Position Purpose:

To further the state and federal riparian buffer-related goals set for the Chesapeake Bay. Riparian buffer plantings are vital to the long-term health of the Bay. Efforts will focus on increasing landowner participation in riparian forest conservation and riparian buffer plantings. Individuals will promote riparian best management practices and provide technical assistance for riparian buffer implementation. These positions support Pennsylvania’s renewed focus on increasing riparian buffers throughout the Commonwealth. The positions will be based in DCNR Bureau of Forestry offices in the South Central Region of PA. These positions will result in additional acres of riparian forest buffers, which help improve ecological function and water quality within the Chesapeake Bay. The positions will also result in better long-term maintenance of new and existing riparian buffers.
And
To provide strategic input and direction, assistance, and information to the State Forester’s office, Central Office Divisions/Sections, and Field Offices of the Bureau on the Bureau’s Riparian Buffer activities, Rural Forest Stewardship activities, and related undertakings.

Description of Duties:

Riparian Buffer/Technical Assistance responsibilities:
– Support the Commonwealth’s Chesapeake Bay Reboot strategy by accelerating riparian tree planting and riparian conservation efforts within the Bay watershed of PA.
– Work with conservation partners and landowners of all types to identify new riparian tree planting locations.
– Provide technical assistance for planting and maintenance of new buffers, including management and treatment of existing riparian forest buffers.
– Implement and manage all aspects of the riparian tree plantings. This may include:
• Help negotiate riparian tree planting contracts
• Assist landowners with funding applications
• Custom design of riparian plantings, including mapping
• Coordination with land owners, contractors, partner organizations, volunteers, and planting contractors to ensure that all materials, tools, information, tree stock, and technical assistance are available at the right time and the right place.
• Coordinate acquisition of top quality tree stock and planting materials at the best possible price; coordinate related quality management tasks for timely delivery of healthy and viable stock and materials.
– Provide relevant riparian forest buffer information to interested landowners.
– Communicate and provide assistance on USDA’s CREP program to landowners
– Teach landowners the knowledge and skills to implement best practices related to riparian buffers.
– Liaison with other agencies or institutions regarding new technologies/best practices.

Partnership and Stakeholder-related responsibilities:
– Represent the BOF at in-state and multi-state meetings related to riparian buffers (such as the Riparian Buffer Advisory Committee and the Chesapeake Bay Forestry Workgroup)
– Create, foster, and expand productive relationships with appropriate partners.
– Cooperate with other bureaus and state agencies to enhance riparian buffer restoration efforts within the Commonwealth.
– Liaison with other conservation agencies/organizations, as appropriate, to stay abreast of best practices.
– Attend trainings, workshops, and conferences as appropriate/necessary.
– Communication-Related Responsibilities:
– Increase visibility of CREP and other riparian buffer programs within Pennsylvania.
– Evaluate and suggest improvements to the existing web content on the Bureau’s riparian buffer website
– Conduct workshops/trainings related to riparian buffer implementation, management, or program specifics (such as how to sign up for CREP).
– Make public presentations, when appropriate/requested.
– Articulate to multiple audiences the importance of riparian buffers to wildlife, water quality.
– Create brochures/fliers, as needed

Planning, Reporting, and Administrative Responsibilities:
– Propose program innovations.
– Maintain appropriate records/files and provide periodic reports of accomplishments, as required.
– Prepare periodic reports for requesting agencies or organizations – including, but not limited to, The US Forest Service, the Chesapeake Bay Program, DEP, and NRCS.

Preferred Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or related field. Prior field experience is helpful.
– Knowledge of natural systems.
– Ability to identify plant species in order to design riparian planting plans and advise landowners.
– Basic knowledge and experience with ArcMap software and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and digital photography is required.
– Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
– Must have well-developed verbal and written communication skills as well as good computer skills.
– Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required. Must have the ability to work successfully with people at all organizational levels and from all backgrounds.
– Public presentation experience and skills required.
– Must excel in working independently as well as in a team and have excellent time management skills.
– Must be flexible with schedule and willing to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
– Must be able to perform physical work, carry heavy equipment, and navigate uneven terrain.
– Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing/able to travel to various locations throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

These are full time positions, offering a competitive salary and excellent fringe benefits package. Please send a resume and cover letter, including salary expectations, no later than Monday, November 7, 2016 to: wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list RipForestTech in the subject line.