District Forester

State of Arizona•Flagstaff, AZ

70d•$35 - $40•Remote

About The Position

Manage and reduce fire risk to protect Arizona's people, communities, and wildland areas to champion the health of Arizona's natural resources. The Department of Forestry and Fire Management provides services through strategic implementation of cooperative natural resources and fire assistance programs, development and support of statewide fire policies, and coordination of resources across all-lands and jurisdictions. Under the authority of the Assistant Director for the Forestry Division (Assistant State Forester of Forestry Programs), this position leads a team of foresters and forestry technicians to ensure the coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring of a robust district-wide Program of Work. This work includes forestry projects on private, state, and federal lands for wildfire mitigation, forest health, and watershed restoration. The incumbent will have functional, administrative, and budgetary responsibilities within the District as well as decision-making authority. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Requirements

Comprehensive understanding of forestry principles, forest ecology, and wildfire management techniques
Land management techniques including forest planning and operational procedures
Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to forest management and environmental conservation.
Organizational and personnel management
Leadership principles
Contract administration and data management
Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other relevant technology for forest management planning and monitors
Building and maintaining relationships
Strong verbal and written communication to effectively address various levels of internal and external stakeholders
Time management, project prioritization, planning and implementation
Distribution of resources and problem solving
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Analytical skills to assess forest conditions, interpret data, and make data-driven decisions.
Project management, including planning, organizing, and executing forest management initiatives within defined timelines and budgets.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, program staff, private industry, and project stakeholders
Manage, monitor, and report on budgets and program accomplishments
Forecast program needs and stay current on changes in industry practices and science in the field of forestry
Develop, train, and evaluate staff performance
Work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
Lead and inspire others toward achieving common objectives while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
Drive on State business.
A valid Arizona Driver's License.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited School of Forestry or related natural resource program.
5+ years in land management.
3+ years in a supervisory role.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or similar project management certification.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, supervision, professional development, and support to a team of foresters, forestry technicians, and other related staff that are responsible for the coordinated planning and implementation of wildfire risk reduction, forest health, and watershed improvement projects on private, state, and federal land within a designated District.
Coordinates and leads with their respective District Fire Management Officer and collaborates on the development and implementation of an annual district-wide wildfire mitigation Program of Work.
Develops and collaboratively manages district forestry project budgets; forecasts additional funds needed for projects, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitoring and approval of expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
Ensures safe work practices; reviews and recommends policy.
Drive on State business.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page