Principal Forester (Forester)

  The State of Rhode Island

  Providence, Rhode Island, United States

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To be responsible for planning and coordinating the operation of an assigned section within the Division of Forest Environment involving the planning, supervision, review and evaluation of the work of professional personnel; to perform administrative and advanced technical work; and participate in the recruitment, evaluation and training of subordinates; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Chief or Deputy Chief with considerable latitude for the exercise of administrative and technical judgement; work is reviewed through conferences and submitted reports for conformance to policies, rules and regulations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Plans, assigns, supervises and reviews the work of professional, sub-professional, labor and clerical employees engaged in the program.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed:
On a statewide basis to perform administrative and advanced technical work for:

• A program of forest management and development, including boundary surveys, reforestation, timber stand improvement, forest roads and trail construction and maintenance, harvesting and lumbering operations; and assistance to wood operators and primary processors to improve markets and operating efficiency; and
• a program of forest fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression involving: training of personnel in above areas; assistance in planning and execution of fire control plans for the assigned area; and
• a program of Urban and Community Forestry involving: planning, programming, budgeting and implementing urban and community forestry programs statewide, includes identification of problems and needs relating to the establishment, maintenance and protection of trees and shrubs in urban and community areas; works with state and local officials; coordinates activities with other divisions and agencies; provides budget input; and serves in a public relations capacity for the program.
• To compile data necessary for drafting projects under cooperative federal grant programs in Forest Fire Control, Forest Management, Urban and Community Forestry, Reforestation and other federal manpower grant programs.
• As needed, to draft operation plans, divisional work plans, divisional policies and procedures for the Deputy Chief of the Division.
• As needed, to develop and implement training sessions for divisional personnel including occupational safety standards for all divisional operations.
• To represent the Chief and/or Deputy Chief of the Division as requested.
• To administer personnel rules and regulations, insuring that safety regulations are adhered to and proper safety equipment is provided and used.
• As assigned, to prepare all materials and prepare specific program recommendations for the Deputy Chief to review for the annual budget.
• To serve as liaison with federal, state, local and volunteer agencies in forest management programs and forest fire prevention, detection, pre-suppression and suppression.
• As assigned, to supervise proper maintenance of all divisional facilities, buildings, equipment, radio communications systems and draft future development projects.
• As needed, to coordinate the sale of forest products from state forestlands with various state agencies involved in public property management and to administer the operations of the state sawmill.
• To be responsible for administering state laws related to forestry activities including the Forest Land Classification, Forest Fire Personnel, and Forest Fire and Prevention Laws.
• As needed, to draft and review Environmental Impact Statements relative to forest resources.
• To requisition and plan the use of pesticides used in forest management activities.
• To prepare monthly annual and other progress reports as required, especially those required for federal aid cooperative programs.
• To do related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of forestry and forest fire prevention and control; the ability to apply said principles and practices; a thorough knowledge of federal and state statutes pertaining to forestry management and forest fire control; the ability to apply said principles and practices in the planning and supervision the work of a staff; the ability to compile and interpret data required in the preparation and participation in federal grants and other projects; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with state officials and environmental agencies; the ability to interpret maps, environmental impact statements; and topographical studies and data; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry; and including or supplemented by advanced study in forest fire management and public administration; and
• Experience: Such as may have been gained through: employment in an administrative and supervisory capacity in forest management, urban forestry, or forest fire control work.
• Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties, as evidenced by a physician's certificate.
• Must possess a Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Must, within six (6) months of appointment, obtain a Rhode Island Arborist License and a Pesticide Applicator License issued by the State of Rhode Island and must maintain the aforementioned licensures as a condition of employment. 

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