Northeast Washington Area Forester

About the Position

The Northeast Washington Area Forester position is part of MB&G’s Foresty Team, a group of professionals with experience in operational forestry for multiple objectives, forest planning, forest inventory and forest data management.

Your primary role in this position will be leading on-the-ground planning and development of timber sales in project areas spanning over 50,000 acres. You will work in collaboration with a Forest Planner and other members of MB&G’s forestry team to provide oversite of contract work needed for the project. Work on this project will be guided by an existing forest management plan for the project area. Additionally, you may work on smaller contract projects within Northeast Washington and Northern Idaho, depending on project availability. Occasional travel outside of the region may be necessary.

This position requires an understanding of forest management in Northeast Washington or similar forest types. Understanding of harvest planning, forest road design, and identification of potentially sensitive features is required, however specialist knowledge is not required.

The Northeast Washington Area Forester will:

• Perform operational planning and preparation of timber sales consistent with client objectives and applicable regulations, including identifying stands for harvest, development of silvicultural prescriptions, road use planning, timber sale flagging and marking, and document preparation.
• Locate and flag roads, determine water crossing needs, and estimate road maintenance, improvement and construction costs.
• Cruise timber and perform check cruising.
• Assist with preparation of environmental analysis documents.
• Oversee work of contractors for presale activities such as marking and cruising.
• Administer timber sales.
• Communicate with clients about ongoing projects
• Communicate with prospective new clients, and internal staff.

Job Conditions

• Work requires both field and office tasks. MB&G will provide a computer, office and field equipment.
• Personal transportation suitable for use in forest environment required.
• The incumbent can use a personal vehicle, mileage paid by MB&G.
• Field work will be performed in all weather conditions, steep rough terrain, and a variety of settings including open fields and forested areas.
• Computer use, physical ability to operate a telephone, and sit for extended periods of time, may lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
• Overnight travel may be necessary from 1 to 2 days per month.

Expected Position Duration

This is a limited-term position with an expected duration of up to 18 months. Depending on project availability, the position may be extended. 

Work Location

The incumbent must live within a Northeast Washington county and be able to access the primary work site east of Highway 21 in Ferry County.

Salary Range

$70,000 – $85,000, depending on experience

About You

We are looking for a talented individual who is interested in implementing forest management to meet clients’ objectives. We want individuals who are willing to use both time-tested and innovative approaches to overcome operational forest management challenges, and who are interested in developing positive relationships with our clients. We need people who represent MB&G’s core values Integrity, Expertise, Positivity, Motivation, and Collaboration.

You should possess the following skills, experience, and background:

• A./A.S./B.S. in forestry, natural resource management or, similar natural resources related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in forestland management including cruising and inventory, timber sale preparation, silviculture methods, and road planning.
• Experience developing an operational plan for timber sale(s) including multiple units across a landscape.
• Operational forestry knowledge applicable to Northeast Washington including: silviculture, cruising methods, sales layout, logging systems, log markets, road maintenance and construction, management for non-timber products, potentially sensitive culture or environmental features, and reforestation.
• Familiarity with forest mensuration and survey tools such as GPS, laser measurement devices, compass, clinometer, and other forestry equipment.
• Competency with Microsoft Office programs and Esri’s ArcGIS or ArcPro.
• Working knowledge of Washington Forest Practices rules.
• Familiarity with management of federal, state, or tribal lands is desirable.

About Us

Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. is a full-service natural resource consulting firm, with expertise in environmental services, forestry, and geographic information systems (GIS).  Our areas of expertise include forestry, wildlife, fisheries, wetlands, water quality, and GIS. Our work is characterized by the highest level of client service, the application of the best science and technology, quality processes and results, integrity, and our respect for the natural environment. We provide natural resource consulting services to both industry and government and have done so since 1921.