Community Forester

Summary / Objective

Administer, maintain, and manage the forested resources and wildlife habitat on urban and rural landscapes in Missouri including work on Conservation Areas and assistance to private landowners.

Essential Job Duties

• Administers state grants / cost sharing programs related to urban tree planting / care region wide.
• Develops urban tree planting and community forest plans for governmental entities.
• Responds to arborists' requests for assistance with insect and disease problems.
• Makes recommendations for building around trees and selection of species for planting.
• Works with green industries on ISA certification and responds to requests for help on special problems.
• Works with Forest ReLeaf and Forest Keepers region wide; promotes National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City, Tree Line, and Tree City USA programs, certifies Champion Trees.
• Responds to commercial, industrial and utility requests for assistance with tree management and provides training.
• Serves on area planning teams to give forestry input for Conservation Area Management Plans.
• Develops area management plans and budget requests for urban Missouri Department of Conservation lands.
• Assists with regional budget preparation and planning and assists with training on urban forestry issues.
• Conducts workshops, classes, and training sessions on urban forestry topics including insects and diseases, tree identification, plant health care and arborist certification; works with area schools, civic groups, special event organizers and the public to coordinate information and education on all urban forestry issues.
• Provides technical assistance to private landowners and writes stewardship plans and administers cost share programs for forest management; works with absentee forest landowners to educate them about stewardship programs.
• Provides media information, prepares news releases and organizes special events.

Ancillary Job Duties

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or Forest Management or closely related field.

Society of American Foresters Candidate Certified Forester desired

Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge to conduct forest inventory and analysis.

Knowledge to observe and classify trees and common insects and diseases.

Knowledge to interpret aerial photos and soil survey maps.

Ability to read and write land descriptions using latitudes and longitudes, GPS data, and standard legal descriptions (Township, Range, Section), and to locate specific points, areas, and features on topographic maps and on the ground.

Ability to complete a forest inventory and analysis and use this information to make forest management recommendations with appropriate technical specifications, and plan and implement standard forest management practices.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, Department field staff, Extension Agents, private landowners, FFA instructors, community leaders, teachers, saw millers, and loggers.

Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks.

Ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.

Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating, and responding to the needs of customers (whether Department employees or the general public).

Ability to accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress.

Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant informtion, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.

Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.

Ability to demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility.

Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight with limited frequency.

Ability to work evenings, Saturdays and Sundays when needed.

Work Environment

Frequently work in outdoor weather.

May be exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.

Physical Abilities

Frequently move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.

Ability to walk in rough and steep terrain.

Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.

Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more, and three-dimensional vision.

Regularly lift up to 5 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.

Concentrated attention is required at all times.

Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer : This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status / Special Notes This position has been determined to be Exempt  according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy. Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed. MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment. The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment. Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment. All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.