Forester

The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation (the Center), a nonprofit organization established in February 2005, has a mission of protecting heirs’ property (HP) and promoting the sustainable use of land to provide increased economic benefit to low-wealth families through education, advocacy, legal services and forestry technical assistance in the counties of Allendale, Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Orangeburg, Sumter. Williamsburg, Darlington, Marion and Florence.

Forester Position Description

Under the direction of the Director of Forestry, the Forester position performs such professional forest management duties as providing forest management services to private non-industrial under-served landowners.

This position is a full time equivalent, exempt position. The home office for this position will be at the Center’s Orangeburg Office located at 396 St. Paul Street, Unit 105 Orangeburg, SC 29115. The initial primary service area for this position will be in the Center’s Pee Dee Region (Marion, Florence and Darlington Counties.)

Responsibilities

• Educating landowners about sound forestry management practices;
• Preparing complete forest management and conservation plans for landowners; and
• Assisting landowners in securing help for all work recommended. 

Qualifications

Desired Experience, Education, Skills, and Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources management, wildlife management, or related field from an accredited college or university with experience working with private landowners, especially small and underserved landowners.
• Capability of working in remote outdoor locations in various weather and forest conditions
• At least five (5) years’ experience related to forestry field work
• Must be a Registered Forester in South Carolina or obtain this designation within one year from date of hire
• Must be proficient with various forest inventory/mensuration techniques and methodologies
• Must have working knowledge of landowner assistance programs, such as those contained in the U.S. Farm Bill.
• Must have the ability to become a certified prescribe fire burn boss and a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Service Provider within one year from date of hire
• Must be proficient with both Microsoft Office suite and GIS software
• Capability to maintain project records and reports using technology and experience in using this information to prepare project-related reports for management, partners and funders
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communications skills, as well as time management skills
• Capability to deal with individuals from various backgrounds, including clients, personnel from partner agencies, and forest consultants/contractors.
• Experience either in working or volunteering for a nonprofit social service organization
• Empathetic to the special values and challenges of HP owners and other historically underserved landowners
• Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends for educational activities and special events.

Compensation

• Compensation consists of a base salary that is dependent upon level of experience and education; and
• Benefits to include: paid leave, health and dental insurance and retirement.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email (or you can mail) a cover letter, which includes why the applicant wishes to apply for the position, along with salary requirements and a resume.
• This information should be sent to the attention of: ReZsaun Lewis, Executive Assistant to the CEO, Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, 1535 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Suite D., Charleston, South Carolina 29407
• No calls, please, regarding this opportunity; however, feel free to view the Center’s website for additional information.
• Please mention how you learned of this opening.