· Personnel Home · MQ’s · Index · Examination Code: R ·
Nature of Work
Under direct supervision, works at a training level with specialization in the performance of
technical and field work of the forest management, fire protection, or logging sediment control
programs. Determines compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits, best management
practices, and/or contracts within an assigned project area in the state. Work is initially
characterized by specific instructions from team leader or Regional Program Manager, with
gradual assumption of more responsibility, independence, and authority as proficiency is
demonstrated. Work requires travel and outside work in varying weather conditions and over
difficult terrain. Subject to emergency response for, but not limited to, forest fire suppression and
logging sediment control enforcement, as necessitated by environmental conditions and agency
needs. Performs related work as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This class is distinguished from the Forester 2 classification by its training nature. Although
many of the duties of work are similar to those of the Forester 2, it is understood that the duties
of this level are initially performed under close supervision until adequate proficiency is
demonstrated. This is a limited time (trainee) class; movement to Forester 2 is based on
demonstrated proficiency of all duties while performing in the Forester 1 class.
Examples of Work
Essential Job Functions - Any specific position in this class may not include all of the duties listed, nor do
the examples listed cover all of the duties which may be assigned.
In a training capacity acquires the knowledge, skills and abilities to:
Conduct woodland examinations, prepares management plans, and advises landowners
concerning proper forest management practices needed to reach their desired objectives.
Recruit, trains and maintains a volunteer network of community firefighters and mobilizes and
directs fire wardens and crews in response to wildfires under hazardous conditions.
Provide technical assistance in federal cost-sharing programs for forestry projects.
Provide technical assistance in designing and establishing logging and fire access roads and the
needed bridges for the roads.
Oversee road construction and logging and harvesting operations.
Maintain current listings of individuals providing or needing forestry services.
Provide assistance to landowners in the areas of planning and reforestation of open areas.
Evaluate requests for/and issues industrial burning permits.
Promote public awareness through public speaking, exhibits, community organizations, and tours
of forest management activities on public and private lands.
Conduct field and growth studies and compiles forest resource data.
Plan, prepares, and oversees road construction, forest management activities and road and bridge
maintenance on state owned lands.
Provide forest insect and disease assistance to rural and urban landowners, state owned lands and
assists in the application of control measures.
Enforce all provisions of the logging sediment control act.
Provide technical assistance to wood industries for OSHA safety standards, day to day,
troubleshooting operational maintenance and production improvement.
Conduct periodical surveys to check compliance with ongoing programs and activities.
Conduct timber appraisals on public lands; assists in the reclamation, seeding,
fertilizing-mulching after logging operations on state lands.
Investigate, prosecutes and prepares necessary reports regarding fire law enforcement.
Assist with implementation of managed timberland law as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to learn of state forestry laws, rules and regulations and forest resource management
practices.
Ability to learn harvesting techniques and equipment.
Ability to learn major uses for forest products and marketing trends and techniques.
Ability to learn major forest insects and disease and techniques of wildlife prevention, control,
and suppression.
Ability to use computers.
Ability to develop forest management plans.
Ability to prepare and present oral, written and visual material for information and education of
interest groups and public.
Ability to perform research and gather data.
Ability to interpret, use and/or update topographic, soil, and field maps and aerial photographs.
Ability to plan and direct the work of others.
Ability to perform manual and light maintenance work, using hand and small power tools.
Minimum Qualifications
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Training:
Associate degree in a Forest Technology program recognized by the Society of
American Foresters OR a Bachelor's degree in a forestry program accredited by the
Society of American Foresters.
Special Requirement:
Must have a current license as a registered professional forester or a
registered forestry technician or in the process of obtaining professional licensure. Must
be licensed or eligible to be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in West Virginia.
Must take and pass a physical examination within in the first six months of employment
and submit to annual follow-up examinations. Failure to pass the initial examination will
result in termination of employment. Failure to pass a subsequent examination may result
in reassignment.
Positions must meet the qualifications for and become a Special Conservation Officer at
the earliest opportunity following employment and maintain this commission throughout
the period of employment in the position. This requirement may be waived at the
discretion of the State Forester.
Established: 12/15/2005
Revised: 7/20/95, 8/8/97, 6/23,99, 9/12/01, 11/18/03, 8/06/2008, 4/10/2009
Effective:
4/10/2009