Forester

Job Summary Title: Forester ID: AMN1-024 Location: Duluth Program: ACE Wage: $30.00 - $34.99 per hour Hours: 32 - 40 per week Minimum Age: 55 Disclaimer This is not a federal position. This role is offered through a partnership agreement and does not constitute an NRCS hiring action. Description This position is a non-federal role funded through an existing agreement between NRCS and NEW Solutions. The enrollee will provide direct support to farmers and landowners, enabling the implementation of conservation practices on the ground. This role contributes to NRCS's mission by enhancing capacity in field offices and ensuring timely assistance to producers. It is designed to free up NRCS staff for emergency and high-priority responses, not to replace federal staff. This role helps ensure continued progress on conservation planning, practice implementation, and technical assistance, especially in high-demand or disaster-affected areas. It aligns with the Administration's priorities for farmer‑first, field‑facing, and partner‑enabled capacity expansion. For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full‑time and part‑time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States. NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). These are experienced professionals who provide technical and professional assistance to the Department of Agriculture for the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program. Benefits Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave Paid Federal Holidays Optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period No guarantee of employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary and at‑will. The enrollee may terminate enrollment at any time, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship. An ACES Enrollee is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ACES Enrollee is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the USDA‑NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions. This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States. Qualifications Minimum of 10 years of experience in working with forest management or writing forest management plans. Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs and mapping software to develop plans. Proficient at using forestry tools such as compass, tree and log scale sticks, diameter tapes, prisms, and angle gauge. Or BA/BS Degree in Forestry, a forestry‑related degree, or wildlife management‑related degree. Valid state driver’s license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position (may require operation of personal vehicle and ATV/UTV on public and private roads, daylight and occasionally after dark). Skill in operating personal computer software and simple programming (word processing, spreadsheets, email, file transfers, internet, timekeeping, databases) for researching, tabulating, and analyzing economic data, preparing correspondence, finalizing documents, and improving work. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Failure to pass will result in termination of employment. Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Conservation Desktop, Protracts, Outlook, MS Teams, MS SharePoint. Duties Provide forestry‑related support to the Duluth Service Center Team, including meeting with producers and forestland owners for conservation planning. Develop and design plans for complex and traditional projects that utilize forest management plans, including practices such as tree plantings, brush management, forest stand improvements, structures for wildlife, early successional habitat management, forest trails and landings, and others using mobile tools, GPS equipment, and GIS throughout the NE Area. Provide on‑site consultation to producers and field staff on implementation of forest management plans throughout the NE area. Complete field visits and checkouts related to Farm Bill‑funded conservation practices, certifying practices installed correctly throughout the NE Area. Provide training to field staff on tree identification and forest management practices. Other Depending on assigned duties, on‑the‑job and other NRCS provided trainings may be necessary. Health and safety considerations: Perform duties in a supportive manner to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Exercise caution and maintain all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Work requires regular physical exertion, prolonged walking on rough terrain, crossing ditches and furrows, and/or climbing steep banks. Carry equipment and tools while conducting field work, routinely lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. Exposure to inclement weather, poisonous insects and animals, and irritating plants may occur. All safety precautions for operating agricultural equipment, protective gear, and clothing are required. Required safety gear: hard hat, boots, safety vest, helmet, glove and eye protection if utilizing the ATV/UTV. Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Equal Opportunity Statement NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form. Administration of Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies complies with all applicable equal opportunity laws and prohibits unlawful discrimination and encourages participation in the federal programs. #J-18808-Ljbffr