Scientific Research Specialist CL2 - Forest Technician

Forest Technician The Forest Technician reports to the University Forest Manager although daily work assignments may be made by the Forest Operations Manager. Work is often performed alone with limited or no direct supervision. Year-round outdoor work, sometimes in adverse conditions (i.e. cold, deep snow, heat, rain, and insects) is required. Travel statewide is required. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $21.93/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement. Essential duties and responsibilities of the Forest Technician include: Train and supervise student employees in activities such as per-commercial thinning of forest stands, firewood processing, boundary line maintenance, timber harvesting, forest inventory and invasive plant control. Maintain buildings, grounds, facilities and equipment. Work with the Forest Operations Manager and students as part of a conventional logging crew operating the University Forest cable skidder, or other heavy equipment, hand-felling trees as part of the yearly timber harvest operations and as needed for research and demonstrations. Help organize and lead field labs for forestry and wildlife classes on topics related to logging and forest operations, assist with the annual forestry summer camp, research learning experience class and Tanglewood first year student orientation camp. Assist with chainsaw safety classes for students and other U-Maine employees using the Game-of-Logging training methodology. Operate, maintain and repair a variety of heavy equipment including a cable skidder, farm tractors, bulldozer, road grader, bandsaw mills, chainsaws and various small engine equipment. Plow snow on the Demeritt and Penobscot forests and other properties as needed. Groom ski trails with snowsled and tow behind groomer. Conduct road maintenance and repair under direction of the Forest Manager or Operations Manager. Mow roadsides, recreational trails and fields. Collect forest inventory data on variable and fixed radius plots and enter data. Research, locate and maintain over 115 miles of boundary lines, based on deeds and existing evidence, on properties across the State of Maine. Serve as the university representative on the Certified Logging Professional advisory board. Principal responsibility for UM Forests maple syrup operations: Ordering supplies and materials. Scheduling student workers and volunteers for tapping trees and gathering sap. Preparation, operation and cleanup of the evaporator, sugarhouse, and collection apparatus, Finishing & bottling syrup. Hosting forestry classes, local TV stations, schoolchildren and visitors.