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Nature of Work
Under limited supervision, at the full-performance level, oversees the forestry program within a region or administers specialized statewide forestry programs. Assist forest landowners, forest industries and urban residents in all facets of forestry services and is responsible for all forest fire protection activities. Enforces all forest fire laws and regulations developed by the state code. May supervise seasonal and other temporary personnel assigned to the same project area. Performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is full-performance level professional forestry work with assignment to a region or project area.

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.
Conducts woodland examinations, prepares management plans, conducts timber sales, and advises landowners concerning proper forest management practices needed to reach their desired objectives.
Recruits, trains and maintains a volunteer network of community firefighters and mobilizes and directs wardens and crews in response to wildfires under hazardous conditions.
Provides technical assistance in federal cost sharing programs for forestry projects.
Provides technical assistance in designing and establishing logging and fire access roads and the needed bridges for the roads.
Maintains current listings of individuals providing or needing forestry services.
Provides assistance to landowners in the areas of planting and reforestation of open areas.
Evaluates requests for/and issues industrial burning permits.
Promotes public awareness through public speaking, exhibits, community organizations, and tours of forest management activities on public and private lands.
Conducts field and growth studies and compiles forest resource data.
Plans, prepares, and oversees road construction, forest management activities and road and bridge maintenance on state owned lands .Provides forest insect and disease assistance to rural and urban landowners, state owned lands and assists in the application of control measures.
Enforces all provisions of the logging sediment control act.
Conducts periodical surveys to check compliance with ongoing programs and activities.
Conducts timber appraisals on public lands; assists in the reclamation, seeding, fertilizing mulching after logging operations on state lands.
Investigates, prosecutes and prepares necessary reports regarding fire, LSCA, and ginseng law enforcement.
Assists with implementation of managed timberland law as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of state forestry laws, rules and regulations and forest resource management practices.
Knowledge of harvesting techniques and equipment.
Knowledge of major uses for forest products and marketing trends and techniques.
Knowledge of major forest insects and diseases and techniques of wildlife prevention, control, and suppression.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of wildfire prevention, control and suppression, forest protection and fire management.
Knowledge of first-aid procedures.
Knowledge of and 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 develop and coordinate and wildfire suppression and control program.
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       [Top]
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.
Experience:
Three years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in the field of forestry.

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:      8/6/2008, 4/10/2009
Effective:     4/10/2009

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