Job Specification Details

Forestry and related work at a technical level for the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. Duties involve forestry work on private and public lands, the application of environmental sciences to analyze, review, prepare, monitor, and implement forestry policies, management plans, and stewardship activities, and the application of technical and scientific data in a variety of department regulatory, non-regulatory, and state and federal programs. They provide outreach and expertise for forest and forestry related inquiries from the public to ensure the health and maintenance of forests. They conduct forest health research and protection projects, manage and conserve forest ecosystems, produce renewable timber resources, create wildlife habitat, protect water quality, inventory and map forest resources, cooperate with user groups, advise on the forest economy, and manage recreational opportunities on public lands. Some positions in the class may supervise classified, temporary, or contractual employees at a lower level on a project basis. 

Work at this level differs from higher-level forestry professionals in the scope and complexity of projects and the expected level of independence, and differs from lower-level forestry professionals in the level of expertise and breadth of knowledge required. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a higher-level forestry professionals, or administrative superior.

Executes and performs work in the field independently and with minimal oversight, which includes conducting timber harvesting, road, recreation wildlife habitat improvement, and mapping; monitoring and reporting on conservation easements; preparing licenses and special use permits on public lands; writing, information gathering, development, and implementation of long-term management plans on public lands; providing professional and technical assistance to landowners, municipalities, forest enterprises, the general public, and natural resource professionals; reviewing proposed forest management plans and forest management activities for compliance with state and federal programs, laws, regulations, and rules; developing, presenting, and distributing informational and educational programs and materials; research, collection and analysis of forest health, forest economy data, and other natural resource data; implementing forest fire prevention, suppression, and other forest protection programs; and entering information into computers, maintaining databases, and drafting reports. Works with field-based data collection tools and software to map and analyze data. Maintains required certifications. Performs related duties as required. 

Duties are performed more than half the time in a field setting; involving exposure to all types of weather conditions. Strength and agility are needed in traversing steep and rough terrain. They may use a variety of hand tools, such as axes, saws, and shovels, and power equipment, such as chain saws. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required. Some work outside of regular working hours may be required. Strong and conflicting public opinions may be encountered.

Working knowledge of forestry or natural resource sciences. 

Working knowledge of forest management or natural resource management methods and applications. 

Working knowledge of the basic principles of forest ecology. 

Working knowledge of forest recreation issues and concerns.

Working knowledge of forest product markets and processing.  

Working knowledge of forest operations and safety.

Knowledge of forest entomology and pathology. 

Knowledge of the methods of wildlife management. 

Awareness of planning principles and procedures. 

Skill in the application of Geographic Information Systems software and other mapping tools. 

Skills in computer application in data management and program planning. 

Knowledge of urban and community forestry. 

Ability to formulate and support forest management recommendations. 

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 

Ability to plan, gather, administer, and analyze natural resources inventory data. 

Ability to use basic computer software. 

Ability to understand and interpret complex and technical information

Associate’s degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field AND two years or more of experience at a professional level in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field.

OR

Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field or higher AND six months or more of experience at a professional level in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field.

OR

One year or more as Forestry Professional I with the State of Vermont.

OR

Licensed as forester by the State of Vermont.

State of Vermont Forester License may be required for specific positions in this class.