Title:  Good Neighbor Forester / Forestry Professional III - Limited Service

Overview

FPR is seeking a Forestry Professional III, also known as the Good Neighbor Forester, to implement a series of forest management activities primarily on federal lands (Green Mountain National Forest) under a partnership between the USDA Forest Service and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation that is authorized under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). The Good Neighbor Forester will complete the following job duties: 

1.    Manage public forestlands for multiple benefits, including timber production, wildlife habitat, water quality, and conservation. 
2.    Support the development and implementation of long-range management plans for public forestlands, considering resource protection and public uses. 
3.    Prepare timber sales on public forestlands, including conducting timber inventories, appraising timber value, planning harvests, identifying logging contractors via competitive bidding, negotiating contracts, and ensuring sustainable timber production. 
4.    Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and applicable public forestland standards. 
5.    Supervise seasonal forestry technicians. 
6.    Engage in public outreach work by advising the public about forest management projects, and working with partners like conservation NGOs and adjacent landowners to keep them apprised of upcoming management activities. 

Vermont FPR and the US Forest Service have worked in partnership to manage Vermont's forests for decades, with a long history of sharing resources, expertise and knowledge in the areas of forest management, wildfire prevention, invasive species prevention, and recreation. Current US Forest Service policy is to collaborate directly with states to increase the active management of forest resources on federal land in a manner that reduces wildfire risk, promotes forest health, and supports the local forest economy. The GNA Authorizing Statute makes these partnerships possible. Supporting forest management on the Green Mountain National Forest will support Vermont FPR's goals by addressing forest health and wildfire risks that regularly cross boundaries between federal, state, and privately owned forests and support Vermont's forest products industry by getting more timber out to market.

Who May Apply

This position, Good Neighbor Forester / Forestry Professional III - Limited Service (Job Requisition #55808), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Oliver.Pierson@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 frequently performed 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, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND four (4) years or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, or wildlife management, or an environmental field.

OR

Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND two (2) years or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, wildlife management or an environmental field.

OR

Master's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND one (1) year or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, wildlife management, or an environmental field.

OR 

One (1) year or more as Forestry Professional II with the State of Vermont.

OR

Licensed as forester by the State of Vermont.

Special Requirements

Some positions may require the ability to obtain a Vermont forester's license within 6 months of hiring.

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: 12 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