Forester/Trails Coordinator

Job Description:

Forester/Trails Coordinator

Description

This position?performs forest management and is responsible for overseeing conservation practices, maintaining the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems, coordinating responsible timber harvests, and securing grant funding for forest-related projects. The County Forester will work closely with local, state, and federal agencies, private landowners, industry stakeholders, and the public to promote sustainable forest management practices.
The Trails Coordinator oversees the planning, development, maintenance, and promotion of the county’s ATV/UTV trail system. This position works closely with state and local partners—including the Wisconsin DN), trail clubs, landowners, and law enforcement—to ensure trails are safe, sustainable, and compliant with state and county regulations. The Coordinator also manages grant funding, budgets, and agreements related to motorized recreation.

Forestry Functions:
Assess forest resources, including timber volume, species composition, and overall health of forest land. Conducts on-site forest viewing/inspections to assess for forest health and protect from disease, insects, wildfires, signs of unsustainable use, etc. ?Research, plan and implement forestry projects, conservation initiatives and reforestation efforts. Investigates?complaints and documents?violations of County Forest land.??Develops written?notice of violations and orders for compliance.?Reviews and issues timber cutting permits?or notifies?applicant when?additional?information is needed.? Provides?denial notifications as needed.?Serves as a resource and educator on the health and sustainability of forest land management.?Provides necessary documentation and testimony to Corporation Counsel for litigation required for enforcement of County forest land use ordinances.?Apply for and secure grant funding for related projects.Educates customers and all stake holders of code and ordinance requirements.?Reviews?application requests, compiles?facts of the ordinance?and develops recommendations?to the Board or Committee.?Participates in?public hearings relating as requested.???Complete inventory timber stands, estimate timber volume, and appraise timber value.Enter and track pertinent information and data for annual audit completion. ????Draft amendments to the Forest Land Use Ordinance?as directed.?Work cooperatively with the local DNR Forester and other DRN Personnel.Effective data entry into the WISFIRS program.Record and maintain timber sale documents and pass required DNR reviews of timber sales.Other duties as assigned.? Trails Functions:
Plan, coordinate, and oversee the maintenance, signing, grooming, and development of ATV/UTV trails throughout the county.Serve as the primary liaison between the county, local ATV/UTV clubs, landowners, municipalities, and the Wisconsin DNR.Conduct regular inspections of trails to ensure safety, compliance, and environmental stewardship.Coordinate seasonal openings and closings of trails and communicate updates to the public.Prepare and submit grant applications for state and federal trail funding (e.g., Wis. DNR ATV/UTV Trail Aids).Track and report expenditures, reimbursement requests, and financial documentation in accordance with DNR guidelines.Assist in developing the annual trail program budget and manage associated accounts.Provide information to the public, media, and partner organizations about trail conditions, rules, and safety initiatives.Collaborate with tourism bureaus and local businesses to promote responsible motorized recreation and economic development.Coordinate volunteer activities and partnerships with local ATV/UTV clubs.Develop and implement long-range trail plans, including route expansion, land acquisition, and inter-county trail connections.Ensure compliance with county ordinances, DNR regulations, and land use agreements.Represent the county on regional trail committees and advisory groups.Work with law enforcement and to support safe trail use and emergency response planning.Monitor environmental impacts and coordinate mitigation efforts where necessary.Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s?Degree Forestry, Forest Management, natural resources management, land use planning, geography, Environmental Science, Recreation Management ?or?closely?related field with at least 3 years of experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
• Requires Chainsaw certification within first 6 months of hire.
• Preferred: Experience with forest land use management, timber appraisal, parks/trails, outdoor recreation management, or public works. Proficiency in GIS/mapping software, experience with grant writing/management, familiarity with motorized trail maintenance equipment, experience with volunteer trail clubs and state/federal grant programs, reporting, record-keeping and reconciliation.

• Knowledge of forest and land use best practices.??
• Knowledge?of??legal land descriptions.?
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures regarding Forest Management.??
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.??
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.??
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal,State, and local regulations.???
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.??
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.??
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.??
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.??
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.??
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.??
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.??
• Ability to communicate detailed effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.??
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.??
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.??
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of open records laws.??
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.??

• ? Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to attend meetings or inspect trails or respond to trail-related issues.
• Ability to operate ATVs/UTVs and traverse rough terrain as part of trail inspection duties.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping, GPS technology, and trail maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of environmental conservation and sustainable recreation practices.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin ATV/UTV laws, DNR trail grant programs, and land use agreements.
• Ability to communication and collaborate.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and recordkeeping skills.

Barron County values the health and wellbeing of our employees and offers a very competitive benefit package prioritizing work-life balance and along with stable employment and supportive work environment!
* Wisconsin Retirement System (6.9% Employer match; 6.9% Employee pre-tax contribution - Higher rates for Protective/Law Enforcement)
* Paid leaves upon hire (104 hrs vacation; 11 paid holidays; 8 hrs of sick leave per mo)
* Health insurance with option to enroll in a Health Savings Account ($50/mo-single plan/ $100/mo-family plan). Effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.Non-Embedded in-network Deductible of $2,000/Single & $4,000/Family. Deductible must be met before insurance applies. Out-of-pocket max: $3,500S-$7,000F. Prescription drug savings program offering zero costs for eligible prescription drugs. Optionto sell up to 96 hrs Sick Leave and/or Vacation into HSA during open enrollment.
* Dental insurance
* Life insurance (County pays $5/mo towards Basic plan)
* If working night shift - receive an additional $0.75 per hour
* Flexible spending account
* Deferred Compensation Programs
* Employee Achievement Program
* Paid Parental leave
* Potential for telework opportunities (varies by department/position)
* Whole Life Insurance plan
* Eligibility for Student Loan Repayment program throughPublic Service Loan Forgiveness(PSLF)
* Recognition Program
* Annual Training Day & Lunch
* Annual Employee Milestone Recognition Lunch
* On-site Blood Drives (paid 1 hour to donate blood)
* 15% Verizon Wireless cell-phone discount
* On-site food truck vendors during summer months
* Ed-Vest College Savings plan
* Supportive work environment and culture
* Opportunities for growth and advancement
* Meaningful and impactful work for the betterment of our community

Closing Date/Time: 11/30/2025 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$59,217.60 - $70,408.00 Annually