Service Forester

the South Dakota State Government•Pierre, SD

21d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be part of the division's Urban and Forestry (UCF) team and will coordinate sub-awards grant programs with the UCF staff across the state. As the Service Forester you will evaluate tree health and management issues in towns and communities; provide technical advice to local communities, tree boards, private landowners/homeowners, conservation districts, other agencies, and organizations; assist with special urban forestry field projects; participate in meetings, and workshops concerning urban forestry; assist with the community enhancement grants; assist communities to conduct urban tree inventories; coordinate and conduct tree care workshops; respond to sick tree calls; tree insect and disease management; assist communities with establishing and/or maintaining a community forestry program; prepare, review, and approve shelterbelt tree planting plans; other duties as assigned.

Requirements

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist once the individual has met the ISA certification requirements (Required to obtain and maintain).
Pesticide application certificate from the State of South Dakota (Required to obtain and maintain).
Valid driver's license (Required to have and maintain).
A Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry or a related natural resources profession (may be substituted for education and experience if that experience has prepared you to successfully carry out the duties of this position as outlined).
Working knowledge of geographic information systems (ArcGIS) (Highly desirable).
Knowledge of urban and community forestry programs.
Knowledge of project design and management.
Knowledge of dendrology, arboriculture, biology, biometrics and botany.
Knowledge of forest mensuration, horticulture, hydrology, plant physiology, and silviculture.
Knowledge of federal and state forestry laws and regulations, and department policies and procedures.
Knowledge of identification of tree species and diseases, correct planting and pruning techniques, and care of trees.
Knowledge of tree biology, soil management, tree protection, tree risk management.
Knowledge of agroforestry - especially windbreaks and riparian buffers.
Knowledge of forest certification programs.
Skill to use a variety of forestry tools and equipment: clinometers; diameter tapes; prisms; increment borers; Biltmore sticks; measuring wheel; compass data recorders; hypsometers; global positioning systems to collect data.
Skill to interpret data derived from the use of these tools.
Ability to work productively in a remote field location with limited supervision.
Ability to prioritize work to complete all assigned tasks correctly and on-time.
Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive truck in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability to conduct literature and technical reference searches.
Ability to conduct soil survey research.
Ability to use and interpret topographic maps.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to use digital graphic software, mapping programs, and GPS information uploading, downloading, and interpretation.
Ability to write professional and technical reports that can be understood by both professional and lay persons.
Ability to deal tactfully with others.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, or with a group in a team setting.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers and the public.
Ability to keep records.
Ability to diagnose tree health problems and determine the appropriate action to address tree planting and tree care needs.

Nice To Haves

A working knowledge of geographic information systems (ArcGIS)

Responsibilities

Evaluate tree health and management issues in towns and communities.
Provide technical advice to local communities, tree boards, private landowners/homeowners, conservation districts, other agencies, and organizations.
Assist with special urban forestry field projects.
Participate in meetings and workshops concerning urban forestry.
Assist with the community enhancement grants.
Assist communities to conduct urban tree inventories.
Coordinate and conduct tree care workshops.
Respond to sick tree calls.
Manage tree insect and disease issues.
Assist communities with establishing and/or maintaining a community forestry program.
Prepare, review, and approve shelterbelt tree planting plans.
Other duties as assigned.