Forester (Forester)

Full Time

  The State of Florida

  Glen Saint Mary, Florida, United States

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in forestry or related field. Course work must include the following four (4) courses: Silviculture, Dendrology, Forest Mensuration and Forest Management; or

Receipt of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in forestry or related field within six (6) months of the closing date of this advertisement. Course work must include the following four (4) courses: Silviculture, Dendrology, Forest Mensuration and Forest Management.

Requires possession of a valid Class E Driver License.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Occasional to moderate travel required. Position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters or other type incidents requiring travel, as needed.

NOTES:

Successful applicant must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.

JOB DUTIES:

The incumbent in this position will act as the County Forester for both Baker County and Bradford County and will perform the duties and responsibilities listed below for both counties.

Provides forest management technical assistance to rural private forest landowners to achieve the goals of the landowner, including, timber revenue, sustained yield, ecological management, wildlife management; provides advice on timber marking and volume estimation, the sale of forest products, provides technical assistance in implementation of federal cost-share programs, site preparation and tree planting procedures, investment analysis, timber stand improvement methods, diagnosis of forest insect and disease outbreaks, prepares Stewardship and other management plans, proper tree selection and tree planting procedures.  Provides technical assistance for UCF grants, Tree City USA and Champion Tree designations, and other related forest factors.  Responds to homeowner’s requests for analysis of shade tree and ornamental tree diseases and provides information on methods of prevention and control.

Provides technical assistance to county commissions, municipalities and other county and city agencies in the development and implementation of effective environment studies and practices relating to land-use planning, zoning and development.  This includes conservation and environmental planning, recreation and open-space planning, zoning variances relating to vegetation, drafting of ordinances relative to tree protection, landscaping, reclamation and preservation of natural areas, and the establishment of conservation and scenic easements to preserve natural amenities.

Provides wildfire and emergency response support as directed.  Assists in the development of smoke management, wildfire prevention, prescribed fire, pre-suppression burning plans and hazardous fuels mitigation.  Assists in the enforcement of Florida’s open burning laws and regulations.

Utilizes mass media systems such as newspapers, radio and television to keep the public informed of developments in the forestry and conservation fields.  Conducts forest management technical information and education workshops for private forest landowners. Provides local schools with information and assistance pertinent to environmental education through teacher workshops and instruction at environmental education centers. 

Performs other related work as assigned, which may include the handling of revenue.

THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS ARE INCLUDED:

  • State of Florida Retirement package
  • 10 Paid Holidays annually
  • 104 Hours of Paid Annual Leave annually
  • 104 Hours of Paid Sick Leave annually
  • Health insurance - State covers the majority of health insurance premiums for Individual & Family coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Additional supplemental insurances available such as dental, vision, etc.
  • Tax deferred medical and childcare reimbursement accounts available
  • Tax deferred savings program available through payroll deduction
  • Uniforms provided at no cost
  • Annual boot purchase allotment

Compensation

The anticipated hiring salary for this position is $32,988.80 annually.