About This Role:

The Kansas Forest Service is looking for a full-time, term position as the NE District Community Forester. This position works within the Community Forestry Program assisting communities in planning, managing, education/outreach and developing tree resources to improve environmental, economic, ecological, social, beautification and recreational benefits. This position is responsible for providing community forestry technical assistance to communities and partners of the Northeast district. Duties include the responsibility to plan, develop and conduct a balanced full-service forestry program to meet the needs of the resource and communities in a positive and professional manner. This position will also establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with federal, state, and local agencies and organizations on forestry related programs. Incumbent will deliver community forestry services with limited direct supervision. The location of this position is flexible within the NE Community Forestry district of Kansas with final approval by the Hiring Manager.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887 and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 37 full-time employees, and 45+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization.

KFS works with a diverse group of partners at local, state, and federal levels to help serve the State of Kansas in pursuit of our mission: “Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management”. We pride ourselves on the multi-faceted services we provide the many stakeholders of Kansas. KFS contributes an estimated combined economic impact of $34 million annually.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is eligible for hybrid worksite. Approximately 50% of the time will be spent in the field, travel is routine with occasional overnight travel for projects, meetings, special duties, and training. The rest of the work will be conducted either remotely from a home office or an office location within the NE Community Forestry district.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or a closely related field
• Two years of experience in forestry, horticulture, landscape ecology, or landscape architecture. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in urban forestry or horticulture
• Five years of experience in forestry, horticulture, landscape ecology, or landscape architecture
• Certified Arborist (KAA or ISA)
• Knowledge and experience with tree identification, tree inventory, GIS, and tree planting and pruning.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid driver’s license

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references
4. Academic transcripts

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by October 27, 2023.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$47,000 - $52,000

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.