District Forester - Southeast, KS

About This Role:

The Kansas Forest Service is looking for a full-time, term position as the District Forester of a 10-county district in Southeast Kansas. This position is responsible for providing rural forestry technical assistance to owners and managers of the region's rural forest resources including forest land, woodlots, windbreaks, and shelterbelts. Duties include the responsibility to plan, develop and conduct a balanced full-service forestry program to meet the needs of the resource and clientele in a positive and professional manner. This position will also establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with federal, state and local natural resource agencies and organizations on forestry related programs. Incumbent conducts a full-service forestry program with limited direct supervision. Approximately 80% of the time will be spent in the field, travel is routine with occasional overnight travel for special duties and training. Inclement weather on occasion but at the decision of the incumbent. The office location of this position is in Parsons, KS.

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 35 full-time employees, and 40+ 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: “Care of Natural Resources and Service to People Through Forestry”. 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 required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment disctrict.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource discipline

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of field experience in forestry, horticulture, or related natural resources
• Certified Forester (Society of American Foresters)
• Knowledge and experience in tree ID, GIS, tree planting and pruning, tree inventory
• Effective verbal and written communication

Other Requirements:

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

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration apply by September 27, 2024.

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.