Forester

Job Description

The Forester provides administrative assistance to the assigned district to promote and execute the various agency programs within the district. Provides local leadership in the areas of emergency management, forest pest management, landowner assistance, and related programs, promotes and demonstrates the concept of team work in the district, region and state. The Forester also represents the State of Texas and the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) as a professional public servant in their attitude, actions and leadership. Normally training position for District Forester career ladder.

Responsibilities:

-Equipping NIPF landowners to make informed decisions regarding forest land management. Includes local administration of rural forestry programs, local leadership pertaining to natural resource issues, community forestry and direct landowner assistance. May require exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain and temperature extremes.

-Delivery of Agency public affairs programs, including: Conservation Education activities and participation in local economic development organizations. May require periods of long travel in a motor vehicle and extended night and weekend work in conjunction with volunteer organizations.

-Under the direction of the District or Regional Forester, supervision of assigned staff and management of all local Agency service programs. Includes oversight of employee activities, training, facilities, grounds, equipment, reporting, etc.

-Support of local county forest landowners association(s). Includes attending board and membership meetings, assisting with meeting programs and development of association newsletter.

-Administration and support of local protection and emergency response programs - forest pest mitigation, wildland fire suppression, capacity building, etc. Will be required to meet minimum physical fitness standard as established by the NWCG and obtain NWCG certification as determined by TAMFS Leadership.

-May include long hours in a fixed wing aircraft and working long hours in harsh environmental conditions such as smoke, wind, rain and extreme temperatures. Must carry cell phone to facilitate 24/7 communications. Will be required to respond to dispatcher within 30 minutes of receiving an emergency call, notification or alert.

-Local wildland fire suppression response and standby including weekend response and other occasional emergency response (wildland fire, weather events, etc.) in other parts of the state/nation as directed.

-Employee must manage/account for assigned credit cards in accordance with state law and agency policies.

-Working Conditions: This is a field related job. Much of the work is done in remote forested locations under various geographic and climatic conditions. May require working long hours with minimal rest and in primitive conditions. Work is often outdoors in a harsh environment such as smoke, rough terrain, dusty roads, etc. May require operating heavy equipment with related exposure to equipment vibrations and noise. Persons serving in emergency response operations must meet a physical fitness standard, which includes successfully completing a two-mile walk in 30 minutes or less with 25 pounds. Emergency response may result in exposure to emotionally stressful situations for extended periods of time. Work may include out-of-town travel and overtime hours. Employee must carry pager and/or cell phone device to facilitate 24/7 communications. Employee will be required to respond to dispatcher within 30 minutes of receiving an emergency call, notification or alert. May require operating heavy equipment with related exposure to equipment vibrations and noise.

-Other duties as assigned.

Benefits: Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response and a physical fitness incentive of $ for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.

Education and Experience:
Required Education: Bachelor of Science or higher in Forestry degree from SAF accredited school of Forestry.

Required Experience: None - entry level position.

Preferred Experience: Conservation and environmental education programming, working with landowners, program implementation and planning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Knowledge: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel)

Required Skills: Good oral and written communication skills.
Required Abilities: Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Abilities: Ability to utilize geographic information system/global positioning system (GIS/GPS) programs.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Commercial driver’s license (CDL) - Class A with days of hire.

Preferred: SAF Certified Forester. TFA Accredited Forester. Non-commercial pesticide applicators license.