FORESTRY ASSISTANT SENIOR 82142

3/16/90 H

This is the second class in the Forestry Assistant series. Positions in this class coordinate and perform paraprofessional technical forest management work typically in a multiple work area within a region, state forest or forestry center. This class is distinguished from the Forestry Assistant class by the responsibility to design and coordinate various paraprofessional projects and for coordinating, directing and leading the work of others engaged in paraprofessional/technical forestry management.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty which involves participating in projects in multiple work areas by directing, leading and coordinating paraprofessional technical forest management work and by supporting employees engaged in accomplishing forestry projects. Duties include assisting Foresters in following adopted forest management plans; managing tree seed orchard/research programs; organizing/inspecting collection of tree seeds/cones; conducting tree seedling production, harvesting, research, distribution and delivery to a region, a state forest and forestry centers; assisting with measurement of tree research plots to gather production data; coordinating forest entomology and forest pathology projects in multiple work areas; and establishing/implementing best management practices on all forest management activities. Coordinates information/education programs in more than one work unit; coordinates transportation, training, and use of heavy equipment for fire control and attack, land preparation, and tree planting; supervises timber marking and inventory projects; inspects timber cutting operations for compliance with best management practices and the seed tree act; participates in direct, front line forest fire attack/control in multiple work areas; coordinates and supervises maintenance, operation, and/or training of use of all heavy equipment, such as drumchoppers, and dozers used in multiple area forest management programs; and manages logging operations on the state forests. Positions are responsible for entire aerial spray program coordination in multiple work areas. Acts as chief fire investigator on suspicious fire investigations in multiple work areas; prepares technical/non-technical forest management reports for use in advising landowners of program opportunities; enforces Virginia Forest Fire laws by issuing summons, conducting multi-county, long-term arson investigations and preparing evidence for court hearings; presents and coordinates promotional/educational programs regarding forest management/fire prevention to schools, civic groups, clubs and news media; assists Foresters in technical field practices, water quality programs, best management practices, reforestation and proper management of forest resources; and supervises, participates in, and coordinates the construction/maintenance of buildings, equipment, roads, and trails in multiple work areas.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions coordinate, direct and lead the work of others in multiple work areas. Some positions may provide supervision to subordinate staff in specific operations at the state forests/forestry centers.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a Forester Supervisor regarding work projects/objectives to 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.

Scope: Work affects the general public, landowners, the forest industry and the state's forest resources.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance ensures the protection and maintenance of state forests and positively impacts the economic state of the forestry industry. Failure to provide forest management, and fire prevention, suppression, and investigation could result in a loss of forest resources and of credibility of the agency.

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 of forest resources.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of forest management principles/practices to include timber management, fire suppression, and fire behavior.

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

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to carry out forest management practices in multiple work areas; 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, coordinate and direct the activities of subordinate personnel; to perform public speaking engagements; and to understand, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems/equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certifications: 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 forest management to include equipment coordinating, directing and leading the work of others in multiple work areas.

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 Forestry Technician class.