Forester

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Perryville, MO

121d

About The Position

Administer, maintain, and manage the forested resources and wildlife habitat on urban and rural landscapes in Missouri primarily assisting private landowners on their property, with some public land duties.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or Forest Management or closely related field.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in forestry work with demonstrated competency in state land management, private land management, community forestry and wildfire suppression.
Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
Knowledge to conduct forest inventory and analysis.
Knowledge to observe and classify trees and common insects and diseases.
Knowledge to interpret aerial photos and soil survey maps.
Ability to read and write land descriptions using latitudes and longitudes, GPS data, and standard legal descriptions (Township, Range, Section), and to locate specific points, areas and features on topographic maps and on the ground.
Ability to complete a forest inventory and analysis and utilize this information to make forest management recommendations with appropriate technical specifications, and plan and implement standard forest management practices.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences including Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, Extension Agents, private landowners, FFA instructors, community leaders, teachers, saw millers and loggers.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks.
Ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.
Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers (whether Department employees or the general public).
Ability to accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress.
Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.
Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility.
Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight with limited frequency.
Ability to work evenings, Saturdays and Sundays when needed.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Nice To Haves

ISA Arborist Certification desired but not required for positions with primary job responsibilities in community forestry.
Society of American Foresters Candidate Certified Forester or Certified Forester desired.
Certified American Tree Farm Inspector desired.
Commerical Pesticide Applicator's License desired.

Responsibilities

Assist with developing annual budget request and work plan assuring alignment with Agency priorities and then oversee implementation to accomplish objectives.
Conduct forest management activities on private and state land through forest inventory and implementation of recommended prescriptions including timber sale preparation and administration, use of prescribed burns, exotic plant control, tree planting and coordination with other Divisions.
Coordinates and writes management plans.
Leads, delegates, and oversees projects with other staff on forestry management projects on private land.
Manages response to public use conflicts and management complaints.
Periodically assists with maintenance duties on Conservation Areas, such as, boundary marking, hazard tree mitigation, trail maintenance, contract writing and contract supervision.
Assist communities and land owners with management of their forests through plan development, site visits, grant and recognition programs, timber sale assistance, cost share assistance, wildlife habitat projects, etc.
Conduct community forestry and arboriculture training/workshops/presentations for a wide variety of internal and external stakeholder audiences.
Collaborate with developers to assist in the design of conservation friendly developments.
Diagnose insect and disease problems on trees and provide control recommendations to municipalities, commercial enterprises, homeowners, and the general public.
Disseminate information regarding forest management, improving tree health, tree planting, care and maintenance to the general public through phone, email, and in person discussions.
Prepare and present programs to the general public through a variety of media.
Provide assistance to wood industries trying to locate and purchase logs, wood products and/or markets for materials they have.
Carry out management, budget compliance, and purchase of equipment and supplies.
Attend meetings, training and conferences to continue professional development.
Conduct wildfire detection, prevention, and suppression duties.
Oversees the work of employees with local fire departments on the Federal Excess Property and the Fire Fighter programs. Oversee the inventory of federal property held by fire departments and screens fire department requests for new equipment.
Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, dozers, and tractors.
Organize and/or participate in internal and external regional planning committees and councils.
Organize and/or participate in special events and programs, as needed.
Other duties as assigned.