Forester

Job TitleForester Agency Texas A&M Forest Service Department Central Region Proposed Minimum Salary$3,500.00 monthly Job LocationSan Augustine, Texas Job TypeStaff 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. 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 180 days of hire. Preferred: SAF Certified Forester. 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. All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity. Fulfilling the service component of a land-grant university system, Texas A&M Forest Service is a proud member of The Texas A&M University System.  Celebrating 100 years of service, this state agency was created in 1915 by the 34th Texas Legislature. Each state in the nation has a state forestry agency, but Texas was the first to establish its state forestry agency as part of a land-grant college. Texas A&M Forest Service is recognized as the leader in defining forestry for the future of Texas and the nation. Applied programs include forest and tree development; wildfire prevention, mitigation, and protection; urban and community forestry; and a host of innovative forest sustainability programs. Texas A&M Forest Service works to ensure the state’s forests, trees, and related natural resources are conserved and continue to provide a sustainable flow of environmental and economic benefits. Texas A&M Forest Service Career Site Benefits - Besides getting to work for a highly-acclaimed state forestry agency with top-notch staff, there are many tangible benefits that go along with working with Texas A&M Forest Service.  Exceptional health insurance is a huge economic benefit for employees.  In addition to medical and life insurance, there are also options of dental, vision, long-term disability, and more.  Paid vacation and sick leave and strong retirement plans round out a great benefit package. Texas A&M Forest Service is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Veterans / Disability Employer. If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (979) 458-6690.