The primary function of theForestry Technicianissupportingthe active management of the9,200-acreBerea College Forest, as well as supervisingstudents working within the Forestry Department with the goal ofassistingthe College Foresterto carry out the overallmanagementplanof the College Forest. The position requiressometimewithDepartment administration,purchasing, GIS but is primarily field focused (approximately 85%). Facilitating student learning processesisanimportantaspect in addition toaccomplishing set workobjectives.
- Assistin research projects within the College Forest as well as interpretive education for the College community and greater community educational outreach.
- Assistin timber marking and logging operations and the post-harvest implementation of timber stand improvement (TSI) operations.
- Herbicide applications in TSI, in managing exotic invasive plant species, and in prairie restoration.
- Plant trees for reforestation and park landscaping and manage open areas by planting native grassland/prairie species.
- Security, neighbor relations, and protection of the Forest.
- Supervise student workers in aday-to-day operations.
- Trail and road maintenance and construction.
- Wildfire suppressions as well as planning and implementation of prescribed fires.
- In support of Berea College’s great commitments this position requires student supervision.? The fourth great commitment is to promote learning and serving in community through the student labor program, honoring the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual, and taking pride in work well done. The Supervision would include scheduling, assigning and approving work performed.? Developing students about common workplace acumen and giving them tangible work experience is an expected outcome.?To learn more about the student labor program and requirements on this position see:?Labor Program Goals
Education required to ensure success in this position:
- Bachelor’s Degreerequired; Forestry degree preferred. Natural Resources or related field will be considered.
Experience required to ensure success in this position:
- Hands-on forest management experience in Eastern U.S. hardwood forests, preferred; experience from other regions.
- Minimum of 2-3 years’ field experience needed.
Special skills,knowledgeand abilities:
- Tree identification skills
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge of forestry and natural resource management
- Basic personal computer literacy
- Basic GIS (Arc View) software experience is desirable
- Basic fire-fighting skills,chainsawand tree felling skills are desirable.
License, certification, or registration necessary:
- Valid Driver’s License. Position requires driving Berea College vehicles to sites within and around Berea College Forest.
- Will need toattainPesticide applicator’s license within three months of employment and Certified Forester status within five years ofemployment.
Physical requirements:
- Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads up to fifty pounds or more.
- Must be able to walk long distances.
Environmental conditions:
- Primarily outdoors, year-round, in varying weather conditionsincluding rain and snow.
Ability tooperatethe following vehicles or equipment:
- Vehicle
- Chainsaw and proper tool operations.
- Ability tooperatetractors/skid steersis desirable
