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Description The Assistant Forest Administrator assists in the administration, planning, and management of the Rusk County Forest and Forestry Department. This position is responsible for managing the County's active timber sale program, assisting with sustainable forest management activities, coordinating improvement projects, assisting in the administration of contracts and grants, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing guidance to department staff. The Assistant Forest Administrator works closely with the Forest Administrator, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), contractors, and the public to support approximately 90,000 acres of County Forest while protecting natural resources and supporting a significant annual revenue source for Rusk County.

Examples of Duties The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Manage the County's active timber sale program in accordance with the County Forest Comprehensive Land Use Plan, annual work plan, sustainable forestry certification standards, and applicable state and federal regulations. Coordinate all phases of timber sale administration including pre-sale meetings, contract administration, inspections, compliance monitoring, corrective actions, enforcement, startup and closeout activities. Conduct timber scaling, oversee haul ticket accountability, verify timber sale payments, and monitor forest product accountability.

Develop and maintain positive working relationships with contractors, loggers, truckers, consulting foresters, and DNR personnel. Coordinate and assign timber sale inspections, scaling, and other time-sensitive field activities. Manage permit applications and oversee associated construction and compliance activities.

Monitor timber sale operations through field inspections and surveillance to ensure contract compliance. Evaluate forest stands using WisFIRS, GIS, GPS, and field inventory data to develop forest management prescriptions and identify future timber sale opportunities. Establish timber sale boundaries, complete forest inventory work, estimate timber volumes, and mark timber according to accepted silvicultural practices.

Maintain and update forest inventory databases and management records. Assist with implementation of sustainable forestry practices related to wildlife habitat, water quality, prescribed fire, invasive species, insect and disease management, and recreation. Research, develop, and administer grants supporting forestry, recreation, conservation, and infrastructure improvements.

Prepare project specifications, bid documents, contracts, and oversee project implementation. Assist with development and management of county forest road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects. Coordinate work with contractors, County departments, and outside agencies to complete infrastructure and maintenance projects.

Monitor forest health issues including invasive species, oak wilt, insect infestations, storm damage, and other forest health concerns. Coordinate sampling, testing, mitigation, and follow-up activities with DNR specialists. Serve as the County's Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Data Custodian and maintain compliance with applicable licensing requirements.

Assist with budgeting, billing, contract administration, and departmental recordkeeping. Present reports and recommendations to the Forestry Committee. Participate in long-range planning, policy development, and departmental decision-making.

Maintain productive working relationships with County departments, DNR staff, elected officials, special interest groups, contractors, and the public. Assist with park and recreation projects and perform departmental administrative duties in the absence of other staff. Typical Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Forestry from an accredited college or university that is affiliated with the Society of American Foresters.

Two years' experience in a field related to Forestry and Timber Management. Valid Wisconsin driver's license required. Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of sustainable forest management and timber sale administration.

Knowledge of Wisconsin forestry laws, administrative rules, best management practices, and sustainable forestry certification requirements. Knowledge of timber appraisal, scaling, harvesting operations, and contract administration. Knowledge of GIS, GPS, WisFirs, forest inventory methods, and mapping technologies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, government agencies, elected officials, landowners, and the public. Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment.

Supplemental Information Physical Requirements This job entails physical demands and exposure to hazardous conditions, disease or environments. Work Environment Usual office working conditions - comfortable work environment while in office. Environmental conditions impacting physical comfort, including weather extremes will be encountered while conducting these forestry activities and related duties while out of the office.

EOE / ADA Statement Rusk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rusk County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Selection Guidelines Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.