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TECHNICIAN, FOREST
Job Title: TECHNICIAN, FOREST
Job Code: 1327
FLSA: E
Job Level: 12
Revised Date: 12/01/2022
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Forest Technician (FT) performs a variety of forest management and maintenance activities on Duke Forest, a 7,100-acre teaching and research laboratory with an active timber management program. The FT is primarily a field-based position and will work closely with the Duke Forest Supervisor and Maintenance Technician on a daily basis to support their efforts while also directly managing specific tasks. A successful FT appreciates how this position supports the numerous roles the Duke Forest plays for a variety of audiences and expresses a sincere commitment to work as part of a team to accomplish its mission.
Work Performed
Provide dedicated support for all aspects of the timber management program, including cruising, harvest planning (regenerations, thinnings, pre-commercial), harvest layout and marking, regeneration and survival counts, harvest administration, and harvest clean-up work.
Provide dedicated support in the maintenance of the Duke Forest's GIS database, including GPS data collection, updating stand and management records, and performing basic spatial analysis and cartography.
Coordinate the invasive plant species management program, including planning and executing treatments, monitoring, and tracking chemical use.
Coordinate the natural heritage area monitoring program and monitoring of other high conservation value areas (as needed), including planning and executing monitoring visits, completing documentation, and implementing follow-up activities identified.
Coordinate trail maintenance activities including planning, scheduling, and implementing hazard monitoring and remediation, trail trimming, water bar maintenance, etc.; provide primary response to issues identified by Forest Steward volunteers.
Assist in the maintenance of forest infrastructure such as bridges and culverts, and equipment such as trucks and tractors.
Assist in prescribed burns, wildfire control, and storm response.
Assist in boundary line maintenance.
Assist in the construction, maintenance, and retirement of research installations.
Assist in implementation of the Deer Herd Reduction program.
Assist in implementation of special projects.
Assist with training and mentorship of student workers, summer crews, and management interns.
Lead volunteer workdays.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Requires a 4-year degree in forestry/natural resource management/conservation OR equivalent 2-year degree and experience.
Experience
Required qualifications:
Proficient in identification of common native and invasive plant species in North Carolina
Proficient in forest mensuration
Proficient in GIS using ESRI products, including ArcGIS Pro and Field Maps
Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills
Demonstrated interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills
Valid NC Driver's license
Preferred qualifications: Basic carpentry skills Basic landscaping skills Basic equipment operation Sawyer class B, or higher, chainsaw certification Experience with USFS Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) or similar forest growth models Licensed NC Pesticide Applicator, or ability to acquire license within one year Familiarity with forest certification
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
