Employment Opportunities
The Kansas Forest Service is always looking for energetic, enthusiastic, career-minded individuals who desire to work in an exciting and dynamic industry.
The Kansas Forest Service currently has career opportunities open for the following positions:
State Forester
As State Forester of the Kansas Forest Service (KFS) at Kansas State University, you will provide leadership, expertise, and management to the programs and employees of the agency.
Your responsibilities will be to:
- Guide direction of all programs within KFS
- Contribute to the success of KFS personnel meeting planned program goals
- Advocate for KFS at state and federal levels
- Represent KFS with federal, state, local, and private natural resources agencies
- Prioritize and budget resources within KFS to satisfy the needs of diverse stakeholders while meeting required deliverables
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or closely-related degree from a school of forestry (Society of American Foresters accredited program)
- Master’s degree
- 3-5 years of business administration and leadership responsibilities
- Excellent written and oral, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
https://careers.k-state.edu/cw/en-us/job/508114/state-forester-kansas-forest-service
Employment Opportunities with Forestry Contractors
Forester - Ecotone Forestry
A full-time position with Ecotone Forestry, LLC. a full-service forestry company. Under supervision of the Consulting Forester, the Forester will provide conservation and forestry services to private landowners and cooperating natural resource agencies in eastern Kansas. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment for an expanding company.
Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities will be field work regarding forestry and wildlife habitat:
Focus on the forest products portion of company specifically timber sale consulting
Provide on-site technical assistance to private landowners
Develop plans to establish tree planting and timber stand improvement practices.
Assist landowners in implementing practices including timber sales, timber stand improvement, tree/shrub plantings, herbicide application, planting grass or forbs, and shelter installation.
Ability to supervise field personnel & manage logistics.
Track and monitor projects.
Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) preferred
Other responsibilities as identified by the Consulting Forester.
Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of a 2-year technical degree in forestry or natural resources from an accredited program. Must be physically able and willing to work outdoors for long hours in all weather conditions. The ability to work effectively with others, both individually and in a team setting; organizing and carrying out work priorities; and communicating effectively both orally and in writing. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and ability to obtain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record. Experience in operating small agricultural equipment especially chainsaw and computer skills such as database and word processing are required.
Preferred Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in forestry with preference from an SAF accredited program. The ability to implement timber sales, tree planting and timber stand improvement practices.
Salary/Benefits: The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits includes: Paid holidays, paid leave, health insurance stipend and retirement plan.
Application: Qualified applicants must submit the following: (1) letter of application; (2) current resume; (3) academic transcripts; and (4) name, address and phone number of three professional references to:
Ryan Neises
Consulting Forester Ecotone Forestry, LLC
PO Box 339
Ottawa, KS 66067
ryan@ecotoneforestry.com
785-241-9007
Forestry and Wildlife Technicians (2-3 positions available)
Implement technical wildlife and forestry activities on state and private land throughout eastern Kansas with some work in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri at project locations. Primary duties will consist of timber stand improvement, tree planting, edge feathering, cedar removal, spraying invasive plants and other forestry related activities. Other duties may include assisting with ground preparation, planting native grass, food plot installation, maintaining boundary markers, prescribed fire, equipment repair and maintenance, along with mixing and applying herbicides. Perform other duties as required.
Job Qualifications:
Bachelors of Science in forestry, wildlife biology, natural resources or other closely related fields preferred, but willing to train the right person. Field identification of common Midwest trees, shrubs, and grass is very important. Knowledge of and ability to operate tractors, skid loaders with attachments, light duty trucks and trailers, all-terrain vehicles, chainsaws, sprayers, and other farm implements. Individual must be extremely self-motivated, dependable, hardworking, and eager to learn. Valid driver’s license required and ability to pass a drug screening.
Custom Forestry Applications LLC operates out of Robinson, Kansas specializing in forestry and wildlife management practices for state, federal, and private landowners. Most projects are within a 4 hour radius from the headquarters, making occasional overnight travel a requirement. This is a fast paced, goal driven and exciting opportunity to get first hand forestry and wildlife habitat management experience with a growing business.