The Division of Forestry and Natural Resources in West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design (http://davis.wvu.edu/) in Morgantown, WV, invites applications for a 12-month, full-time forest manager position.
Duties and Responsibilities
The forest manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a forest management plan and the day-to-day activities of the Research Forest that support the College’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and service. The manager will oversee 8,000+ acres of forest land, most of which is located about 30 minutes from campus.
Duties will include:
• Identify areas in need of management activities (harvesting, pre-harvest and post-harvest), collect or supervise the collection of inventory data, analyze and interpret data, and select and implement proper silvicultural treatments.
• Conduct necessary management operations on site including inventory, marking, harvesting (felling, skidding, bucking, transporting), and vegetation management to further the mission of the Research Forest operations.
• Supervise, train, and review the work of other staff and student workers essential to the operation of the Research Forest.
• Conduct performance appraisals, scheduling, training, employee development, and disciplinary action.
• Coordinate and ensure proper operation of logging operations.
• Operate equipment needed in harvesting timber, build and maintain skid trails and forest roads, establish food plots for wildlife, and reclaim disturbed areas.
• Conduct, schedule, and supervise maintenance and repairs for facilities, vehicles, and equipment used by staff and students.
Qualifications
• Master of Science degree in Forest Management is preferred. Bachelor's degree is required.
• At least three (3) years experience of scientifically supported forest management is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in English) to communicate effectively with administrators, contractors, industry personnel, state agencies, faculty, students, outside cooperators, and the general public.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment (sometimes exceeding 50 lbs) to work areas, bend, walk, reach, sit, and stand for long periods of time in all types of weather and on rough terrain.
