County Forester

Job Posting End Date:

05-26-2026

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Position Summary:

The essential purpose of this position is to establish, administer, and supervise the timber sale program on County Forest and County Park Lands. Also assists with planning and directing other forestry programs including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, dispersed recreation, reforestation and property management. This work is performed under the general direction of the County Forest Administrator.

Examples of Work Performed:

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.

• Establishes timber sales in accordance with adopted plans for county forest and county park properties. Occasionally establishes timber sales on other county property.
• Assumes direct responsibility for administering and supervising timber sale contracts; conducts forest inventories by interpreting photos, establishing field plots, and using cartography; conducts site evaluation of timber sales, planning and layout of road constructions, and log landings for sales; creates timber sale prospectus.
• Manages various surveys, projects and cultural cuttings on forest/park lands by examining and surveying land, completing entomological and pathological surveys, and completing forest research projects.
• Completes forest inventories, draft management plans, updates and revises existing plans on non-county forest lands.
• Inspects tree removal and planting on forestry lands.
• Monitors forest conditions (watershed, soil conditions, wildlife habitat) by field reconnaissance of all forestlands on a 20-year cycle.
• Develops and maintains GIS/GPS (Geographic Information System-ArcPro and Global Positioning System) data bases for property lines, forest inventory, wildlife, recreation trails, infrastructure, timber types, and historical management practices.
• Creates detailed maps for department staff utilizing ArcPro.
• Develops and maintains DNR Wisconsin Forest Inventory Reporting System Databases. (WisFirs)
• Proposes policy for consideration by the County Forest Administrator and PRF Director; interprets existing policies and plans.
• Assists with planning and implementing various forest/park recreation programs in a dispersed recreation setting such as snowmobiling, ATV, cross-country skiing, equestrian, mountain biking, hunting, and hiking.
• Administers trail construction contracts plus coordinates trail maintenance for hiking and hunter walking trails.
• Assists with developing and presenting educational resource management programs for the public.
• Assists with identification, inventory, and assessment of land for potential acquisition.
• Cooperates with local organizations to improve and promote various aspects of forest management with dispersed recreation.
• Provides technical forestry assistance to public and private landowners.
• Assists with training, supervising, and evaluating seasonal/temporary employees and interns when applicable.
• Assists State and County law enforcement personnel to enforce natural resource laws and regulations.
• Applies and/or supervises herbicide applications; plants trees and supervises planting crews.
• Presents Forest Management goals and objectives to County Board committees and user groups.
• Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance. Works extra hours as required
• Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or Forest Administration from a university accredited by the Society of American Foresters plus three years professional forestry work experience that includes extensive responsibility for establishing, administering, and supervising timber sales. Equivalent combination of paid work experience and closely related education may be considered. Work experience in a multiple use management setting preferred. Certified Pesticide Applicators License required with one of year of employment. Will also need a valid driver license and driving record that meets County standards.

Compensation:

Starting salary is $65,748.80 + Marathon County benefits

Application deadline May 25, 2026 at 11:59pm

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of forest management, conservation, and reforestation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations regarding forestry and government land surveys and conservation programs.
• Knowledge of logging and allied industries.
• Skill in using survey instruments, including GIS/GPS equipment.
• Skill in preparing resource management maps and drawings.
• Skill in using forestry tools and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret aerial photographs and prepare accurate type maps.
• Ability to utilize GIS/GPS software.
• Ability to identify diseases and infestations peculiar to trees in the region.
• Ability to plan and implement varied forest recreation programs.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Understands the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law