Kansas Forest Service

About This Role:

The Kansas Forest Service is looking for a full-time position as a Tech Team Lead. This position is responsible for providing leadership, direction, technical expertise, and coordination to the four agricultural technicians that comprise the Tech Team. Essential roles of the Tech Team Lead are to coordinate with program coordinators and district foresters to organize and complete forestry projects across the state for the Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Forest Health and Fire Programs. Examples of work the Tech Team completes are community forestry inventory, stand inventory, prescription marking, timber stand improvements, prescribed fire, fire suppression, seed collection, and nursery functions.

The position will be based out of Manhattan, KS. Approximately 50% of the time will be spent in the field working on projects with the Tech Team. Travel is routine with frequent necessary overnight travel. Work may need to be done in inclement weather on occasion.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5^th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887, and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 35 full-time employees, and 40+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization. Learn more at our website: www.kansasforests.org

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is eligible for hybrid worksite. Work is performed partially remote and partially on employer premises or designated assignment location. This role is expected to work at least two days a week in the field leading the Tech Team through projects across the State. This role will also be working out of the State Office in Manhattan, KS in order to attend meetings and work alongside project coordinators and other staff to organize projects. There is opportunity to work remotely one day a week if scheduling and supervisor allows.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two years of experience in forestry, horticulture, landscape ecology, or landscape architecture. Education such as a Master’s degree can be substituted for required experience as determined relevant by the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, or a closely related field.
• Five years of experience in project management, forestry, horticulture, landscape ecology, or landscape architecture.
• Certified Arborist through KAA or ISA.
• Experience utilizing GIS and Microsoft Office suite programs.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid Driver’s License

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by September 16, 2024

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$20.30 - $31.45 hourly

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

About This Role:

The Kansas Forest Service is looking for a full-time, term position as the District Forester of a 10-county district in Southeast Kansas. This position is responsible for providing rural forestry technical assistance to owners and managers of the region's rural forest resources including forest land, woodlots, windbreaks, and shelterbelts. Duties include the responsibility to plan, develop and conduct a balanced full-service forestry program to meet the needs of the resource and clientele in a positive and professional manner. This position will also establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with federal, state and local natural resource agencies and organizations on forestry related programs. Incumbent conducts a full-service forestry program with limited direct supervision. Approximately 80% of the time will be spent in the field, travel is routine with occasional overnight travel for special duties and training. Inclement weather on occasion but at the decision of the incumbent. The office location of this position is in Parsons, KS.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887 and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 35 full-time employees, and 40+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization.

KFS works with a diverse group of partners at local, state, and federal levels to help serve the State of Kansas in pursuit of our mission: “Care of Natural Resources and Service to People Through Forestry”. We pride ourselves on the multi-faceted services we provide the many stakeholders of Kansas. KFS contributes an estimated combined economic impact of $34 million annually.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment disctrict.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource discipline

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of field experience in forestry, horticulture, or related natural resources
• Certified Forester (Society of American Foresters)
• Knowledge and experience in tree ID, GIS, tree planting and pruning, tree inventory
• Effective verbal and written communication

Other Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License upon employment
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references
4. Academic transcripts

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration apply by September 6, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$47,000 - $52,000 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

About This Role:

The Kansas Forest Service is looking for a full-time, term position as the Volunteer and Partnership Liaison within our Community Forestry Program. The Volunteer and Partnership Liaison is a key role in advancing community forestry initiatives and enhancing the well-being of community forests in Kansas. This position is responsible for managing and coordinating volunteer programs and fostering partnerships to support the Kansas Forest Service’s mission of sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities. This position will engage communities, cultivate meaningful partnerships with external partners, and recruit and coordinate volunteers.  This Volunteer and Partnership Liaison will also establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with tribes, federal, state and local agencies and organizations on forestry related programs. One important program the Volunteer and Partnership Liaison will deliver is Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest. The office for this position is located in Manhattan, KS.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887 and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 37 full-time employees, and 45+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization.

