Chief State Forester: Strategy, Fire & Forest Stewardship

DAF-Agriculture and Forestry; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

LASERS retirement

Paid holidays

Annual & sick leave

Parental leave

Life insurance

457(b) plan

FSAs/HSAs

EAP

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry seeks an experienced State Forester to lead the agency's forestry programs, set annual goals, and serve as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Forestry. The role directs statewide priorities, wildfire response, enforcement, and collaboration with NASF, USFS Region 8, and the Louisiana Legislature.

The position emphasizes strategic planning, staff development, stakeholder engagement, and data‑driven forest management in Louisiana's diverse

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited school of forestry.
• Experience: At least four (4) years of forestry experience in the South.
• Established written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in forestry, fire management, ecosystem management, and forest products.
• Strong administrative capabilities to guide, supervise, and develop staff.
• Proven record of collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders and public bodies.

Responsibilities

• Executive Direction: provide statewide leadership for all forest interests and set annual goals and priorities.
• Wildfire: lead detection, suppression, and prevention efforts across state lands.
• Law enforcement: enforce forest laws and appoint commissioned officers.
• Compliance: monitor forest practices and BMPs; report to stakeholders.
• Resource management: assist landowners, promote reforestation, administer Forest Productivity Program.
• Inventory: liaise for forest inventory and maintain data access.
• Education: lead outreach and training programs for industry and public.
• Training: implement wildfire training for Office of Forestry staff and volunteers.
• Administration: act as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Forestry.
• Federal cooperation: coordinate with USFS Region 8 and NASF/SGSF.
• Public outreach: communicate program goals and results to the Legislature and public.
• Deputy coordination: work with commissions and committees as Secretary and liaison.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Senior leadership

Administrative capabilities

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Graduate of accredited school of forestry

Job description

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry seeks an experienced State Forester to lead the agency's forestry programs, set annual goals, and serve as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Forestry. The role directs statewide priorities, wildfire response, enforcement, and collaboration with NASF, USFS Region 8, and the Louisiana Legislature.

The position emphasizes strategic planning, staff development, stakeholder engagement, and data‑driven forest management in Louisiana's diverse