Title:  Addison County Forester

Overview

Join a dedicated team of County Foresters from the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) as the Addison County Forester. This position works with landowners, consulting foresters, loggers, sugarmakers, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource professionals to promote sustainable forest management on private land in Vermont. The primary duty is to administer Vermont's Use Value Appraisal Program (UVA) for Addison County and beyond. This includes forest management plan reviews, professional and technical assistance to forest landowners, onsite field inspections, collaboration with the Vermont Department of Taxes, database management, and other duties related to the program. In addition, outreach and education promoting sustainable forest management to landowners, schools, and community groups is an important component of this position, as is working with teams of other professionals within the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Other duties may include assisting towns with municipal forest management, administration of Forest Stewardship and other federally funded forestry-related cost-share programs, and grants to qualifying landowners. This position will also provide professional assistance to other FPR programs and activities, including Urban and Community Forestry, Forest Protection, Watershed Forestry, State Lands, and Forest Economy.

 

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with individuals and groups with widely varying viewpoints are critical to this position, as is the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with landowners, forestry professionals, co-workers, and partner organizations. In addition, the position requires skills in project management, meeting facilitation, public speaking and presentation development, and field-based data collection tools and software.

 

Candidates must be willing to travel. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation currently operates in a hybrid working environment, supporting remote work as well as Core Days in which all staff are in the office. Permission to participate in telework is applied for on an individual basis. The position's duty station is located at the Essex Junction Regional Office, though the Rutland Regional Office is considered an option as well.

Who May Apply

This position, Addison County Forester, Job Requisition #48738, is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact David Paganelli, Orange County Forester and Central Regional Lead, at david.paganelli@vermont.gov or or 802-461-5304.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed more than half the time in a field setting; involving exposure to the full range of Vermont weather conditions. Strength and agility are needed in traversing steep and rough terrain. 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, particularly in fieldwork in the regulatory programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in forestry or a natural resource field AND two (2) years or more of experience at a professional level in forestry or a natural resources field.

OR

Master's degree in forestry or a natural resource field.

OR

One (1) year or more as Forester I 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 that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, 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.