Job Description

Itasca Woodland Services, Inc.'s team members are competent, reliable, and share our core principles. We aim to hire the right people, not just the right resume!

POSITION: FOREST TECHNICIAN

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To enhance the company's ability to consistently provide a broad range of quality forest inventory and management services to both public and private clientele in Minnesota.

GOAL OF THE POSITION

?

To complete company projects related to forest inventory, timber stand improvement, timber sales, or other forestry related projects in a safe, timely, and efficient manner that is consistent with the company's standards of production, quality, ethics, and culture.

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1996, Itasca Woodland Services, Inc.

is a customer-centric, growth oriented woodland consulting company. Our mission is to become the leading and most respected provider of forestry consulting services for private landowners in Minnesota, and to have a lasting and positive impact on the people and natural resources we interact with. We always strive to provide exceptional customer service that sets us apart from the competition, and we believe that this is best achieved by producing quality work, effective and timely communication, and by constantly striving to improve and simplify the lives of our clients.

We offer a wide range of woodland services to private individuals and families including woodland management planning, timber harvest administration, access to carbon credits, timber appraisals, timber stand improvement, and tree planting. These services are our primary area of focus, but we also engage in forest inventory or timber stand improvement contracts with public agencies, which will be the primary focus of this position.

Becoming a member of Itasca Woodland Services is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to serve others, have a positive impact on the environment, and educate and inspire the stewards of privately owned lands. We strive to put the right people in the right positions, coach them to excellence and remove barriers to success. We believe that empowering people to utilize their natural strengths and talents leads to a satisfying and engaging career, and company success.

? Are energized by opportunities to serve both our clients and each other.

? Provide the very best customer service through active listening and a passionate desire to simplify and improve the lives of our clients and the service providers that we depend on.

? Understand and appreciate the value that each member brings to the team and how critically important everyone's work is to the success of the company.

? Have ethical standards that exceed client expectations and align with the National Association of Consulting Foresters Code of Ethics.

? Strive for excellence, efficiency, and profitability in our work.

? Approach our daily, weekly, and quarterly goals with determination, tenacity, focus, and a patient, friendly attitude.

MEMBERS OF ITASCA WOODLAND SERVICES:

? Are continually seeking personal growth and ways to improve upon company efficiency, culture, and procedures.

? Are able to measure our success by the achievement of challenging but reasonable production and financial goals.

? Appreciate and capitalize on our opportunity to have a lasting and positive impact on our natural and social environment through our actions and influence on others.

Our motto says it all.... Serving People, Caring for Nature

If you have a passion to make a positive impact on the woodlands of Minnesota and the people you interact with, are comfortable working alone in very remote areas, and you feel you will thrive in our company's culture, please apply to join our team!

We are currently seeking

one or more

full-time Forest Technicians

.

This is considered an entry-level position

with a focus on forest inventory project management,

with the opportunity for extended, permanent employment and advancement within the company.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Forest Inventory

?

Conduct forest inventory

on public and/or private lands using handheld data recorders and basic forest measurement tools. Operate ATV's, OHV's, or snowmobiles on a daily or periodic basis, in remote to very remote areas. You will be on a team of foresters working on the same project(s), but you can expect to be working "solo" during the work day.

Timber Stand Improvement

?

Seedling release, bud capping, tree planting, etc.,

using handheld mechanized or manual tools.

Other Specialized Projects as Needed

? Timber sale boundary marking and inventory.

? Carbon market related projects.

? Urban Forestry/vegetation treatments.

? Control invasive plant species via chemical and mechanical means.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This position is based out of our office in Grand Rapids, MN. In this position you will gain experience in a wide range of forest management activities throughout northern Minnesota, as well as an enhanced understanding of forest ecology in Minnesota timber types. This is a strenuous position requiring a high standard of physical fitness and a willingness to endure difficult, often uncomfortable and very remote outdoor settings. This position is approximately 90% outdoors and affected by weather, and as such a high degree of flexibility and willingness to adjust weekly or even daily work schedules is essential in order to achieve production goals. You will be challenged and encouraged to be your very best and will work with a team of professionals that is committed to providing excellent service, highly efficient teamwork, and mutual respect. The amount of overnight travel that is required will vary by project but is anticipated to be between 40% - 50% in any given year. Includes company paid accommodations and a meals per diem when overnight travel is required.

Personal/Technical skills required to succeed in this position:

? Proficiency in basic forest measurement tools including diameter tape, clinometer, compass and orientation, gps, mobile data recorders, etc.

? Able to interact respectfully and effectively with clients and the general public.

? Proven ability to operate ATV's, OHV's, or snowmobiles in a safe manner.

? Basic small engines troubleshooting.

? Excellent organizational, planning, and record keeping skills.

? Excellent physical fitness and stamina, able to carry loads of up to 35 pounds for extended periods.

? Excellent judgement and decision making skills in regard to personal safety, production and efficiency, care for equipment and machinery, quality of work, etc.

? Able to solve problems "on the fly" and overcome various obstacles in order to achieve daily goals.

