Forester

This is a highly technical position responsible for a variety of forestry related programs on Tate's Hell State Forest. The incumbent must deal with forestry and environmental issues affecting both the public and State owned forest land. Provides technical forestry assistance on Tate's Hell State Forest in the management of timberlands for maximum profits and sustained yield as well as balancing environmental concerns; provides timber marking and volume estimation and the sale of forest products; provides technical assistance in planning for multiple use of the forest, and ensures that ecosystem management is practiced; prepares stands for direct seeding or contract planting; and helps to prepare contracts for all silvicultural operations, and oversees these operations while in progress to ensure contractor compliance. This position may be required to perform Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) work, including FIA Certification by the United States Forest Service and the gathering and recording of FIA plot data in the field. Provides technical assistance in developing prescribed burning plans to ensure minimum impact of smoke and maximum use of assigned resources; evaluates areas to be burned prior to burn and after burn to ensure that sound forest management objectives are met; participates in burns conducted both by helicopter and by hand; and secures the necessary training to conduct and participate in prescribed burning safely. Provides wildfire and emergency response support as directed. Assists in the development of smoke management, wildfire prevention, prescribed fire, pre-suppression burning plans, and hazardous fuels mitigation. Assists in the enforcement of Florida’s open burning laws and regulations. Utilizes mass media systems such as newspaper, radio, and television to keep public informed of developments on the State forest. Provides local schools with information and conducts periodic field trips for environmental education. Performs other duties as assigned.