FORESTER

Position Information

Class Code: B080C

Grade: GS07

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $40,340.00 - $58,493.00

Summary

The Forester is responsible for supervising staff and managing and protecting the forests of assigned counties or multi-county areas. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Functions

Supervises a small staff of forestry workers by interviewing and recommending the hiring, training, and assigning of incumbents and evaluating performances. Examines and evaluates landowner's property and prepares timber management plans with recommendations for enhancing timber production, soil conservation, disease and insect control, and landowner objectives. Approves invoices and expenditures within assigned areas and maintains multi-county budget. Maintains forestry accomplishment data required for federal reimbursement.  Provides advice and technical assistance to landowners enrolled in state or federal forestry cost share and grant programs. Ensures that silviculture practices are completed in compliance with program standards and scientific forestry practices. Plans and supervises forestry projects, such as determining the type, number, and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, thinning forest, and monitoring growth of new seedlings. Analyzes effects of forest conditions on tree growth rates and tree species prevalence and determines the yield, duration, seed production, growth viability, and germination of different species. Directs or performs mapping, measuring, and marking timber in the area specified and computes volume for harvest. Directs fire suppression efforts by assigning fire crews and coordinates efforts with other organizations and with agency personnel. Prepares scientific burn plans and works as burn boss on prescribed fires. Coordinates fire prevention and suppression efforts with volunteer fire departments and attends fire association meetings or training classes as required Makes presentations and supplies information to schools, civic organizations, landowners, and others regarding services available through the Forestry Division and other state and federal organizations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

Exposure to extreme weather conditions, rough terrain, and potentially hazardous and/or dangerous conditions is required.  May be required to work under extended subject-to-call status and extended work hours.  Must reside within assigned area or within 30-minute drive from work station as a condition of employment.  May be required to fulfill overhead positions in the Incident Command System.  Occasional in-state or within assigned area travel is required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of forest management practices and techniques.

Knowledge of fire prevention and fire suppression theories and methods.

Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting fire control and forest management.

Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures.

Knowledge of federal and state forestry programs available for forest landowners, communities and fire departments.

Ability to plan and coordinate work activities and monitor performance of subordinates.

Ability to prepare and make public presentations and conduct forestry training.

Ability to collect data, analyze needs assessments, and prepare written forest management recommendations for private and public forest landowners.

Ability to operate computer programs such as Windows 365 and basic mapping and GPS skills.

Proficient in written and oral communications.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in forestry from a university accredited by the Society of American Foresters or in a related field.  Must be licensed as a Registered Forester by the State Board of Registration for Foresters in accordance with ACA 17-31-302 or able to obtain registration within one year of employment. Until successful completion of the test, the employee will be referred to as Forestry Trainee. Must possess a valid Arkansas CDL driver’s license or the ability to procure one within 6 months of hire. Must pass an annual physical standard as a condition of employment. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

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