Forester
The purposes of the position of the Forester is a: provide administrative assistance to the assigned district, b: to promote and execute the various agency programs within the District, c: to provide local leadership in the areas of emergency management, forest pest management, landowner assistance and related programs, d: to promote and demonstrate the concept of team work in the district, region and state and e: to represent the State of Texas and the Texas A&M Forest Service as a professional public servant in their attitude, their actions and their leadership.
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 Forester or Regional Forester, supervision of assigned staff and management of all local Agency service programs. Includes oversight of employee activities, personnel evaluations, training, facilities, grounds, equipment, reporting, budget accountability, 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 TFS Leadership. 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.
-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.
-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.
-Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from a SAF accredited school of Forestry
Preferred Education: Masters Degree in Forestry from a SAF accredited school of Forestry
Required Experience: None
Preferred Experience: Conservation and environmental education programming, working with landowners, program implementation and planning
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Required Knowledge: Microsoft Office
Preferred Knowledge: GIS/GPS. Arboriculture
Required Ability: Multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Required Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses:
Required: Valid Texas CDL or ability to acquire one within 180 days
Preferred: SAF Certified Forester, Certified Arborist, TFA accredited Forester, Non-commercial pesticide applicators license.
Applicant Instructions:
Resume, cover letter, references and transcript(s) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the "Upload" button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.