Forester 4 - Good Neighbor Authority (PCN 10-9907)

State of Alaska • Multiple Locations, AK

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP), is recruiting a Forester 4 to manage the statewide Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program. The position implements forest management, including timber sales and restoration projects on federal lands such as the Tongass and Chugach National Forests. It develops and maintains partnerships to increase the pace and scale of cross-boundary forest management, working with federal colleagues and DFFP coworkers to coordinate complementary projects on federal and state lands.

The role develops multi-year work plans and manages federal funds for federal land management and shared stewardship priorities. It develops, prepares, and administers GNA timber sales from initial reconnaissance through contract closeout. The position also advises the State Forester on GNA policy issues and provides policy recommendations that support statewide forest management objectives.

The forestry branch’s mission is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska’s forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources. Its work includes forest management, forest practices, wildland fire management, cooperative forestry programs, federal timber management under GNA and Shared Stewardship Agreements, and best management practices for commercial forests.

The position may be based in Ketchikan, Juneau, Anchorage, or Fairbanks, and may potentially be relocated to another DFFP office. It combines office and field work and requires significant multi-day and extended travel to project locations, many in remote Southern Southeast Alaska. Travel and fieldwork may involve ATVs, snowmachines, small aircraft, helicopters, or boats; rugged terrain; wildlife encounters; hazardous materials; and challenging weather throughout the year. The incumbent must be comfortable traveling where public accommodation may not be available, walking on steep, uneven, rocky, or heavily vegetated terrain, and carrying or having access to a firearm for wildlife protection in remote locations. The role requires clear thinking and decisive action in stressful situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field, including at least 24 semester or 36 quarter hours in forestry or closely related curricula, plus either one year of professional advanced-level experience or three years of professional journey-level experience in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field; qualifying equivalent experience may be considered.
• Alternatively, qualifying combinations of post-secondary education and journey-level technical forest management experience, vocational technical certification and related experience, or specified NWCG Incident Qualification Card certifications may substitute for the required bachelor’s degree as described in the posting.
• Possess a valid driver’s license; proof is required before reporting to duty.
• Travel within Alaska, particularly remote Southern Southeast Alaska, and comfort traveling in small aircraft and boats and operating ATVs.
• Ability to walk through steep, uneven, rocky, or heavily vegetated terrain in highly variable weather.
• Possession of, or access to, firearms for wildlife protection while working in remote locations; ability to think clearly and act decisively in stressful situations.
• Demonstrated competencies in forest management, project management, teamwork, federal funds processing, and oral and written communication.
• A cover letter of no more than one page addressing knowledge and experience relevant to GNA responsibilities and forest management is required.
• Answer the supplemental questions and rate proficiency for each listed competency.
• Provide academic transcripts if education is used to meet minimum qualifications.
• Most positions require Red Card qualification under the Incident Command System; some positions may require a commercial driver’s license with appropriate endorsements.
• Positions may require out-of-state travel for fire suppression assignments, standby or recall status during fire season, and assignments away from the duty station for 14 to 21 days.

Responsibilities

• Manage DFFP’s statewide Good Neighbor Authority program.
• Implement forest management, including timber sales and restoration projects, on federal lands such as the Tongass and Chugach National Forests.
• Develop and maintain partnerships to increase the pace and scale of cross-boundary forest management.
• Coordinate with federal colleagues and DFFP coworkers to implement complementary projects on federal and state lands.
• Develop multi-year work plans and manage federal funds supporting federal land management and shared stewardship priorities.
• Develop, prepare, and administer GNA timber sales from initial reconnaissance through contract closeout.
• Advise the State Forester on GNA policy issues and provide policy recommendations supporting statewide forest management objectives.

Benefits

• Opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Career-long training and innovation.
• Year-round full-time employment.
• Broad exposure to forestry operations and multiple options for long-term growth and advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior