Job Information
State of Montana Forester 1 - Forest Improvement Forester in Kalispell, Montana
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. Core Values: The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservations Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana. * We value and respect each other. * We create collaborative work environments. * We build and maintain strong relationships. * We practice accountability. * We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work. Job Overview: *These positions perform professional forest improvement and forest management activities under the general supervision of the NWLO Area Forester. The incumbent plans, coordinates and implements projects necessary to oversee forest improvement treatments on trust parcels including thinning, timber stand improvement, hazard and fuels reductions, forest regeneration projects, and weed management. The incumbent may be required to assist in projects on trust lands to sell timber, assist in road maintenance needs and other related activities. The incumbent may also be required to assist in prescribed fire treatments. These forest improvement and forest management activities will occur on the Kalispell, Libby, Plains, Stillwater, and Swan units. *Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): *These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent. *Forest Improvement Projects: Plan, coordinate and implement forest improvement activities on state endowment trust lands to provide for the sustainable use of the land and associated resources, and to ensure adherence to state and federal laws and regulations. * Coordinate, design, and plan forest improvement projects to include thinning, timber stand improvement, hazard and fuels reduction, and weed control. * Establish and mark project boundaries. * Design and implement forest improvement timber cruises. * Assist in forest improvement project contract preparation. * Implement forest improvement projects by administering contracts. * Assist in implementing prescribed fire projects. * Conduct field work to verify and update inventory and treatment records. * Assist in forest regeneration projects to include planting contract administration. * Implement the habitat conservation plan and ensure compliance with silvicultural prescriptions. * Work within assigned allocation of budget and capital while ensuring goals are met. * Perform activities in wildland fire management that relate to the responsibilities of the NWLO. Supervision: This position may supervise 1-2 seasonal forest technicians to accomplish field work and include assisting the NWLO Area Forester in hiring the seasonal technicians, tracking and approving time worked, technician work planning and scheduling, and mentoring.* *APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION ARE: * * Online State of Montana application * Resume * Cover Letter *HELPFUL HINT: You must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application. Benefits: * Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays * Health, Dental, Prescription, and Vision Coverage * Retirement Plans * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here, https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service to learn more and see if you may qualify! If you are interested in a complete job description please contact HR at Makayla.Mangold@mt.gov. *Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: The position requires knowledge of forest management principles and practices; equipment and techniques used in forest management projects and operations; forest practices and hazard reduction laws, Administrative Rules, standards, guidelines, policies and procedures related to forest management operations and activities; and familiarity of the Montana Environmental Policy Act and related laws and rules governing natural resource management. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, methods and approaches used in silviculture, ecology, hydrology, wildlife and fisheries biology. Specific knowledge of plant taxonomy, insects & disease, habitat typing, timber cruising, log scaling, harvesting systems, data collection and sampling techniques; road design and layout; fire behavior, fire suppression techniques, land surveying and timber appraisal procedures. The position also requires knowledge of DNRC and State Personnel policies, procedures, precedents, organizational structures, employment law conflict resolution and program requirements. The position requires skill in the use and operation of tools, equipment and vehicles used in wildland fire control, forest management activities and field office operations; operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs/UTVs and skill in the use of computer hardware and software related to forest management business operations (word processing, spreadsheets, internet, e-mail and smart devices) and specialized resource management software. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to individuals, groups and representatives from other organizations; the ability to coordinate and direct multiple resources to complete work objectives, work on multiple projects simultaneously; work well with others and maintain a positive working environment. The position often works independently and requires critical thinking skills as they work in remote work conditions and may encounter various hazards throughout a typical workday including wildlife, road conditions, hazardous terrain and encounters with the public in various high-tension settings that may require de-escalation and conflict resolution. Special Requirements: An essential function of the position is the ability to pass an arduous pack test as well as be capable of vigorous physical activity in all types of weather. The position requires working alone in the field, including winter conditions (using tire chains) and navigating with a map and compass. SPECIAL INFORMATION: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: *In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card" Title: *Forester 1 - Forest Improvement Forester Location: Kalispell Requisition ID: 24143387