Silviculture Section Chief (Forest Program Manager)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Dauphin County, PA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Silviculture Section Chief leads statewide silviculture operations, timber program administration, and research coordination for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry. The role supports long-term forest sustainability and represents the Bureau’s stewardship work. It oversees forest regeneration projects, the statewide timber sale program, silvicultural practices, and partnerships with the forest products industry, state agencies, federal partners, and nongovernmental organizations.

The position is based at the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg. It is full-time, with a standard 37.5-hour workweek and a start time between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, plus a half-hour lunch. An alternate work schedule may be available. Part-time telework of up to five days per pay period may be permitted, subject to requirements and change. The employee must meet Pennsylvania residency requirements and be able to perform essential job functions.

Requirements

• Two years of experience as a Forest Program Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or two years as a Forest Assistant Manager; or two years as a Forest Nursery Manager; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Review timber proposals and support and perform quality control of sale administration and regeneration fund project work.
• Review and improve silvicultural guidance used by the Bureau’s field staff.
• Manage the bidding and contracting business enterprise for state forest timber sales, ensuring alignment with Commonwealth policies and management objectives.
• Provide expertise on applied silviculture techniques and coordinate research needs to advance sustainable forest management.
• Develop and lead training for foresters, technicians, and program staff on silvicultural practices and timber sale procedures.
• Represent the Bureau at meetings and events to communicate forest management strategies and strengthen conservation partnerships.
• Coordinate Good Neighbor Authority activities with federal partners, including planning, agreements, and reporting requirements.
• Foster relationships with Pennsylvania’s forest products industry and build collaborative networks with state agencies and nongovernmental partners for landscape-level conservation work.
• Support silvicultural and forest products utilization-related research partnerships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed