Forestry Researcher

Employment Status: Full-time (Two Year Contract)

Salary Range: GS-17/05-07: $64,804.00 - $70,264.00 per annum

Application Deadline: July 15th, 2024

Under the supervision of the Research Coordinator, the Forestry Researcher leads a research program to improve understanding and management of American Samoa’s forest resources. The program is responsive to local stakeholder inputs while meeting grantor requirements. Research may address issues in the areas of forest health and invasive species, urban and community forestry, conservation of native forests and wildlife, agroforestry, and sustainable management and utilization of forest resources. The Forestry Researcher also provides technical support for the Division’s Forest Health, Urban and Community Forestry, and Forest Stewardship programs as well as forest-related programs at other local and federal government agencies. 

The Forestry Research program aims to increase understanding of American Samoa’s forest ecosystems in support of sound, stakeholder-responsive stewardship to ensure these natural treasures are preserved for future generations. The seven islands of American Samoa remain mostly forested, with inroads for agriculture and other development limited in part by the steep, rugged terrain. Major threats to the native forests include spreading invasive exotic tree species and more recently, pressure to move agriculture, as well as roads and other infrastructure, upslope to mitigate against climate-change induced sea level rise. Traditional agroforestry production systems remain key to enhancing food security, and trees are an abundant and essential part of the village environment as well as public spaces, such as parks and school grounds.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate the forestry research program based on local needs and grantor requirements

• Work closely with counterparts in the College and in other agencies to design and conduct research and extension projects addressing local community forestry needs

• Publish research findings in local technical reports as well as refereed journals

• Provide technical support and collaboration on forestry programs conducted by the College and local agencies, and provide technical support for College instructional programs

• Conduct and assist with workshops, seminars and other outreach activities to share research findings and promote improved forest conservation and management in American Samoa

• Write grants to procure support for forestry research and extension programs

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum qualifications

• Master’s degree in Forestry, Botany, or related field

• Proven research competence and two years research and/or extension experience

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

• Proficiency in GPS/GIS with strong background in forest/agroforest management

• Strength and stamina to conduct field work in the humid tropics

• Pesticide applicator certification

Preferred qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Forestry, Botany or related field

• Plant taxonomy, plant ecology, weed control expertise

• Understanding of Samoan culture and good Samoan language skills

For questions about the position, please contact Mark Schmaedick, ASCC-ACNR at m.schmaedick@amsamoa.edu.

Link to full job description and application instructions: https://amsamoa.edu/files/Employment/Forestry%20Researcher%20-%20Final-2.pdf