Research Forester

$66,703 - $100,055/Yr

Weyerhaeuser - Columbus, MS

Full-time - Entry Level

Columbus, MS

Forestry and Logging

About the position

The Research Forester position at Weyerhaeuser involves supporting the Production Forestry field research program within the Southern Timberlands Technology (STT) Team. The role focuses on managing research activities related to southern pine ecosystems, collaborating with scientists and project leaders, and ensuring the successful execution of field tests. The Research Forester will also engage in technology transfer to operational teams and maintain a commitment to safety and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage contractors and conduct research in silviculture, forest soils, tree genetics, remote sensing, plant pathology, and nutrition.
• Participate in transferring research outcomes to Operations through presentations, field tours, and technical reports.
• Coordinate with the STT Team and Operational Foresters for the installation and maintenance of research sites in Timberlands.
• Assist in all facets of the Production Forestry Field Research Program, including Nursery, Forest Health, and silviculture.
• Contribute to related research areas such as Environmental, Tree Improvement, and Biometric as needed.
• Stay current on scientific advances and operational forestry practices to identify research opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Forest Management, Silviculture, Soils, or a closely related field.
• Basic understanding of plantation nutrition, tree physiology, tree genetics, soils, growth and yield, and silvicultural systems.
• Field forestry experience.
• Experience in contract administration, including preparing contracts and managing contractors for safety and quality control.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and GIS skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate remotely sensed data.
• Knowledge of statistical software: R (preferred) or SAS.
• Knowledge of experimental design and the importance of data quality.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Ability to work alone safely in remote areas with standard forestry tools.
• Proactive problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel up to 40% of the time, sometimes 1-2 weeks at a time, often requiring irregular work hours.
• Willingness to earn a UAV pilot's license within 6 months and a pesticide applicator's license within 12 months.

Nice-to-haves

• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong math, analytical, and financial analysis skills, including interpreting research data and understanding forest inventory data.
• Familiarity with spatial and tabular data in GIS and databases.
• Experience with herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer application management.
• Experience with UAVs (drones).

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Pre-tax Health Savings Account option with company contribution.
• Voluntary Long-Term Care and Employee Assistance Programs.
• Support for personal volunteerism and diversity networks.
• Training and development opportunities.
• 401k plan with company match and annual contribution equal to 5% of base salary.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation in the first year and 11 paid holidays per year.