Forestry Specialist

About the role

The Forestry Specialist will work jointly with the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote healthy forest management on private lands. Employed by WMI, the specialist will receive supervision from WMI and daily guidance from local DNR staff.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with local District Foresters and NRCS staff to identify forest restoration opportunities.
• Provide technical assistance to private landowners, including site visits and development of forest management plans that meet NRCS standards.
• Develop and coordinate contracts, conduct site assessments, monitor progress, and track/report accomplishments.
• Conduct outreach to promote forest management objectives within the designated area.
• Assist landowners in accessing conservation programs such as EQIP, CSP, REAP, and other federal, state, and local initiatives.
• Attend relevant DNR and NRCS meetings and training sessions.

Required profile

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, comfortable speaking publicly and engaging landowners one‑on‑one.
• Willingness to advocate for young forests and active forest management.
• Ability to work independently.
• Basic knowledge of forest ecology, wildlife management, and relevant conservation programs (e.g., CRP, EQIP, CSP).

Required skills