Quantitative Biometrician Forester

Company Description

SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.

Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.

Job Description

The Quantitative Biometrician Forester is responsible for applying statistical and mathematical models to analyze forest data, support sustainable forest management practices, and contribute to ecological research.

• Evaluate and implement forest growth & yield models – specifically FVS
• Assist with/conduct validations and verifications of forest carbon projects
• Assess, development, implement and analysis of timber cruises to verify forest carbon projects and data management
• Provide assistance and training in applied biometrics, forest modeling and statistics to forestry staff
• Quantify various attributes from forest inventory data, including statistical metrics
• Establish biomass and carbon stocking levels, and calculate biological sequestration, from forest inventory data collected, using a wide range of methods
• Development of short- and long-term forest management and planting/reforestation plans
• Determination of optimal silvicultural prescriptions and implementation of forest monitoring
• Monitor contract compliance and results of forest management activities to assure adherence to government regulations and/or carbon market requirements
• Determine optimal timber harvesting methods yielding minimum waste and environmental damage
• Assess deforested lands to ensure proper reclamation to the most suitable end uses
• Implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality
• Map various forest attributes, conduct geospatial analysis, and produce field maps
• Support management with special projects and workflow process improvements, and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or statistics and University coursework that includes 12 semester or 16 quarter hours of forest biometrics, sampling design and/or statistics coursework, and at least two years of experience sampling, developing, implementing and analyzing forest biomass or carbon inventories
• Prior auditing experience

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in statistics or forest biometrics (analytical/biometric/geospatial focus preferred), or closely related science that includes 12 semester or 16 quarter hours of forest biometrics, sampling design and/or statistics coursework

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.
• Strong knowledge and experience of forest biometrics, statistics, growth and yield models (FVS, FORSEE and similar), and data management
• Strong knowledge forest inventory applications
• Demonstrated knowledge using remote sensing technologies (i.e. ArcMap or other web-based GIS applications) to evaluate and ascertain detailed forest tract information
• Quality mensuration services (including field inventory), record-keeping/management, and subsequent data processing (i.e. volume and biomass/carbon quantification and growth and yield modeling)

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access; basic knowledge of graphics programs – Intermediate level

Travel

• Frequent travel required (34%-66%)

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts
• Wealth: Competitive pay ($85,000 - $120,000/yr), annual bonus opportunity, matching 401(k) with immediate vesting upon enrollment, generous employee referral program
• Happiness:
  • Professional Growth: Online training courses, education assistance program
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off,
  • Team Building: Employee engagement and recognition programs, wellness, philanthropic and DE&I initiatives

Physical/Work Environment

• Work in diverse domestic and international forests requiring exposure and interactions with extreme terrain, native wildlife, insects, and various forest conditions throughout the year.

Physical Demands of the Job

Never (0%):

• Climb or balance
• Taste/Smell
• Visual strain

Occasional (5% to 33%):

• Stand
• Move or traverse
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Reach with hands and arms
• Lift/carry/push/pull
• Tasks requiring limited muscle effort, for example lifting up to 5 kgs
• Tasks requiring light physical effort, for example lifting 5 kgs to 10 kgs
• Tasks requiring medium physical effort, for example lifting 10 kgs to 20 kgs
• Tasks requiring heavy physical effort, for example lifting > 20 kgs

Frequent (34% to 66%):

• Keyboarding

Constant (67% to 100%):

• Ability to focus on task
• Use hands
• Talk/hear

Environmental and Work Conditions

Seldom (1% - 4%):

• Work near moving mechanical part or moving vehicles
• Fumes or airborne particles   
• Possible exposure to infections, hormones, or bacteria        

Occasional (5% - 33%):

• Wet or humid (non-weather) conditions
• Work in high, precarious places        

Frequent (34% - 66%):

• Outdoor weather conditions   Frequent (34% - 66%)

Never (0%):

• Dust, grease, or oil    
• Toxic or caustic chemicals    
• Extreme cold (non-weather)  
• Extreme heat (non-weather)  
• Risk of electrical shock         
• Work with explosives
• Risk of radiation        
• Vibration       
• Bio-Hazard    

Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back.  Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.