Forest Wildlife Specialist

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MICHIGAN'S FORESTS

What if you could help shape how thousands of acres of Michigan's forests are managed for wildlife and forest health? RGS & AWS is seeking a Forest Wildlife Specialist to lead landscape-scale conservation planning with the U.S. Forest Service and partners, and help turn shared priorities into meaningful habitat improvements.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) and its partners are developing Dynamic Forest Restoration Blocks (DFRBs) to identify and prioritize forest restoration opportunities across the Manistee portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

One DFRB plan is already drafted, and other planning areas need attention. We need someone who can independently coordinate partners, analyze forest landscapes, and move two plans to completion by December 31, 2027. These plans will help guide habitat restoration and future implementation opportunities.

You will own meaningful conservation planning work, collaborate with USFS staff, local chapters, and conservation organizations, and grow your technical and partnership skills through diverse, outcome-focused projects. Our goal is not simply to produce plans; it is to improve forests and habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other wildlife.

WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH

• Dynamic Forest Restoration Block Planning (Approximately 65%)

  • Independently coordinate DFRB planning schedules, partner meetings, and day-to-day development with USFS personnel and conservation partners.

  • Use GIS to assess landscape conditions, forest age classes, habitat needs, and restoration opportunities; create clear maps of priority treatment areas.

  • Develop planning documents with conservation objectives, proposed treatments, cost estimates, and implementation approaches; incorporate partner review and feedback.

  • Build support among partners and RGS & AWS chapters for landscape restoration priorities and future on-the-ground conservation activities.

  • First-year outcome: Complete the existing drafted DFRB within six months of hire and finish two technically complete, partner-reviewed DFRB plans by December 31, 2027. Plans should include mapped priorities, treatment recommendations, estimated costs, and implementation strategies.

• Non-Stewardship Wildlife Habitat Implementation (Approximately 25%)

  • Plan and deliver assigned non-commercial wildlife habitat, invasive species, and forest restoration projects supported by non-stewardship agreements.

  • Prepare scopes, prescriptions, cost estimates, budgets, and schedules; coordinate eligible bidding and contracting activities.

  • Monitor contractors, inspect project results, document treated acres, and ensure work meets approved specifications and funding requirements.

• Project Reporting and Coordination (Approximately 10%)

  • Track planning milestones, GIS data, project expenditures, and conservation accomplishments; submit required reports on time.

  • Communicate decisions, progress, and obstacles with RGS & AWS staff, USFS colleagues, conservation partners, and chapters.

  • Develop and manage assigned conservation agreements and prepare proposals to solicit grant funding for landscape-scale planning and wildlife habitat restoration.

Assigned habitat implementation targets will be established from approved agreement deliverables. This position does not own timber sale operations or all projects emerging from DFRB plans.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Must-Haves

• A degree in forestry, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, or a closely related field.

• Working knowledge of forest ecology, wildlife habitat management, and active forest management principles.

• Ability to independently perform GIS landscape analysis, interpret spatial datasets, and produce practical maps.

• Experience coordinating projects or planning efforts involving multiple partners or organizations.

• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, initiative, and ability to manage deadlines independently.

• Ability and willingness to conduct occasional field assessments in remote terrain and variable weather.

Experience That Would Set You Apart

• Forest management, wildlife habitat, or landscape-scale conservation planning experience.

• Familiarity with early-successional habitat, age-class diversity, ruffed grouse, and American woodcock.

• Experience with the USFS, state natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, or chapter engagement.

• Experience facilitating partner meetings, preparing treatment specifications, managing contractors, or tracking grant-funded budgets.

You do not need every preferred qualification. We welcome qualified candidates at different career stages who have strong GIS abilities, sound ecological knowledge, and the initiative to learn and lead.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS

The position serves the Manistee portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forest and is based out of the Baldwin Ranger District Office, with flexibility to live within the broader Huron-Manistee area. Expect approximately 25% fieldwork and 75% office-based GIS analysis, planning, coordination, and reporting, with some schedule flexibility and regular office requirements.