Project Forester

State of South Carolina; Florence (SC); On-site; USD 51,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan options

Paid vacation and sick leave

Telecommuting where applicable

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

The State of South Carolina is seeking a Project Forester to provide forest management assistance to private landowners, write management plans, and administer cost-share programs. The role involves prescribed burns, wildfire response, and local representation for the SC Forestry Commission.

Candidates should hold SAF-accredited forestry credentials, be SC-registered within two years, pass a fitness assessment, and maintain a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate in forestry from SAF-accredited program or equivalent.
• SC-registered forester within two years of appointment.
• Pass physical fitness test as specified by agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide forest management assistance to landowners and write management plans.
• Administer cost-share programs and assist with prescribed burns and wildfire response.
• Represent the SC Forestry Commission at local meetings and perform outreach.
• Respond to wildfires and other incidents; assist with training and investigations as directed.
• Support fire management operations and act as needed as Sector Fire Management Officer.

Skills

Forest management

Communication

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/SAF-Accredited Forestry Degree

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The Responsibilities Of The Project Forester

Under general supervision, provides forest management assistance to private landowners to include preparation of forest management plans. Administers cost-share programs for the project. Assists with conducting prescribed burns, wildfire suppression, and disaster response. Represents the SC Forestry Commission at local meetings.

• Provides forest management assistance and outreach to landowners and the general public to promote active management of forestland. Writes forest management plans to produce multiple benefits including the sustainable production of forest products, clean air and water, wildlife habitat, aesthetics and to mitigate wildfire risks through recommending mastication and other fuels reduction activities. Administers cost-share programs and prepares reports. Assists landowners with implementation of forestry practices. Performs insect and disease activities. Represents agency at local meetings.
• Responds to wildfires and all-hazard incidents both in-state and out-of-state through southeastern Compact requests and western wildfire assignments. Participates in FireWise activities to include conducting wildfire risk assessments for at-risk communities in the wildland urban interface and other wildfire prevention events. Responds to non-wildfire disasters, and participates in wildfire and disaster-related exercises as directed. Assists in basic wildfire investigations, burn site inspections, participates in incident management activities on large fire events. Supports Sector Fire Management Officers on fire suppression activities.
• Participates in opportunities for professional growth as directed such as working with specialty foresters and participating in and/or conducting training as directed to include wildland fire training (i.e. fireline refresher). Serves as acting Sector Fire Management Officer when needed.
• Provides landowner services such as prescribed burning and timber marking in project area and elsewhere as directed.
• Participates in activities and/or projects in support of agency’s mission and performs other duties as required.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the Society of American Foresters Certified Forester educational requirements.
• Required to be a SC registered forester within two years of appointment.
• Must pass a physical fitness test of walking two (2) miles in thirty (30) minutes carrying a 25 lb. pack or meet the agency physical fitness program requirements.
• Must obtain firefighter registration with the SC State Fire Marshal’s office.
• Criminal background check required. Drug and Alcohol test required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Comments

• This position works in Florence and Dillon Counties. Must be a resident of South Carolina and must live in their area of responsibility or within a radius of 30 miles of their assigned work center.
• Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb, and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions.
• Works a Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. schedule. Occasional overnight travel required.
• Working knowledge of forestry management techniques and procedures.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally. Ability to establish working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public. Ability to act effectively in emergency or stressful situations.

This position is designated as safety sensitive and essential. Position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position may be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

03

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application must upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

04

Are you willing to accept a starting salary of $50,598-$58,470?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or a bachelor's, master’s, or doctorate degree in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the Society of American Foresters Certified Forester educational requirements?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a pending graduate that will receive a bachelor's or graduate degree in forestry or related natural resource field from an SAF accredited program? If so, when is your anticipated graduation date?

07

Have you ever been a summer intern with the SC Forestry Commission? If so, when?

• Required Question