Manager-Inventory, GIS & Reforestation w/ OSU Research Forests (Corvalis)

The Oregon State University Research Forests invites applications for an Inventory, GIS, and Reforestation Forester. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, fixed term professional faculty position that will be responsible for leading the inventory, geographic information system (GIS) and reforestation programs for the Research Forests. The job location is north of Corvallis in Peavy Arboretum at the edge of the beautiful McDonald/Dunn Research Forest. Posting # P01548UF. Closes Sept. 17.
 
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/48827
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Job Title: Manager-Inventory, GIS & Reforestation
Employer: Oregon State University
Closing Date: 09/17/2017
 
Position Summary
             
The College of Forestry is seeking a Inventory, GIS, and Reforestation Forester. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE),12-month, fixed term professional faculty position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.
This position will lead the inventory, geographic information system (GIS) and reforestation programs for the Oregon State University (OSU) Research Forests. This position is essential for supporting our teaching and research mission and for providing critical support to timber, recreation, reforestation, planning, and engineering programs.
 
The Research Forests, part of the OSU College of Forestry, are comprised of nine premier research, teaching, and demonstration forests located throughout Oregon. The 12,000 acre McDonald-Dunn Forest, located immediately to the north and west of Corvallis, is the largest of these forest properties and the primary work location. This forest, which hosts over 150,000 visits per year, contains 110 miles of roads and 26 miles of multi-use trails.
 
Position Duties 
40% – Forest Inventory:

• Provide leadership for forest inventory data collection protocol, data archiving, data analysis, and reporting.
• Evaluate and update existing permanent forest inventory. Prioritize and implement long term cost efficient improvements to inventory methods that provide adequate information for forest management and growth and yield projections.
• Utilize state-of-the-art inventory programs, software, and handheld computer devices to collect and process forest inventory data.
• Oversee forest inventory contractors to ensure compliance according to well-defined quality standards. Review and track contractor work invoices and work with the Business Manager for timely payment.
• Establish, hire, train, and supervise a student inventory crew to augment forest inventory program and conduct plot maintenance.
• Prepare and administer inventory contracts that will facilitate the long term goal of a sustainable yield.
• Conduct “check cruises” on both contracted and student led inventory plot data for accuracy.
• Perform growth and yield modeling with ORGANON or other applicable models.

 
25% – Geographical Information Systems:

• Support development of tactical and strategic plans through data extraction, data preparation, tabular and spatial analyses and provide recommendations.
• Develop/update effective map products and quality data management. Place and maintain map products on the Research Forest’s webpage for others to access.
• Update GIS data/layers related to harvest activities (depletions), forest stand re-delineation, trails and trail condition, road maintenance, vegetation management treatments, reforestation and silvicultural treatments, research, class use, and forest inventory.
• Inventory, track and control invasive species populations. Purchase and apply pesticides, as needed.
• Respond to GIS information requests made by forest staff, faculty, researchers, and students.

 
30% – Reforestation:

• Provide leadership for the reforestation and vegetation management programs.
• Oversee vegetation management treatments (invasive species, site preparation and release) to be conducted by contractors.
• Order, track, and insure quality tree seed and seedling stock for recently harvested units.
• Oversee planting, performance, and quality control standards for planting contractors.
• Participate in applicable co-ops that promote and enhance vegetation management and tree seed/seedling growth or improvements (Vegetation Management Research Cooperative (VMRC), Northwest Tree Improvement Cooperative (NWTIC), etc.)
• Hire and train students to assist with tree planting, inspection, and conducting regeneration surveys.
• Prepare and administer tree seed and seedling purchase contracts; arrange for delivery and receipt of seedlings; manage tree seedling storage and planting site delivery.
• Write contracts for reforestation site preparation and planting; conduct show-me trips, evaluate bids, and hire contractors.
• Prepare and execute herbicide application contracts; administer contracts.
• Ensure contractor compliance with herbicide application and planting contract specifications; perform final inspections; close contracts.
• Design and implement treatments to control invasive species.

 
5% – Staff Support:

• Provide GIS and inventory data and products to support other program areas.
• Provide training to student workers and staff on GIS and forest inventory procedures.
• Provide input into preparation of current and future timber harvest plans.
• Lead teams developing projects and programs; participates on and supports teams led by others.
• Provide other staff support as assigned.
• Drive University/College-owned vehicles on forest roads to different work sites.

 
Minimum/Required Qualifications         

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Forestry, Geographic Information Systems, or other natural resource fields.
• At least two years of experience in conducting forest inventory and analysis.
• Excellent understanding of basic principles of forest measurement, sampling and associated statistics.
• Possess excellent GIS and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS extensions software required.
• Experience or familiarity with reforestation practices, vegetation management, and working with planting and other contract crews.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively with teams/co-workers to achieve desired outcomes.
• Commitment to creating/ensuring a safe working environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with media, neighbors, and concerned public.
• Must obtain a State of Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator’s license within six months of hire.
• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 24 months.
• This position requires driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the University; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq.

 
Preferred (Special) Qualifications            

• Experience with Microsoft Access, Forest Projection and Planning System (FPS), Assisi, or SuperAce.
• Knowledge of the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and other remote sensing and cartography tools.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.