Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Forestry Biologist

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dynamic and highly motivated Forestry Biologist to join our team of environmental stewards. In this pivotal role, you will be the scientific backbone of our forest management operations, ensuring that all activities are grounded in sound ecological principles. You will be responsible for studying the intricate relationships between wildlife, plant communities, and forestry practices to develop and implement strategies that promote biodiversity, habitat health, and long-term ecosystem resilience. The ideal candidate is an adventurous, detail-oriented scientist with a deep passion for the outdoors and a commitment to balancing conservation goals with sustainable resource use.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Wildlife Technician or Biological Science Technician
Recent Graduate with a B.S. or M.S. in a relevant field
Environmental Consultant Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior Forestry Biologist or Lead Ecologist
Forestry Program Manager or Regional Biologist
Environmental Policy Advisor

Lateral Moves:

Wetland Scientist or Riparian Specialist
Environmental Consultant
GIS Analyst for Natural Resources

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, implement, and lead comprehensive biological surveys and monitoring programs for a wide range of flora and fauna, including threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, within forest landscapes.
Develop, write, and review detailed Forest Management Plans (FMPs) and Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) that integrate wildlife conservation objectives with timber harvesting and silvicultural goals.
Conduct rigorous habitat assessments and ecological site classifications to evaluate the impacts of forestry operations, climate change, and other stressors on ecosystem health and function.
Utilize advanced GPS technology for field navigation and precise data collection, and employ GIS software (such as ArcGIS Pro) to map habitat features, wildlife occurrences, and management units.
Prepare, write, and submit high-quality technical reports, biological assessments (BAs), and environmental impact statements (EIS) to meet federal and state regulatory requirements (e.g., NEPA, ESA).
Serve as the subject matter expert on wildlife biology and ecology, providing critical scientific guidance to interdisciplinary teams of foresters, engineers, and land managers.
Plan and oversee the implementation of habitat restoration and enhancement projects, including riparian zone planting, invasive species removal, and the creation of wildlife-specific habitat features.
Analyze complex biological data using statistical software (e.g., R, SAS) to identify population trends, habitat associations, and the effectiveness of management actions.
Ensure strict compliance with all pertinent environmental laws, regulations, and permits, including the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
Develop and execute detailed survey protocols for specific species or guilds, such as amphibian egg mass surveys, migratory bird point counts, and carnivore track and sign surveys.
Evaluate the potential effects of proposed timber sales, road construction, and other land use activities on biological resources and recommend scientifically-defensible mitigation measures.
Lead fieldwork in remote, rugged, and challenging environmental conditions, demonstrating a high level of physical fitness and self-sufficiency.
Conduct forest health assessments to monitor for insect infestations, disease outbreaks, and other forest pathogens, and recommend integrated pest management strategies.
Participate in the planning and safe implementation of prescribed fire programs to achieve specific ecological objectives, such as fuel reduction and habitat improvement.

Secondary Functions

Engage with government agencies, tribal partners, private landowners, and conservation organizations to foster collaborative relationships and achieve shared conservation outcomes.
Deliver compelling presentations and communicate complex scientific information effectively to diverse audiences, including technical working groups, senior management, and the general public.
Contribute to the organization's long-term conservation strategy and provide input on land acquisition and stewardship priorities.
Review scientific literature and attend professional conferences to stay current on the latest research, conservation techniques, and emerging issues in forest ecology.
Train and mentor junior biologists, field technicians, and seasonal staff in field safety, data collection protocols, and species identification.
Support ad-hoc research initiatives and collaborate with academic partners to advance the science of forest and wildlife management.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced GIS/GPS Proficiency: Expertise in using ESRI ArcGIS suite (ArcPro, ArcGIS Online) and high-precision GPS units for spatial analysis, habitat mapping, and field data collection.
Wildlife & Plant Identification: Strong taxonomic skills with the ability to identify regional flora and fauna, particularly forest-dwelling species, birds, and vascular plants.
Forest Inventory & Silviculture: In-depth knowledge of forest mensuration techniques (e.g., timber cruising, variable radius plots) and silvicultural systems used in forest management.
Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in using statistical software (R preferred) to analyze ecological data, perform population modeling, and conduct habitat suitability analysis.
Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of key environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Clean Water Act (CWA).
Technical & Scientific Writing: Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and defensible scientific reports, biological assessments, and management plans for technical and non-technical audiences.
Off-Road Vehicle Operation: Experience safely operating 4x4 trucks, ATVs, and other utility vehicles on unimproved forest roads and rugged terrain.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex ecological problems and develop innovative, practical, and science-based solutions.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven track record of working effectively within interdisciplinary teams, fostering a cooperative and respectful environment.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and negotiate positive outcomes.
Adaptability & Resilience: Capacity to work independently for long hours in challenging physical and environmental conditions, maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from initial planning to final reporting, while meeting deadlines and budgets.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited university in a relevant scientific field.

Preferred Education:

A Master of Science (M.S.) degree is highly preferred, as it demonstrates advanced research and analytical capabilities.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Wildlife Biology
Forestry
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Conservation Biology
Natural Resource Management
Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional, post-degree experience conducting biological fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing in a forestry or natural resource context.

Preferred:

Experience that includes a combination of work in the private timber industry, a public land management agency (e.g., USFS, State DNR), and/or environmental consulting.
Professional certification, such as a Certified Wildlife Biologist® (CWB®) from The Wildlife Society, is a significant asset.