KFS works with a diverse group of partners at local, state, and federal levels to help serve the State of Kansas in pursuit of our mission: “Sustaining and enhancing natural resources and communities through forestry and wildland fire management”. We pride ourselves on the multi-faceted services we provide the many stakeholders of Kansas. KFS contributes an estimated combined economic impact of $34 million annually.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is eligible for hybrid worksite. Approximately 25% of the time will be spent in the field, travel is routine with occasional overnight travel for projects, meetings, special duties, and training. Decisions regarding office location of the position will be with final approval by the hiring manager.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• Two years’ experience in volunteer management, community outreach, partnership development, or community forestry. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in natural resource management, nonprofit management, environmental science, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Organization and project management skills including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite and experience with volunteer databases.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid Driver’s License

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references
4. Academic transcripts

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 30, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$50,000 - $52,000 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

About This Role:

The Kansas Forest Service is looking for a full-time position as a GIS Analyst. This position will be responsible for providing GIS support and services to the staff and programs of the Kansas Forest Service in furthering the mission of the agency. Major activities will include the development, maintenance, and analysis of spatial data across all programs and grant supported projects. In addition, the GIS Analyst maintains and provides staff support for web based geodata systems used to track KFS activities and accomplishments. The position also allows for collaboration with researchers on the campus of Kansas State University, the USFS, and other federal, state, and local entities to develop GIS/remote sensing technologies to assist with forestry and wildland fire management in the State of Kansas. This position is based out of the KFS State Office in Manhattan, KS.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5^th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887, and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 35 full-time employees, and 40+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization. Learn more at our website: www.kansasforests.org

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Geography, Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field with significant course work in GIS techniques and technology.
• Two years of GIS focused experience at the professional or student level. (This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree specifically focused on GIS
• Certificate in GIS
• Proficiency in written and verbal communications

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid Driver’s License

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references
4. Academic transcripts

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 30, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$47,500 - $65,000  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

About This Role:

The Kansas Forest Service is hiring a full-time position as the Forest Health Coordinator. This position is the Statewide, leadership level, subject matter expert for the Kansas Forest Service on matters related to Forest Health. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative responsibility for the management of forest health grants and reporting requirements. Another major expectation for this position is being the forest health point of contact with partner agencies and the public. 

Internally this position works to keep other KFS staff informed of status of forest health threats and current research on mitigation options. As a leadership level position the incumbent will assist in bringing a Forest Health perspective into agency direction and planning discussions. Strong organizational and prioritization skills will be key to success in this role.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5^th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887, and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 35 full-time employees, and 40+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization. Learn more at our website: www.kansasforests.org

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, plant pathology, entomology, natural resources, or a related field.
• Two years of professional experience to include independent field work in a natural resources field and administrative responsibilities such as reporting or financial accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in forestry, plant pathology, forest entomology, natural resources, ecology, plant physiology, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Forester or Arborist.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Kansas pesticide applicator license within first year of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Professional references
4. Academic transcripts

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 30, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$55,000 - $65,000 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

About This Role:

Kansas Forest Service is hiring a full-time Agricultural Technician II position within the Conservation Tree Planting Program (CTPP). The CTPP operates a conservation seedling distribution program which procures and/or produces various types of woody plant material including bare-root seedlings, stratified seed and containerized seedlings to be used for conservation plantings throughout the state. Over 40 species of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs are propagated and or/procured on an annual basis.

The agricultural technician recruited will fill an important role at KFS through the facilitation of greenhouse operations, through the operation and maintenance of equipment, by providing assistance with labor intensive shipping operations, facilitating seed collection and processing efforts for the nursery, and maintaining grounds around KFS. This position will qualify for paid stand-by time in cooperation with the CTPP Foresters.

Why Join Us:

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5^th oldest state forestry agency in the country established in 1887, and is housed as an independent agency within K-State Research and Extension. The agency employs 35 full-time employees, and 40+ temporary and student positions, housed in Manhattan, KS and offices throughout the state. Our programs include Rural Forestry, Community Forestry, Fire Management, Conservation Tree Planting, Forest Health, and Marketing and Utilization. Learn more at our website: www.kansasforests.org

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.   To see what benefits are available, please visit:  https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion.  The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others.  The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school education
• One year of relevant experience. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or closely related field
• Three years of experience in plant propagation-particularly trees and shrubs
• Experience operating, maintaining and servicing agricultural equipment and shop tools (particularly forklift and skidsteer)
• Knowledge of the hazards and proper use of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides
• Prior experience with the operation of skid steer and forklift equipment.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
• Must be willing to obtain a KDA commercial pesticide applicator license within 6 months of employment (category 2,3A and 7c)
• Must be able to complete training on Skidsteer and forklift operation within 6 months of employment
• Must be able to haul loads up of up to 24,000 lbs GCWR with truck and trailer

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Professional References

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 20, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

$14.54 - $21.81/hour  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.