Forester

Responsibilities Equipping NIPF landowners to make informed decisions regarding forest land management, including local administration of rural forestry programs, local leadership on natural resource issues, community forestry, and direct landowner assistance. Delivery of agency public affairs programs, such as conservation education activities and participation in local economic development organizations, often involving long travel in a motor vehicle and extended night and weekend work. Under the direction of the District or Regional Forester, supervise assigned staff and manage all local agency service programs, including oversight of employee activities, training, facilities, grounds, equipment, and reporting. Support local county forest landowners association(s) by attending board and membership meetings, assisting with meeting programs, and developing association newsletters. Administration and support of local protection and emergency response programs, including forest pest mitigation, wildland fire suppression, and capacity building. Must meet minimum physical fitness standard and obtain NWCG certification as determined by TAMFS Leadership. Potentially include long hours in a fixed-wing aircraft and work in harsh environmental conditions (smoke, wind, rain, extreme temperatures) while maintaining a 24/7 communications cell phone and responding to dispatcher within 30 minutes of emergency calls. Local wildland fire suppression response and standby, including weekend response and other occasional emergency response (wildland fire, weather events, etc.) in other parts of the state/nation as directed. Manage and account for assigned credit cards in accordance with state law and agency policies. Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements Education: Bachelor of Science or higher in Forestry degree (or equivalent) from a SAF accredited school of Forestry. Experience: None – entry level position. Preferred Experience: Conservation and environmental education programming, working with landowners, program implementation and planning. Knowledge: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel). Skills: Good oral and written communication skills. Abilities: Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others; preferred ability to utilize GIS/GPS programs. Registrations, Certifications, Licenses: Commercial driver’s license (CDL) – Class A with 180 days of hire (Required); preferred: SAF Certified Forester, TFA Accredited Forester, Non-commercial pesticide applicators license. Benefits Texas A&M University System offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, health and lifestyle programs, and educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response, and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the annual walk test (three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less). Other Information All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and other required information. Equal Opportunity Statement The Texas A&M University System is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr