Title:  Stewardship Forester

Overview

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is excited to recruit for a Stewardship Forester in the Barre District of the Division of Forests. The Division manages a wide variety of public lands and serves to protect and enhance forestland, natural resources, and outdoor recreation throughout Vermont. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned land and forest manager with experience in planning to lead stewardship and management efforts in the central region of Vermont, overseeing 103,000 acres of public land as part of a close-knit, collaborative and interdisciplinary team of resource professionals.
The successful candidate's responsibilities will include overseeing and contributing to all state lands management activities in the District, including forest management, timber harvest administration, recreation management, boundary maintenance, wildlife habitat improvement, and road improvements. The incumbent will also lead state lands long-range management planning and land administration in the District; ensure compliance with all laws, regulations and policies; supervise two State Lands Foresters, an Outdoor Recreation Specialist, and seasonal staff; manage budgets; and, chair the District Stewardship Team, an intra-Agency group of experts that provides multidisciplinary planning and project review for State-owned lands. 
This position requires considerable knowledge of the principles of forest management, forest ecology, forest-based recreation, land administration and planning, and supervision. This position also requires skills in geospatial technologies, using computer technology to produce and interpret information, data analysis, project management, meeting facilitation, public speaking, and budget management. 
The successful candidate will have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, the ability to build and maintain relationships and work effectively with diverse groups representing competing interests, and the ability to work outside in forested environments and inclement weather. This position will require the ability to obtain a Vermont forester's license within 6 months of hiring.
Candidates must be willing to travel within the state and the position may require use of a personal vehicle. FPR currently operates in a hybrid working environment, supporting remote work and may include days in which all staff are in the office. Permission to participate in telework is applied for on an individual basis. The position is based in FPR's Barre District office.

Who May Apply

This position, Stewardship Forester (Job Requisition #54691), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact jim.duncan@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed half the time in a field setting, involving exposure to all types of weather conditions. Strength and agility are needed in traversing steep and rough terrain. They may use a variety of hand tools, such as axes, saws, and shovels, and power equipment, such as chain saws. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required. Some work outside of regular working hours may be required. Strong and conflicting public opinions may be encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in forestry or a natural resource field AND eight years or more of experience at a professional level in forestry or a natural resources field.

OR

Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field or higher AND six years or more of experience at a professional level in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field.

OR

Master's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field AND four years or more at a professional level in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field.

OR

One year or more as Forestry Professional IV with the State of Vermont.

Special Requirements

State of Vermont Forester License may be required for specific positions in this class. 

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
•    80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
•    Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
•    State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
•    Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
•    Tuition Reimbursement
•    Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
•    Low cost group life insurance
•    Incentive-based Wellness Program
•    Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.