FORESTER - 42002070

State of Florida • Port Saint Lucie, FL

2d • $51,000 - $62,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for the preparation, coordination, and implementation of management plans on the Kissimmee Bend State Forest. This includes activities such as timber sales, tree plantings, prescribed burning, exotic species control, recreational activities, tracking research studies, road maintenance and repairs, and managing wildlife species. The role also involves assisting landowners and communities with federal cost-share programs, proper tree selection and planting, UCF Grants, Stewardship and other management plans, and Tree City USA and Champion Tree designations. Additionally, the Forester responds to homeowner requests regarding shade tree and ornamental tree diseases, providing information on prevention and control. Training is provided to interested groups on tree planting, pruning, maintenance, and other forestry-related issues. The position also provides wildfire and emergency response support, acting as an Information Officer during incidents, preparing news releases, and serving as a media point of contact. It involves coordinating with the State Office Information Coordinator, utilizing ArcGis Pro for mapping and data analysis, and using mass media to inform the public about forestry and conservation developments. Educational workshops are conducted for community groups and urban forest landowners, and information is provided to local schools. The role works with local fire services and other agencies to reduce man-caused fires and develops Incident Action Plans for wildland/urban interface fires. Technical assistance is provided to county commissions, municipalities, and other agencies for environmental studies and practices related to land-use planning, zoning, development, conservation, environmental planning, recreation, and open-space planning. Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s (4 years) and/or master’s (6 years) degree in forestry or a related field from a Society of American Foresters accredited college or university.
• Anticipated receipt of a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in forestry or a related field from a Society of American Foresters accredited college or university within six (6) months of the closing date of this advertisement.
• For degrees obtained outside the United States, curriculum must include at least two (2) of the following four (4) courses: Silviculture, Dendrology, Forest Mensuration or Forest Management.
• Possession of a valid driver license.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants in the category of anticipated degree receipt will not be appointed until they have acquired and provide final proof of receiving the required degree.
• Applicants will provide an academic equivalency evaluation obtained in the United States showing the required courses for degrees obtained outside the United States.

Responsibilities

• Preparation, coordination, and implementation of management plans on the Kissimmee Bend State Forest.
• Timber sales, tree plantings, prescribed burning, exotic species control, recreational activities, tracking research studies, road maintenance and repairs, and managing wildlife species.
• Assisting landowners and communities with the implementation of federal cost-share programs, proper tree selection and tree planting procedures, UCF Grants, Stewardship and other management plans, Tree City USA and Champion Tree designations.
• Responding to homeowners’ requests for analysis of shade tree and ornamental tree diseases and providing information on methods of prevention and control.
• Providing training to interested groups on tree planting, pruning and maintenance, and other forestry related issues.
• Providing wildfire and emergency response support as directed.
• Acting as Information Officer during ongoing incidents, preparing news releases, and serving as a media point of contact for wildfire issues.
• Coordinating activities with the State Office Information Coordinator as requested.
• Utilizing ArcGis Pro to create maps and analyze data.
• Utilizing mass media systems such as newspapers, radio, and television to keep public informed of developments in the forestry and conservation fields.
• Conducting educational workshops for Community groups and urban forest landowners.
• Providing local schools with information and assistance pertinent to environmental education through teacher workshops and instruction at environmental education centers.
• Working with local fire services and other agencies to establish a mechanism to decrease man-caused fires.
• Developing Incident Action Plans that will enhance emergency response and reduce damage potential during wildland/urban interface fires.
• Assisting in the development of smoke management, wildfire prevention, prescribed fire, pre-suppression burning plans and hazardous fuels mitigation.
• Providing 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.
• Performing related duties as required.

Benefits

• Annual Uniform Allotment
• Annual Boot Allotment
• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

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