? Advanced identification skills of Lake States tree and shrub species.

? Able to communicate effectively with team members and clients in a timely and friendly manner.

? Flexibility and an ability to adjust to an ever-changing work environment and weather conditions in order to maximize production in each work day.

WHO YOU ARE

? You are passionate about your work, woodland management, and are driven to succeed and contribute to your company's success.

? You are optimistic, have a positive attitude, and are respectful and patient with others, and you proactively seek appropriate resolutions to problems or conflicts as appropriate.

? You are internally motivated to bring your best to work each day and embrace challenges.

? You use machinery and equipment gently and with appropriate care.

? You are curious and open-minded in exploring solutions and opportunities that enhance the company's image, exposure, workflow and efficiency, and profitability.

? You are humble and patient, always assuming the best in others.

? You handle conflicts with grace and high standards of professionalism.

? You thrive in a fast-paced, driven environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.

? You have the technical expertise to competently carry out your tasks.

? You are eager to learn from others, and to share what you have learned with others.

? You maintain the highest levels of professional integrity. You always strive to say what you mean, mean what you say, and do what you say you will do.

? You are transparent and accountable with your team. You take responsibility for your errors in judgement or work quality, taking corrective action as warranted.

? You communicate proactively and appropriately at all times. Your communication style is professional and concise.

? You are able to remain engaged in your work and self-motivated while working alone in remote and/or isolated environments.

MAJOR CHALLENGES

? Working through inclement weather, biting/stinging insects, and in difficult terrain.

? Achieving quarterly and yearly production and financial goals.

? Managing schedules, frequent obstacles, and task prioritization to maximize workflow efficiency, profitability and completion of projects according to deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

? Proficient with basic forestry tools such as d-tape, clinometer, angle gauge/BA prism, increment borer, etc.

? Proven ability to accurately identify most northern Minnesota tree species and differentiate them from shrub species in leaf-off conditions.

? Possess basic navigational skills using aerial photos, gps, smart phone apps, etc.

? Proven ability to prioritize, organize, and accept responsibility.

? Proven project management, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

? Above average oral and electronic communication skills.

? Excellent professional references.

? Valid driver's license with clean driving record.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

? Associate degree in forestry or related field, or in lieu, extensive experience in logging or forestry.

? 2+ years of experience in forest inventory and/or vegetation management.

? ATV and snowmobile safety certification

? Chainsaw safety training/certification

? Advanced GIS proficiency

AUTHORITY (after first 12 months)

Act Alone:

? Arrange daily and weekly work schedule

? Expenses and scheduling related to routine maintenance of automotive vehicles, including ATV's and snowmobiles

Touch Base with CEO

? Accept new projects/clients within the normal scope of business and fee schedule

? Purchase forestry equipment and supplies

? Minor to moderate repairs or upgrades to equipment and machinery

Need approval from CEO:

? Accept projects on the company's behalf outside of our normal scope of business and/or fee schedule

? Equipment and supplies expenses beyond ordinary use

? Major automotive repairs or upgrades, including ATV's and snowmobiles

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA

? Comparison of actual performance to the Goals for this Position

? Fulfillment of the responsibilities for this Position

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION SCHEDULE

? Annual performance review

? Quarterly production goal and performance review

? Weekly one-on-ones

Come see why Itasca Woodland Services is a great place to work!

Employee Satisfaction Survey Results

(1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree)

I know what is expected of me at work - 5 I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right - 5 At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day - 5 In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work - 5 My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person - 5 There is someone at work who encourages my development - 5 At work, my opinions seem to count - 5 At work, my opinions seem to count - 5 My co-workers are committed to doing quality work - 5 In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress - 5 This last year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow - 5

COMPENSATION

$41,500 - $50,500. Compensation commensurate with documented experience and proven capability.

BENEFITS (Immediately)

?

Opportunity for periodic and project specific production bonuses and/or overtime pay

?

Paid Holidays - 8

?

PTO

- Meets or exceeds the new Minnesota "Earned Sick and Safe Time" law

?

Access to company ATV, OHV and/or snowmobile as needed

?

Use of company truck

or

mileage compensation at Federal rates

(negotiable -TBD)

?

Flexible scheduling

?

Lodging and per diem when overnight travel is required

?

Cell Phone Stipend

$50/month

?

Opportunity for extended permanent employment and advancement within the company

BENEFITS (Begins Jan. 1 following employment start date)

?

SIMPLE retirement plan (small business version of a 401K) and 3% Company match

?

POSTING DATE:

October 18th, 2025. Position will remain open until it is filled. Interviews will be scheduled as needed. The anticipated start date is dependent upon candidate availability and/or company needs.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: Fall of 2025

TO APPLY:

Submit your cover letter, resume, and at least two professional references to:

Stan Grossman

stan@iwsconsulting.com

STATUS

Full time permanent. 40 to 48 hour work weeks.

Position(s) will remain open until filled, interviews scheduled as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41,500.00 - $50,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan
Work Location: In person