Title: Forester
Requisition Id: 3229
Salary: $48,528.00 - $60,564.00
Salary Grade: S8
Job Location: Van Buren Office (VANBU1)
Closing Date: May 23, 2024
Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.
To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor- Michael T Keeley at Mike.Keeley@mdc.mo.gov or at573 5474537x1084.
Summary/Objective
Administer, maintain, and manage the forested resources and wildlife habitat on urban and rural landscapes in Missouri including work on Conservation Areas and assistance to private landowners.
Essential Job Duties
- Supervise staff, conduct performance appraisals, and recommend corrective actions.
- Develop annual budget request and work plan assuring alignment with Agency priorities and then oversee implementation to accomplish objectives.
- Conduct forest management activities on state land through forest inventory and implementation of recommended prescriptions including timber sale preparation and administration, use of prescribed burns, exotic plant control, tree planting and coordination with other Divisions.
- Coordinates and writes area plans.
- Manages response to public use conflicts and management complaints.
- Oversee maintenance duties on Conservation Areas, such as, boundary marking, mowing public use developments, hazard tree mitigation, trail maintenance, contract writing and contract supervision.
- Assist communities and land owners with management of their forests through plan development, site visits, grant and recognition programs, timber sale assistance, cost share assistance, wildlife habitat projects, etc.
- Conduct community forestry and arboriculture training/workshops/presentations for a wide variety of internal and external stakeholder audiences.
- Collaborate with developers to assist in the design of conservation friendly developments.
- Diagnose insect and disease problems on trees and provide control recommendations to municipalities, commercial enterprises, homeowners, and the general public.
- Disseminate information regarding forest management, improving tree health, tree planting, care and maintenance to the general public through phone, email, and in person discussions.
- Prepare and present programs to the general public through a variety of media.
- Provide assistance to wood industries trying to locate and purchase logs, wood products and/or markets for materials they have.
- Carry out management, budget compliance, and purchase of equipment and supplies.
- Attend meetings, training and conferences to continue professional development.
- Conduct wildfire detection, prevention, and suppression duties.
- Oversees the work of employees with local fire departments on the Federal Excess Property and the Fire Fighter programs. Oversee the inventory of federal property held by fire departments and screens fire department requests for new equipment.
- Operate and maintain equipment such as chainsaws, dozers, and tractors.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Organize and/or participate in internal and external regional planning committees and councils.
- Organize and/or participate in special events and programs, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or Forest Management or closely related field.
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in forestry work with demonstrated competency in state land management, private land management, community forestry and wildfire suppression.
- ISA Arborist Certification desired but not required for positions with primary job responsibilities in community forestry.
- Society of American Foresters Candidate Certified Forester or Certified Forester.
- Certified American Tree Farm Inspector.
- Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License.
- Must maintain a valid, current Class A CDL.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge to conduct forest inventory and analysis.
- Knowledge to observe and classify trees and common insects and diseases.
- Knowledge to interpret aerial photos and soil survey maps.
- Ability to read and write land descriptions using latitudes and longitudes, GPS data, and standard legal descriptions (Township, Range, Section), and to locate specific points, areas and features on topographic maps and on the ground.
- Ability to complete a forest inventory and analysis and utilize this information to make forest management recommendations with appropriate technical specifications, and plan and implement standard forest management practices.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences including Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, Extension Agents, private landowners, FFA instructors, community leaders, teachers, saw millers and loggers.
- Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks.
- Ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.
- Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers (whether Department employees or the general public).
- Ability to accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress.
- Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.
- Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
- Ability to demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility.
- Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight with limited frequency.
- Ability to work evenings, Saturdays and Sundays when needed.
Work Environment
- Frequently work in outdoor weather.
- May be exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
Physical Abilities
- Frequently move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Ability to walk in rough and steep terrain.
- Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision
- Regularly lift up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
- Concentrated attention is required at all times.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.
Exemption Status/Special Notes
This position has been determined to be Exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.
Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.
MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.
The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.
Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.
All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.