Forester (Forester)

  Arkansas Agriculture Department

  Imboden, Arkansas, United States

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.

Typical Functions
Supervises multi-county staff by interviewing and recommending for hire, training, assigning job duties, and evaluating subordinate performance. 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 and 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 forests, 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 and coordinates 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 Commission and other state and federal organizations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Special Job 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 as a condition of employment. May be required to fulfill overhead positions in the Incident Command System. Occasional in-state or within assigned area is required.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
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.

Minimum Education and/or Experience
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in forestry from a university accredited by the Society of American Foresters; plus two years of experience in forest management or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications
Other requirements include must live in their area of responsibility or within fifteen road miles of their assigned work center, must meet physical fitness standards annually, and frequent twenty-four hour on-call duty and frequent exposure to hazardous conditions while fighting fires and marking timber is required. A commercial drivers license is required within 90 days of hire. General computer skills preferred.
Only applicants that meet and/or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements should apply. Those applicants that do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
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. Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license. 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.

Compensation

Salary Range: $40,340.00 per year

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