FORESTRY OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR - 42002679 (FOR INTERNAL AGENCY EMPLOYEES ONLY)

State of Florida • Spring Hill, FL

4d • $61,214 - $87,153

About The Position

The Forestry Operations Administrator directs fire prevention, detection, suppression, and prescribed burning programs in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, and Lake Counties. The position directs the Florida Forest Service’s cooperative forest management and landowner service programs administered through the four forest areas of the Withlacoochee Forestry Center, as well as the center’s communications and dispatch operation. The incumbent manages assigned budgets and resources—including personnel, vehicles, computers, and phones—and ensures that program operations comply with division and department policies and procedures.

The administrator directly supervises Forest Area Supervisors responsible for fire suppression planning and readiness of fire suppression crews, including the day-to-day supervision of Forest Rangers and seasonal Other Personnel Services employees. The role reviews and analyzes fire reports and statistics, oversees fire prevention planning and investigations, monitors compliance with fire laws and Florida Department of Environmental Protection rules, and ensures fire investigation training for fire control personnel.

The position develops and implements controlled burns on state and private lands for purposes such as wildlife enhancement, improved seed catch, site preparation, and hazard reduction. It also supports other state forest activities as needed. The administrator directs the center communications system, which supports emergency wildfire communications, burning authorizations, communications with center personnel, and clerical support.

Occasional to moderate travel is required. The position may respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and other incidents, requiring travel as needed. The incumbent must complete the prescribed number of fire recruit training hours within the probationary period and obtain a Certificate of Compliance, including satisfactory completion of a Florida Forest Service-approved firefighter training program. Permanent status requires receipt of the certificate. A valid driver license is required.

Requirements

• One of the following experience and education combinations: high school diploma and seven years of professional, administrative, or supervisory forestry experience; bachelor's degree with a major in forestry and three years of such experience; or master's degree with a major in forestry and two years of such experience.
• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent and at least 18 years old, as required by Florida Statute 633.
• Must meet statutory criminal history and military discharge criteria stated in the posting.
• Must submit a fingerprint card and current processing fee for the required background investigation.
• Must have good moral character as determined by investigation.
• Must be in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination prescribed by the division.
• Must be a non-user of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one year immediately preceding application, evidenced by sworn affidavit.
• Must obtain a Certificate of Compliance, including satisfactory completion of a Florida Forest Service-approved firefighter training program; permanent status requires receipt of the certificate.
• Must complete the prescribed number of hours of fire recruit training within the probationary period.
• Must possess a valid driver license.
• Must pass a background screening, including fingerprinting, as a condition of employment.
• Occasional to moderate travel is required, and emergency response may require travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Direct fire prevention, detection, suppression, and prescribed burning programs across Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, and Lake Counties.
• Direct cooperative forest management and landowner service programs administered through the four forest areas of the Withlacoochee Forestry Center.
• Direct the center communications and dispatch operation.
• Manage assigned program budgets and resources, including staff, vehicles, computers, and cell phones, efficiently and accountably.
• Ensure program areas have operational procedures and processes that support accountability and compliance with division and department policies and procedures.
• Directly supervise Forest Area Supervisors responsible for preparing and implementing fire suppression plans and maintaining crew readiness.
• Review and analyze annual fire reports and maintain fire statistics for prevention programs and district/center fire planning.
• Supervise area supervisors in developing fire prevention program plans.
• Monitor investigations of forest fires and burning regulations for compliance with fire laws and Florida Department of Environmental Protection rules and regulations.
• Ensure fire investigation training is provided to all fire control personnel.
• Develop and implement controlled burning activities on state and private lands for wildlife enhancement, improved seed catch, site preparation, and hazard reduction.
• Support other state forest activities, including timber and recreation programs, as needed.
• Direct emergency fire communications, issue burning authorizations in accordance with Florida Statutes, maintain communications with center personnel during routine assignments, and provide clerical support for the center.
• Perform other related work as assigned.
• Complete the prescribed number of fire recruit training hours within the probationary period and obtain the required Certificate of Compliance.

Benefits

• State of Florida Special Risk Retirement package
• Annual uniform allotment
• Annual boot allotment
• Annual and sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and one personal holiday each year
• State group insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED