FORESTER 82151

3/16/90 B

This is the first class in the Forester series. Positions in this class develop and perform forest management, forest fire prevention and suppression, forest insect and disease control, and law enforcement and public relations activities required to provide forest resources. This class is distinguished from the Forester Supervisor class by the latter's supervisory responsibilities.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty which involves formulating plans to establish and maintain forest resources; planning, coordinating and directing the work of subordinate personnel to carry out extensive field work in forest management and forest fire control; directing a program of public relations to secure and maintain cooperation of landowners, forest industry, and public officials; directing emergency forest fire suppression activities; providing technical assistance and information to landowners regarding the application of forestry principles; corresponding with landowners on forest/tree-related topics; performing timberland examinations to determine appropriate management practices; organizing site preparation, tree planting and aerial spraying operations; performing tree farm certifications; administering and maintaining state/federal reforestation cost sharing incentive program; selling/distributing seedlings; identifying and investigating tree insect infestations and diseases using ground and aerial surveys; examining privately owned forest land and potential forest land to develop forest management plans; supervising maintenance of building, grounds, equipment and vehicles; developing and implementing site preparation, reforestation, and release programs to insure adequate regeneration on all lands harvested; planning and supervising harvesting and processing of forest products to maintain adequate inventories to meet product demands; assisting in the formulation of work plans for nursery and seed orchard programs; enforcing Virginia forest fire laws by issuing summons, conducting investigations and preparing evidence for court; and assisting in the fire suppression, equipment maintenance and heavy equipment operation activities.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions may plan, direct and coordinate the work of lower level forestry personnel.

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

Scope: Performs work connected with forest management operations, reforestation, forest fire prevention/suppression, and public relations which affects the Commonwealth's forest resources, as well as the general public, landowners, forest industry and others interested in forest resources.

Impact of Actions: Ineffective decisions could result in a significant loss of credibility to the agency, and could negatively affect forest resources, overall services/activities of forest management, fire prevention/suppression and public relations activities. Effective job performance results in the efficient use of time and money and in the preservation/development of forest resources.

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

Knowledge: Working knowledge of forest management principles and practices employed in the performance of silviculture, forest management, and fire suppression activities.

Skills: Working skill in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment and a variety of hand tools used in forest management.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement forest management practices, to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to plan and implement work projects; and to perform public speaking engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in forestry or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in forest management and forest fire suppression.

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 Forester B and County Forester classes.