State Forester/Director of Forestry Services

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is seeking a full-time State Forester/Director of Forestry Services in its Forestry Services Division. This state government position is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and serves as director of the State Forestry Division. The role is responsible for planning and developing state forestry programs and serves as the primary point of contact for wildfire management activities in Oklahoma. Annual pay is up to $121,457, based on education and experience. The director provides overall administrative and managerial direction for a major division, including guiding program managers and staff in establishing and meeting goals and objectives and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and standards. The position develops strategic direction, evaluates division operations, coordinates policies and procedures, and contributes to agency rulemaking. The position works in an office and outdoors and closely with landowners and natural resources personnel. Fieldwork may take place in extreme temperatures, high winds, smoke, and dust. The role is subject to on-call duties after regular work hours and may require travel of up to 50% during extreme wildfire seasons, including frequent travel across multiple counties. A twelve-month probationary period applies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, biological sciences, physical sciences, or a closely related field.
Three years of experience in agricultural inspection, regulation or production, forestry, or plant industries, plus seven years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
No substitution is allowed for the required supervisory experience.
Knowledge of state and federal laws concerning Forestry Services, forest management, and wildfire prevention and management.
Knowledge of agricultural products, services, and industry operations relevant to the assignment; business and economics theory; general accounting; budget preparation and control; supervisory principles and practices; public administration; and personnel administration.
Ability to manage programs and personnel; interpret state and federal laws; develop training programs; establish and maintain effective working relationships; write technical reports; supervise and direct others; analyze and resolve complex administrative and personnel problems; and direct multiple Forestry Services activities.
Availability for on-call duties after regular duty hours and ability to travel as required, including up to 50% during extreme wildfire seasons.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and direct Oklahoma State Forestry programs to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
Oversee and coordinate implementation of state and federal resource grants and initiatives.
Maintain, coordinate, and promote statewide wildland fire prevention, mitigation, detection, and suppression activities, directing Forestry Division employees.
Develop and maintain collaborations and partnerships with organizations and provide guidance on resource management and protection.
Monitor and communicate Oklahoma’s wildland fire dangers and related activities.
Provide input on forestry and wildfire management legislation and coordinate legislative dialogue with the ODAFF legislative liaison.
Maintain the Division Incident Management Team, ensuring NWCG-qualified staff, personnel development, and needed changes.
Plan, coordinate, and direct field inspection and investigation activities; assess staffing needs, assign work, and use staff effectively.
Review reports, recommendations, complaints, and other information and direct or coordinate further action, including with state, local, or federal officials.
Interpret state and federal laws and regulations concerning program requirements and advise directors and others, including in emergencies.
Prepare program budget recommendations and supporting data; maintain program records and reports.
Represent the agency or state at public and intergovernmental meetings and plan public relations and educational activities.
Establish division direction, goals, and objectives; coordinate strategic planning, evaluate operations and programs, and recommend improvements.
Coordinate development and maintenance of division policies and procedures.
Provide input into the agency rule-making process for the Forestry Services Division.