FORESTRY ASSISTANT 82141

3/16/90 H

This class is the first class in the Forestry Assistant series. Positions in this class perform paraprofessional/technical forest management work typically in a specific forest management area by accomplishing forest management activities, leading nonprofessional subordinates engaged in routine, manual labor activities, and assisting Foresters and Forestry Assistant Seniors in maintaining, improving and protecting forest resources. This class is distinguished from the Forestry Lead Worker class by its responsibility for performing paraprofessional/technical duties rather than routine, manual work assignments. This class is distinguished from the Forestry Assistant Senior class by the latter's responsibility for designing and coordinating paraprofessional work projects within a region, state forest or forestry center.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty by participating in projects designed to improve and protect forest resources. Positions direct, lead, or coordinate the work of Forestry Workers and Forestry Lead Workers engaged in accomplishing routine, manual labor forestry projects; and/or engage in and assist Foresters and Forestry Assistant Seniors in paraprofessional/technical forest management work. Duties include organizing/supervising contractors/crews in tree planting/land preparation; coordinating transportation and use of heavy equipment for land preparation/tree planting; planning, organizing and inspecting the collection of tree seed/cones collected; supervising timber marking and inventory projects; carrying out insect/disease examinations and making recommendations to landowners on control measures; and promoting forest management and fire prevention by media and individual contacts, and by providing talks to local groups. Engages in direct forest fire control; directs large scale forest fire control operations; supervises equipment maintenance and operation of heavy equipment; conducts prescribed burning; prepares technical/non-technical reports; manages logging operations; enforces Virginia forest fire laws by issuing summons, conducting investigations and preparing evidence for court; conducts programs and meetings to promote forest fire prevention and conservation; and presents promotional and educational programs regarding fire prevention to schools, civic groups, clubs and news media. Instructs landowners and planting crews in proper tree planting techniques; inspects timber cutting operations for compliance with the seed tree act; contacts landowners regarding forestry work; trains volunteer fire departments, fire control crews, and heavy equipment operators; and assists professional foresters in technical field practices and reforestation to include timber examinations. Makes recommendations for proper management of forest and forest resources; assists with the measurement of research plots, and with the storage and delivery of tree seedlings to planting crews; and assists Foresters with land area measurement using technical equipment. Directs/participates in the maintenance of equipment and/or construction of buildings, roads, and trails; supervises tree seed orchard operations; directs tree nursery operations; and inspects and monitors aerial application of chemical herbicides.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions may coordinate, direct and lead the work of others.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a Forester Supervisor regarding work projects/objectives be accomplished, time frames involved and desired results. Positions are expected to develop methods and procedures to accomplish tasks or follow existing criteria and practices. Supervisor is available for guidance and assistance if needed.

Scope: Performs work connected with forest management operations, fire prevention, fire suppression/control and fire investigation which affects the state's forest resources, the general public, landowners, and the forest industry.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance results in the successful maintenance and protection of forest resources. Failure to provide forest management and fire prevention could negatively affect the credibility of the agency, the economic condition of the forest industry, and the quality and quantity of the state's forest resources.

Personal Contacts: Positions in this class have frequent internal and external contact with public/private landowners, fire departments, federal/state/local government officials, schools, news media, and the general public regarding assistance, information, education, training and investigation regarding forest resources.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of forest management principles/practices to include timber management, fire suppression, and fire behavior necessary to resolve normal/typical problems encountered during daily activities.

Skills: Working skill in the operation and general maintenance of forest management and heavy equipment, machinery and hand tools.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to carry out forest management practices; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to perform basic math; to gather data and complete reports; to understand and carry out verbal instructions; to organize and direct the activities of fire control and forest management personnel; to perform public speaking engagements; and to understand, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems/equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in forest management, fire control and operation/maintenance of forestry equipment.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in March, 1990, as a part of the Classification Review/ Specification Update Program. This class replaces the Chief Forest Warden class.