Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY OPERATIONS DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

Working Title: FIA Forester

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in forestry or similar natural resource curriculum that includes dendrology, forest measurements, silviculture, and forest management and experience equivalent to two years of professional forestry, wildlife, natural resources, or any other related work.

Substitution of Education for Experience: Graduate course work in forestry, wildlife, natural resources, or any other related work may substitute for the required experience, on a year for year basis, to a maximum of one year (e.g., 12 graduate semester hours in forestry, wildlife, natural resources, or any other related work may substitute for one year of the required experience).

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
1. Possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator's license in some positions;
2. Possess and maintain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in some positions;
3. Pass a physical fitness test for participation in wildland and prescribed fire activities in some positions.

Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Summary

Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for professional forestry and/or fire management work of considerable difficulty in planning, directing, and administering forestry programs; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features: An employee in this class either supervises professional staff at a state forest or performs advanced working level duties in a multi-county area which may include a state forest. This class differs from that of a Forester 2, in that an incumbent of the latter functions at the working level.

Responsibilities

1. Supervises and schedules daily activities for subordinates, such as fire prevention activities, facility maintenance, forestry programs, state forest activities, and vendor services.
2. Supervises subordinates both technically and administratively. Conducts performance evaluations. Develops appropriate training to ensure direct reports maintain working knowledge of and adhere to internal policies and procedures. Identifies opportunities appropriate for direct reports to promote development and performance.
3. Provides technical expertise to agency personnel/other government agencies and general public regarding the application of forestry practices and forestland management decisions.
4. Develops and interprets forest management plan information defining site index, basal area, soil information, and other variables to help make sound forest management decisions.
5. Interprets and communicates regulations to government agencies and citizens regarding state forest rules and burning law regulations to increase compliance and understanding. Assists in communicating rules and regulations of other government agencies.
6. Handles feedback received from employees, landowners, general public, and other public agencies by gathering information from all parties and makes a decision or recommendation regarding actions needed. May make recommendations and decisions regarding public use of state forest such as road access, vehicle restrictions, recreation, and permits based on impacts on forest property, safety, and planned management activities.
7. May collaborate with other state agencies and partners to coordinate conservation activities of teams in a multi-county area.
8. May assist urban and community partners in developing urban forest management plans, provide technical assistance for urban forest health concerns, and facilitate urban forestry incentive programs.
9. May assist in wildland fire response, prescribed fire application, and all-hazard incidents.
10. Walks, hikes, and works on steep, rough terrain while enduring environmental hazards for extended periods of time to build or patrol fire line, performs timber cruising activities, boundary line inspections, forest health management work and/or timber sale setup.
11. Collects and analyzes forest inventory data such as tree/site data, landowner information, invasive/exotic species, and pathogen information. Delineates forest management units and conditions based on characterizing data variables such as forest type, stand size/class, density, and regeneration status.
12. May develop public use areas and trails (e.g. hiking, horseback riding, all-terrain vehicles, off highway vehicles) on state property. Works with other agencies, general public, and outside organizations to develop public use areas and trails.
13. Conducts timber sale administration activities and ensures all state polices are adhered to while disposing of state property.
14. Monitors logging activities and performs water quality checks on public and private land. Ensures compliance with best management practices and other agencies rules and regulations. Facilitates resolution regarding water quality complaints.
15. Develops forest management plans for multiple use objectives. May maintain various records such as active projects, disturbance history, and state forest management plans such as database or other documentation work activities. May resolve property disputes and surveys.
16. Uses GIS software to analyze and interpret spatial data to inform forest management decisions, develops mapping products, create forest management plans, and manage data for reporting.
17. Maintains a cordial and productive working relationship with Emergency personnel, other state agencies (e.g. Agriculture Crime Unit, Sherriff's department, EMT, etc.), and outside organizations.
18. Communicates with the general public and various agencies and organizations such as farm services, extension offices, and soil conservation offices to provide information about the
services and programs of the Division. Prepares and makes presentations to outside organizations such as county forestry associations, civic groups, school groups, and emergency management agencies.
19. Attends required training, obtains, and maintains required certifications such as safety, firefighting, and pesticide application.

Competencies

Competencies:
1. Decision Quality
2. Functional/Technical Competency
3. Problem Solving
4. Planning
5. Directing Others
6. Time Management
7. Timely Decision Making
8. Presentation Skills
9. Written Communications
10. Customer Focus

Knowledge:
1. Administration and Management
2. Biology
3. Ecology
4. Silviculture
5. Dendrology
6. Mensuration
7. Computers and Electronics
8. Geography
9. Geology
10. Mathematics
11. Fire Science
12. Forest Health
13. Communications and Media

Skills:
1. Active Learning
2. Active Listening
3. Critical Thinking
4. Mathematics
5. Monitoring
6. Reading Comprehension
7. Speaking
8. Writing
9. Coordination
10. Instructing
11. Negotiation
12. Persuasion
13. Social Perceptiveness
14. Judgment and Decision Making
15. Management of Financial Resources
16. Time Management

Abilities:
1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Mathematical Reasoning
4. Memorization
5. Number Facility
6. Oral Comprehension
7. Problem Sensitivity
8. Spatial Orientation
9. Visualization
10. Written Comprehension
11. Written Expression
12. Extent Flexibility
13. Gross Body Coordination
14. Gross Body Equilibrium
15. Stamina
16. Depth Perception
17. Far Vision
18. Near Vision
19. Speech Clarity

Tools & Equipment

Tools:
1. Global Positioning System
2. Office Equipment
3. Video Conferencing
4. Radio Systems
5. Phone Systems
6. Safety Equipment
7. Calculator
8. Motor Vehicles
9. Laser Measuring Device
10. Forestry Tools
11. Fireline Equipment
12. GPS/Survey Equipment
13. Data Recorders
14. Pesticide Application Equipment