Forester

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Neosho, MO

2d•$52,932 - $66,060

About The Position

The Forester administers, maintains, and manages forest resources and wildlife habitat on urban and rural landscapes in Missouri. The role includes forest management on Conservation Areas and assistance to private landowners, communities, and other stakeholders. It also supervises staff, develops budgets and work plans, conducts public outreach and training, provides technical assistance on forest health and management, and carries out wildfire detection, prevention, and suppression duties. The position works frequently outdoors and may involve exposure to loud noise. It requires frequent travel, occasional overnight stays, and evening or weekend work when needed. The employee must maintain a valid, current Class A CDL and operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, dozers, and tractors. This is an exempt position; employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments under the Department's policy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or a closely related field.
Three years of progressively responsible professional forestry experience, with demonstrated competency in state land management, private land management, community forestry, and wildfire suppression.
Maintain a valid, current Class A CDL.
Knowledge of conducting forest inventory and analysis.
Knowledge of observing and classifying trees and common insects and diseases.
Knowledge of interpreting aerial photographs and soil survey maps.
Ability to read and write land descriptions using latitudes and longitudes, GPS data, and standard legal descriptions, and to locate points, areas, and features on topographic maps and on the ground.
Ability to complete forest inventories and analyses, use results to make forest management recommendations with technical specifications, and plan and implement standard forest management practices.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences, including government agencies, extension agents, private landowners, educators, community leaders, and wood-industry professionals.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
Ability to accept job responsibilities and assigned tasks.
Ability to use provided computer technology to improve work and programs.
Ability to understand, anticipate, and respond to the needs of Department employees and the general public.
Ability to accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress.
Ability to define problems, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans.
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.
Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
Ability to walk in rough and steep terrain and frequently move about grounds indoors and outdoors.
Ability to lift up to 5 pounds regularly and correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision.
Regular attendance is an essential function.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Supervise staff, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend corrective actions.
Develop annual budget requests and work plans aligned with Agency priorities, and oversee implementation.
Manage forest resources on state land through forest inventories and implementation of management prescriptions, including timber sale preparation and administration, prescribed burns, exotic plant control, tree planting, and coordination with other Divisions.
Coordinate and write area plans.
Manage public-use conflicts and management complaints.
Oversee Conservation Area maintenance, including boundary marking, mowing public-use developments, hazard tree mitigation, trail maintenance, and contract writing and supervision.
Assist communities and landowners with forest management through plan development, site visits, grants and recognition programs, timber sale assistance, cost-share assistance, and wildlife habitat projects.
Conduct community forestry and arboriculture training, workshops, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Collaborate with developers on conservation-friendly development design.
Diagnose tree insect and disease problems and provide control recommendations to municipalities, businesses, homeowners, and the public.
Share information about forest management, tree health, planting, care, and maintenance with the public by phone, email, and in person.
Prepare and present programs to the public through a variety of media.
Assist wood industries in locating and purchasing logs and wood products, and in finding markets for materials.
Manage budgets and compliance, and purchase equipment and supplies.
Attend meetings, training, and conferences for professional development.
Conduct wildfire detection, prevention, and suppression duties.
Oversee local fire department employees participating in the Federal Excess Property and Fire Fighter programs, including federal property inventory and review of equipment requests.
Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, dozers, and tractors.
Organize or participate in internal and external regional planning committees and councils.
Organize or participate in special events and programs as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.