Forester

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona’s people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections. This position works on a team and manages the planning and implementation of forestry projects on private, state, and federal land in the assigned District. Projects include, but are not limited to, hazardous fuel reduction, forest health improvement, and watershed restoration.

Requirements

Knowledge of forest planning, site specific prescription development, and the elements of a well-written plan.
Knowledge of forest operations, including harvesting and methods used in the forest industry.
Knowledge of Arizona forest and fuel types and state and federal environmental compliance laws and regulations.
Skills in computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, and ArcGIS-related products.
Strong interpersonal skills that facilitate effective communication and teamwork.
Skills in training others in forestry related subjects, safety practices and protocols.
Skills in timber marking, cruising and stand value estimation.
Ability to interact effectively with others to convey thoughts, ideas, and information.
Ability to track progress against goals and make adjustments in order to achieve results.
Ability to lead with a positive and productive attitude.
Ability to maintain written records, prepare documents and reports.
Ability to drive on State business.
A valid Arizona Driver's License.
Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks.
The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended.
Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training.
An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
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 in Forestry or related natural resource program.
2+ years experience developing forest planning documents and managing forestry operations.

Responsibilities

Identify projects and develop planning documents for forest and other natural resource management concerns.
Interpret planning documents and implement projects on-the-ground for forest and other natural resource management concerns.
Lead field staff and develop work plans for project oversight and monitoring; report outcomes and recommend management actions.
Coordinate with other forestry and fire management staff to ensure all stakeholder needs are met and concurrence in documented; draft project task orders and manage contractors and internal crews in the implementation of projects.
Provide technical assistance to landowners, internal staff, partners, and stakeholders; conduct forest resource surveys.
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
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
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
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.