Forester

Requisition :4217

Salary: $51,696.00 - $64,512.00

Salary Grade: S8

Job Location: Ozark Region, Winona/Doniphan

Closing Date: February 9, 2026

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.

To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor, Brad D McKee ee.gov or 5, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Note: Applicants may be domiciled in Winona or Doniphan, Missouri for this position.

Administer, maintain, and manage the forested resources and wildlife habitat on urban and rural landscapes in Missouri including assistance to private landowners and work on Conservation Areas. This position will cover 4 counties:
Shannon, Oregon, Ripley, and Carter counties.

• Within an assigned district, works with other resource professionals to lead, develop and deliver private land initiatives, programs, and services that address important natural resource issues. Provides one-on-one natural resource technical advice to landowners. Actively works to strengthen the relationships with other resource partners to deliver private land services.
• Provides natural resource technical support to USDA (NRCS, FSA), SWCD and University of Missouri Outreach and Extension. Develop annual budget request and work plan assuring alignment with Agency priorities and then oversee implementation to accomplish objectives.
• Conduct forest management activities on private land through forest inventory and implementation of recommended prescriptions including timber sale preparation and administration, use of prescribed burns, exotic plant control, tree planting and coordination with other partners.
• Coordinates and writes management plans for private landowners.
• Assist communities and land owners with management of their forests through plan development, site visits, grant and recognition programs, timber sale assistance, cost share assistance, wildlife habitat projects, etc.
• Conduct community forestry and arboriculture training/workshops/presentations for a wide variety of internal and external stakeholder audiences.
• Collaborate with developers to assist in the design of conservation friendly developments.
• Diagnose insect and disease problems on trees and provide control recommendations to municipalities, commercial enterprises, homeowners, and the general public.
• Disseminate information regarding forest management, improving tree health, tree planting, care and maintenance to the general public through phone, email, and in person discussions.
• Prepare and present programs to the general public through a variety of media.
• Provide assistance to wood industries trying to locate and purchase logs, wood products and/or markets for materials they have.
• Carry out management, budget compliance, and purchase of equipment and supplies.
• Attend meetings, training and conferences to continue professional development.
• Conduct wildfire detection, prevention, and suppression duties.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, dozers, and tractors.

• Organize and/or participate in internal and external regional planning committees and councils.
• Organize and/or participate in special events and programs, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or Forest Management or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in forestry work with demonstrated competency in state land management, private land management, community forestry and wildfire suppression.
• ISA Arborist Certification desired but not required for positions with primary job responsibilities in community forestry.
• Society of American Foresters Candidate Certified Forester desired but not required.
• Certified American Tree Farm Inspector desired but can be obtained after hiring.
• Ability to obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.

• Knowledge to conduct forest inventory and analysis.
• Knowledge to observe and classify trees and common insects and diseases.
• Knowledge to interpret aerial photos and soil survey maps.
• Ability to read and write land descriptions using latitudes and longitudes, GPS data, and standard legal descriptions (Township, Range, Section), and to locate specific points, areas and features on topographic maps and on the ground.
• Ability to complete a forest inventory and analysis and utilize this information to make forest management recommendations with appropriate technical specifications, and plan and implement standard forest management practices.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences including Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, Extension Agents, private landowners, FFA instructors, community leaders, teachers, saw millers and loggers.
• Ability to…