Title:  Director of Forests

Overview

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) seeks a Director of Forests. This is a key management position within the Department and is responsible for establishing and overseeing the overall direction of the State of Vermont's comprehensive forestry programs dedicated to protecting, managing, and utilizing Vermont's forests. This position operates under the general direction and supervision of the FPR Commissioner and in concert with other Directors responsible for additional aspects of the Department's mission. This position combines managerial and technical work while supervising a large, statewide staff of forestry employees across a diverse and complex subset of division programs.
Additional responsibilities include personnel management and employee development, process improvement, providing direction for and creation of procedural rules and policies, budget and financial planning, and redeveloping organizational structures when needed, as well as frequent interaction and collaboration with many department, state, federal, public, and private partners and the general public.
The ideal candidate is a skilled leader and experienced manager with considerable knowledge and experience in the forestry field and forestry principles and practices, brings excellent communication and supervisory skills, and consistently approaches all aspects of work with a high level of professionalism.

Specific job duties include, but are not limited to:
•    Direct and assist in the development of forestry practices, management, and policy.
•    Provide effective supervision and support to staff, develop, and manage budgets.
•    Initiate and participate in strategic planning efforts and business process improvement efforts.
•    Broaden and strengthen the network of internal staff and external partners and stay abreast of emerging trends.
•    Ensure that division staff have the resources, knowledge, and understanding to carry out program responsibilities successfully.
To view the full job specifications for this position, please visit the DHR Job Specifications page.

Who May Apply

This position, Director of Forests (Job Requisition #47181), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact danielle.fitzko@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 largely in a standard office setting, but with predictable need for travel to field locations which may at times include rough terrain. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in forestry or closely related field and five (5) years at a professional level in the broad field of forestry or closely related field, with at least three at a supervisory, administrative, managerial, or staff assistant level.

OR

Education: Bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related field and eight (8) years at a professional level in the broad field of forestry or closely related field, with at least three at a supervisory, administrative, managerial, or staff assistant level.

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
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 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.