Forestry Technician 1

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation; City of Schenectady (NY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Telecommuting up to 50%

Job summary

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking a Forestry Technician to conduct field surveys on state forest lands and private properties under the supervision of a professional Forester. Duties include data collection with GPS and data collectors, input of data into inventories, GIS-based typing, and assisting with timber sale marking.

The role requires comfort with rough terrain, remote work, and varying weather.

Qualifications

• Thirty (30) semester credit hours with forestry focus or related experience.
• One year of technical forestry experience in forest management or related areas.
• Ability to work in rough terrain and remote areas with valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Gather field data from plots using GPS and data collectors according to procedures.
• Input field data into the State Forest Inventory Database.
• Assist with GIS-based forest typing and asset mapping.
• Support Foresters in marking forest product sales per prescriptions.
• Perform timber volume computations and monitor sales contract compliance.
• Carry out asset maintenance tasks and handle equipment like portable scales and measurement tools.
• Assess stocking levels, forest management activities, and boundary lines on private lands.

Skills

GPS navigation

Tree identification

Tree measurement

GIS data handling

Education

Forestry coursework 30 credits

1 year forestry experience

Tools

GIS software

GPS devices

Job description

Description

Incumbent will complete forestry work on state forest properties and privately owned lands under the direction of a professional Forester. Incumbent may be required to work alone, in rough terrain, and perform some physical labor. Duties include: gather certain field data from random plots using hand‑held GPS unit and/or electronic data collector, 10 BAF prism, clinometer, tree scale stick and other related equipment, using standard procedures; input field data into the State Forest Inventory Database; assist with forest typing and asset mapping using GIS technology; assist Foresters in marking forest product sales based upon a written prescription; perform timber volume computations; monitor sales activity for compliance with contract requirements; perform some asset maintenance tasks such as carrying lumber and removing leaves from ditches; assess stocking levels, forest management activities, and boundary line marking on private forest lands. Essential skills include: tree identification, tree diameter and height measurement, GPS navigation, GIS data manipulation.

Minimum Qualifications

Thirty (30) semester credit hours, including twelve (12) semester credit hours in forestry, which must include at least one course in three or more of the following areas: botany, dendrology, forest biology, forest ecology, forest ecosystem management, forest entomology, forest health, forest mensuration, forest pathology, forest protection, forest soils, general soils, geographic information systems, land surveying, and silviculture

OR

One (1) year of technical forestry experience in one (1) or more of the following areas: forest management, including sale and removal of timber products; nursery management, including the transplanting of tree or shrub seedlings; forest pest management, including control of diseases and insect pests.

Additional Comments

This is a hourly appointment currently funded through 3/31/2027, with a likelihood of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.

Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.

Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

Must be able to work in remote areas.

Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.

Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: [e-mail].

Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).