District Forester

Arizona State Government; Chino Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 72,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Vacation accrual

Sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The District Forester position with the Arizona State Government's Department of Forestry and Fire Management located in Chino Valley leads a team of foresters and technicians to plan and monitor wildfire risk reduction, forest health, and watershed restoration on private, state, and federal lands.

You will manage program of work, budgets, and staff performance, ensuring safe practices and driving collaboration with district fire management officers and external partners to achieve strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Forestry or related natural resources field required.
• 5+ years in land management and 3+ years in supervisory roles.
• Project management certification or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead foresters and technicians for wildfire risk reduction and forest health projects.
• Coordinate district wildfire mitigation Program of Work with district officers.
• Develop and manage district budgets; monitor expenditures and staffing needs.
• Ensure safe work practices; review and implement policy.
• Drive on State business and collaborate with partners.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budget management

Communication

Strategic planning

Project management

Decision making

Staff development

Contract administration

GIS awareness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Forestry

PMP Certification

Tools

GIS

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona’s people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections.

District Forester

Job Location:

Address:1133 West Road 3 North Chino Valley, AZ 86323

Posting Details:

Salary: $72,099-$83,272.18 Annually

Grade: 23

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Summary:

Under the authority of the Assistant Director for the Forestry Division (Assistant State Forester of Forestry Programs), this position leads a team of foresters and forestry technicians to ensure the coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring of a robust district-wide Program of Work. This work includes forestry projects on private, state, and federal lands for wildfire mitigation, forest health, and watershed restoration. The incumbent will have functional, administrative, and budgetary responsibilities within the District as well as decision-making authority.

Job Duties:

• Provides leadership, supervision, professional development, and support to a team of foresters, forestry technicians, and other related staff that are responsible for the coordinated planning and implementation of wildfire risk reduction, forest health, and watershed improvement projects on private, state, and federal land within a designated District.
• Coordinates and leads with their respective District Fire Management Officer and collaborates on the development and implementation of an annual district-wide wildfire mitigation Program of Work.
• Develops and collaboratively manages district forestry project budgets; forecasts additional funds needed for projects, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitoring and approval of expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Ensures safe work practices; reviews and recommends policy.
• Drive on State business.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Comprehensive understanding of forestry principles, forest ecology, and wildfire management techniques
• Land management techniques including forest planning and operational procedures
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to forest management and environmental conservation.
• Organizational and personnel management
• Leadership principles
• Contract administration and data management
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other relevant technology for forest management planning and monitors

Skills in:

• Building and maintaining relationships
• Strong verbal and written communication to effectively address various levels of internal and external stakeholders
• Time management, project prioritization, planning and implementation
• Distribution of resources and problem solving
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Analytical skills to assess forest conditions, interpret data, and make data-driven decisions.
• Project management, including planning, organizing, and executing forest management initiatives within defined timelines and budgets.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, program staff, private industry, and project stakeholders
• Manage, monitor, and report on budgets and program accomplishments
• Forecast program needs and stay current on changes in industry practices and science in the field of forestry
• Develop, train, and evaluate staff performance
• Work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Lead and inspire others toward achieving common objectives while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Drive on State business.

Selective Preference(s):

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited School of Forestry or related natural resource program.
• 5+ years in land management.
• 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or similar project management certification.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

• The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• The current contribution rate is 11.98%

Contact Us:

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at [e-mail] for assistance. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 623-236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.