Forester 2 - Good Neighbor Authority Forester's

Forester 2 – Good Neighbor Authority Forester's Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation mission: to ensure Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. Core Values We value and respect each other. We create collaborative work environments. We build and maintain strong relationships. We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work. Work Unit Overview The majority of work will be on federal lands throughout western Montana. This position involves planning, designing, and implementing field work in support of the Good Neighbor Authority Program administered by the Good Neighbor Bureau headquartered in Missoula. Job Overview The position performs advanced professional forest management activities in close coordination with the US Forest Service under the general supervision of the Good Neighbor Authority Supervisory Forester. The incumbent plans, coordinates, and implements various projects to improve forest health, reduce hazardous fuels, and harvest commercial timber from federal lands and across ownership boundaries. Essential Functions These job functions are essential duties of the position and are not all‑inclusive of all duties that may be assigned. Good Neighbor Authority Project Planning and Design Understand Good Neighbor Authority tools and authorizations, NEPA and Farm Bill categorical exclusions, DNRC timber sale and contracting policies, and state involvement in federal land management. Collaborate with federal partners, local governments, and stakeholders to plan, manage, and implement federal forest management projects across multiple ownerships. Conduct surveys and collect inventory data to determine natural resources present, their condition, and management needs; determine timber distribution and volume estimates; identify hazardous fuels reduction needs; recognize forest insect and disease damage; assess topography, streamside management zones, riparian areas, and other influencing factors. Coordinate the design or implementation of silvicultural prescriptions, timber marking guidelines, sale design and logging system specifications, road specifications, sale layout, and timber cruising activities. Share information with federal partners to ensure efficient scheduling and achievement of forest management goals. Develop initial forest management proposals and work collaboratively with federal agency partners and stakeholders to refine proposals. Evaluate project access needs, including road ownership, road systems, construction costs, log hauling feasibility, right‑of‑way issues, and environmental concerns; obtain required permits; assess other access issues relevant to the project area. Good Neighbor Authority Project Implementation and Administration Develop and administer forest management projects and contracts such as timber sales, fuels reduction, stand improvement, and road maintenance, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, NEPA, and Forest Plan Standards. Prepare all sale‑package documents for Land Office and Good Neighbor Bureau review and distribution, including NEPA Design Features Crosswalk, Timber Sale Contract, Prospectus, Notice of Sale, Summary of Actions, and other timber value summaries, cruise documentation, forest improvement appraisal, road and logging cost specifications. Coordinate with Forest Service personnel to ensure projects meet requirements; complete contract inspections and detail project progress, conditions, and compliance in inspection reports; compare observations with expected outcomes. Perform timber sale clerical duties such as truck ticket entry and tracking, timber sale billing; create and maintain a complete file of project documentation. Participate in public meetings, monitor input from industry, affected groups, and the public; obtain data and recommend strategies or actions. Determine and oversee forest restoration treatments on assigned parcels, including thinning, stand improvement, hazard and fuels reduction, weed spraying, road maintenance, and planting after timber sales or as needed. Public Relations Provide program and project expertise and respond to questions from internal and external specialists, other agencies, and the general public regarding the DNRC's Federal Engagement Program and projects. Promote goals and objectives, foster awareness of issues affecting forest resources, and deliver information on project outcomes and progress as requested. Plan, organize, and conduct field tours during design and implementation to educate and inform individuals, groups, and organizations. Solicit comments and involvement from others such as private citizens, collaborative groups, local governments, the forest products industry, and conservation organizations. Supervision This position may supervise foresters and seasonal employees and may be responsible for time approval, disciplinary action, or hiring of employees. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in forest management or a related resource management field. Minimum one year of job‑related professional forest management experience. May consider alternative combinations of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge State forest management principles and practices. Skills Experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, GIS programs, data collection instruments and software; ability to work alone in the field, including driving in winter conditions and operating ATVs with map and compass navigation. Abilities Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to individuals, groups, and representatives from other organizations. Coordinate and direct multiple resources to complete work objectives and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Minimum Physical Requirements Vigorous physical activity in all weather conditions. Routine travel within northwest Montana and occasional travel to other areas of Montana. 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 selected person must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card, a driver’s license or other picture ID, a U.S. passport, or a green card. E‑Verify Participation Effective May 4, 2026, this agency is participating in E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I‑9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. EEO Statement The State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr