the health and resilience of Missouri’s forested ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with resource managers from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and partner agencies (e.g. The Nature Conservancy, Mark Twain National Forest, The L-A-D Foundation) to assess forest and woodland management needs and implement research projects and adaptive management evaluations on silviculture and applied forest ecology
• Work independently and collaboratively with researchers from MDC and other institutions (e.g. the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station, the University of Missouri) to conduct applied research that will inform resource management
• Lead several ongoing research projects that evaluate the effect of silvicultural and prescribed fire treatments in upland forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and woodlands around the state
• Assist with leading, developing, and directing components of the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP), a long-term, landscape-scale silvicultural experiment evaluating the impact of even-aged, uneven-aged, and no-harvest management on forest vegetation, wildlife, and abiotic environment
• Work collaboratively with forest managers and scientists to develop new research proposals and adaptive management projects that address priority management needs, issues, and questions in Missouri’s upland forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and woodlands
• Communicate results of management evaluations and research projects to resource managers and scientists through a variety of outlets (e.g. present at regional, state, and national conferences, workshops, and trainings; publish in technical series, peer-reviewed journals, and popular press; develop and lead technical trainings, workshops, and field tours)
• Develop and monitor budgets, Cooperative Agreements, and Memorandums of Understanding for active projects
• Supervise and direct hourly employee field data collection, data entry, and other activities
• Supervise the management and maintenance of the MOFEP bunkhouse located on Peck Ranch Conservation Area
• Participate in MDC and inter-agency professional committees to assist with coordinating and conducting priority conservation work in priority areas (e.g. the Mahan’s Creek Watershed Priority Geography team and the Current River Conservation Opportunity Area team)
• Assist with agency-wide priority projects and initiatives as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resource science and management, geography, or related field
• At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience
• Firefighting training, preferred
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of forest and woodland ecology, fire ecology, and natural resource management
• Knowledge of the ecology, management, and common woody and herbaceous plant species of Missouri forests and woodlands
• Knowledge of and skill with a variety of statistical analyses
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially scientific writing
• Demonstrated qualities of self-motivation, organization, and critical thinking
• Skill and experience using ArcGIS, statistical, and Microsoft Office software
• Knowledge of grassland ecology and management is preferred
• Knowledge of adaptive management concepts and processes is preferred

Work Environment:

• Regularly work in an office environment
• Frequently work outdoors, often in rugged terrain and inclement weather (typically between zero and ten days per month)
• Frequently travel overnight (typically between zero and five nights per month)
• Infrequently work weeknights and weekends as needed (typically between one and two weekends per year and between zero and five weeknights per year with more required if volunteering to assist with local MDC wildland fire suppression efforts)

Physical Abilities:

• Remain stationary up to 70% of the time
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings
• Regularly operate tools and other machinery and relocate machinery to other areas
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information
• Clarity of vision, precise hand-eye coordination and the ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds
• Concentrated attention is required at all times
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function
• Ability to traverse flat to rugged terrain, both on and off trails
• Ability to regularly carry up to a 20-pound backpack and other field gear

Additional Information

• Requisition Id: 344
• Position Number: 0000009B
• Salary: $44,196.00 - $55,236
• Job Location: Ozark Regional Office (WESTP1)
• Closing Date: 06/07/2019

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to upload resume or CV, cover letter, contact information for at least three professional references, undergraduate and graduate college transcripts (unofficial is fine), and a writing sample using the online application portal.
• To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor- Megan L Buchanan at Megan.Buchanan@mdc.mo.gov or at 417 2567161x4760.