Scientific Research Specialist 2 - Forest Technician

The Forest Technician reports to the University Forest Manager although daily work assignments may be made by the Forest Operations Manager. Work is often performed alone with limited or no direct supervision. Year-round outdoor work, sometimes in adverse conditions (i.e. cold, deep snow, heat, rain, and insects) is required. Travel statewide is required. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $21.93/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement. 

Essential duties and responsibilities of the Forest Technician include:

• Train and supervise student employees in activities such as per-commercial thinning of forest stands, firewood processing, boundary line maintenance, timber harvesting, forest inventory and invasive plant control.
• Maintain buildings, grounds, facilities and equipment.
• Work with the Forest Operations Manager and students as part of a conventional logging crew operating the University Forest cable skidder, or other heavy equipment, hand-felling trees as part of the yearly timber harvest operations and as needed for research and demonstrations.
• Help organize and lead field labs for forestry and wildlife classes on topics related to logging and forest operations, assist with the annual forestry summer camp, research learning experience class and Tanglewood first year student orientation camp.
• Assist with chainsaw safety classes for students and other U-Maine employees using the Game-of-Logging training methodology.
• Operate, maintain and repair a variety of heavy equipment including a cable skidder, farm tractors, bulldozer, road grader, bandsaw mills, chainsaws and various small engine equipment.
• Plow snow on the Demeritt and Penobscot forests and other properties as needed.
• Groom ski trails with snowsled and tow behind groomer.
• Conduct road maintenance and repair under direction of the Forest Manager or Operations Manager.
• Mow roadsides, recreational trails and fields.
• Collect forest inventory data on variable and fixed radius plots and enter data.
• Research, locate and maintain over 115 miles of boundary lines, based on deeds and existing evidence, on properties across the State of Maine.
• Serve as the university representative on the Certified Logging Professional advisory board.
• Principal responsibility for UM Forests maple syrup operations:
  • Ordering supplies and materials. 
  • Scheduling student workers and volunteers for tapping trees and gathering sap. 
  • Preparation, operation and cleanup of the evaporator, sugarhouse, and collection apparatus, Finishing & bottling syrup.
  • Hosting forestry classes, local TV stations, schoolchildren and visitors.
• Other duties: The Forest Technician is also expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

This position has been designated as an “Essential Employee” role. This designation means that, in the event of an emergency (including but not limited to severe weather, natural or human-caused disasters, public health emergencies, operational disruptions, or campus closures), you may be required to work to support the continuity of critical University functions.

About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

Qualifications:
Required:

• B.S. or A.S. in Forestry or related natural resource field and 2 years relevant forestry or natural resources related experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
• Current Certified Logging Professional (CLP) certification or ability to obtain CLP certification within 1 year of start date.
• Able to identify tree species measure diameters, heights and determine product merchantability.
• Experience with chainsaw maintenance and repair.
• Experience researching, locating and maintaining previously established property boundary lines.
• Able to use technology including handheld GPS units and tablet computers.
• A Class C driver’s license.
• Able to walk long distances over rough terrain.
• Must be able to lift 80 pounds.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications

• 2+ years of conventional logging experience.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain, diagnose and repair logging and other heavy equipment.
• Demonstrated experience operating logging equipment.
• Experience training people in chainsaw use and safe and efficient wood harvesting techniques.
• Prior experience training and overseeing student interns with emphasis on safety and efficiency.
• Knowledge of Maine’s Forestry laws, particularly for organized towns.
• User level GIS, MS word and excel skills.
• Experience installing forestry research studies and gathering research data.

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on September 25, 2026.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.