What are the responsibilities and job description for the District Forester position at State of North Carolina?
Description of Work
The District Forester position has wildland firefighter and forest management duties and is responsible for carrying out the Agency's mission supervising and conducting program management over a (7) seven county area. Programs include but are not limited to forest protection, forest management, water quality, information & education, and other administrative programs. The position is expected to communicate effectively with all parties in both oral and written formats. Supervision involves using knowledge, skills, and accepted management principles to coach, mentor, evaluate performance and conduct disciplinary actions as needed. Functions as the lead hiring manager in the district conducting interviews and completing hiring documentation per department standards. Develops annual work plans for assigned employees; Manages personnel time to maintain emergency response readiness with minimal overtime; Develops and manages both the District and County budgets; Develops and implements district safety program to include investigating all accidents at the district level; Ensures enforcement of forest protection laws and Forest Practices Guidelines within the district; Ensures adherence to State, Department, and NCFS polices; Is responsible and accountable for all property assigned to the district; Provides direction on all staff training, and NCFS program delivery; Ensures that district and county staff provide appropriate wildland fire suppression and all-hazard response to incidents; Acts as Incident Commander on larger, more complex, and urban interface fires and provides guidance to the counties on the use of the Incident Command System. The District Forester works closely with local government officials, politicians, cooperators, media, and other agency personnel to promote and implement the Department's and NCFS mission. This individual is expected to participate on Regional and State Incident Management Teams.
Environmental exposures are adverse weather, forest pests, hunters, intense heat, dust and smoke. Work hours are typically 8-5, Mon-Fri. Some work functions require evening, holiday and/or weekend work. Wildfire & disaster/emergency response functions require readiness 24/7. May be a member of incident management team, requiring response to incidents away from home and for extended periods of time. Some overnight travel required for emergency response and/or training.
Residency requirements will be discussed at time of interview.
Duty Station Location:
1413 Chadbourn Highway, Whiteville, NC 28472
Click Here To Learn More About State Employee Benefits.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Competencies
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of the Experience and Education listed on the application.
To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:
You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.
Bachelor's degree in forestry from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited institution and five years of related professional Forestry experience; or Registered by the NC Board of Registration for Foresters and five years of related professional post registration Forestry experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Necessary Special Requirement
Those not registered at the time of hire must obtain registration as a Forester from the NC Board of Registration for Foresters within one year of employment.
Supplemental and Contact Information
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For Permanent And Time-limited Appointments
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 hours work/week for participation.
01
Only current NC Department of Agriculture employees or former NC Department of Agriculture employees eligible for RIF priority reemployment consideration as described by GS126 are eligible for consideration for this position. Please select the box that describes your current employment status.
Please select which best fits your education and/or experience. (Upload applicable documentation under attachments on the application.)
If You Have a Master's Degree, Select Which Type
Do you have knowledge and/or experience in Forestland Management or assisting others with Forest Management prescriptions and/or planning? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Do you have knowledge and/or experience with wildland fire suppression strategies and tactics? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Do you have experience promoting agency programs, services, policies, and procedures with employees and customers? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Do you have experience managing and supervising employees and conducting employee performance reviews and/or evaluations? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Do you have knowledge and/or experience managing and maintaining a budget or funds allocated for projects or work-related programs? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Do you have knowledge, experienced, and skilled using the Incident Command System to respond to and manage wildland fires and/or other emergency all-hazard incidents? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Do you have knowledge and/or experience promoting and implementing company or agency safety programs and protocols? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Do you have knowledge or experience maintaining, managing, and conducting improvements to facilities and property? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
Have you ever been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation? (A conviction does not mean that you cannot be hired. The offense and how recently you were convicted will be evaluated in relation to the job for which you are applying).
If you answered "yes" that you have been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation, please explain the nature of the conviction and the date. If you answered "no" enter NA
14
To the best of your knowledge, have you or a company that you have worked for been given a warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or a settlement agreement by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or one of its divisions while you were employed with that company?
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain the nature of the warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or settlement agreement, the date, and how it was resolved if you have knowledge of that information. If you answered "No", please type N/A.
- This position is open ONLY to current North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services employees or former Department of Agriculture & Consumer Service eligible for RIF priority reemployment consideration as described by GS 126***
The District Forester position has wildland firefighter and forest management duties and is responsible for carrying out the Agency's mission supervising and conducting program management over a (7) seven county area. Programs include but are not limited to forest protection, forest management, water quality, information & education, and other administrative programs. The position is expected to communicate effectively with all parties in both oral and written formats. Supervision involves using knowledge, skills, and accepted management principles to coach, mentor, evaluate performance and conduct disciplinary actions as needed. Functions as the lead hiring manager in the district conducting interviews and completing hiring documentation per department standards. Develops annual work plans for assigned employees; Manages personnel time to maintain emergency response readiness with minimal overtime; Develops and manages both the District and County budgets; Develops and implements district safety program to include investigating all accidents at the district level; Ensures enforcement of forest protection laws and Forest Practices Guidelines within the district; Ensures adherence to State, Department, and NCFS polices; Is responsible and accountable for all property assigned to the district; Provides direction on all staff training, and NCFS program delivery; Ensures that district and county staff provide appropriate wildland fire suppression and all-hazard response to incidents; Acts as Incident Commander on larger, more complex, and urban interface fires and provides guidance to the counties on the use of the Incident Command System. The District Forester works closely with local government officials, politicians, cooperators, media, and other agency personnel to promote and implement the Department's and NCFS mission. This individual is expected to participate on Regional and State Incident Management Teams.
Environmental exposures are adverse weather, forest pests, hunters, intense heat, dust and smoke. Work hours are typically 8-5, Mon-Fri. Some work functions require evening, holiday and/or weekend work. Wildfire & disaster/emergency response functions require readiness 24/7. May be a member of incident management team, requiring response to incidents away from home and for extended periods of time. Some overnight travel required for emergency response and/or training.
Residency requirements will be discussed at time of interview.
Duty Station Location:
1413 Chadbourn Highway, Whiteville, NC 28472
Click Here To Learn More About State Employee Benefits.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.
Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Competencies
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of the Experience and Education listed on the application.
To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:
- Knowledge and/or experience in Forestland Management or assisting others with Forest Management prescriptions and/or planning.
- Knowledge and/or experience with wildland fire suppression strategies and tactics.
- Experience promoting agency programs, services, policies, and procedures with employees and customers.
- Experience managing and supervising employees and conducting employee performance reviews and/or evaluations.
- Knowledge and/or experience managing and maintaining a budget or funds allocated for projects or work-related programs.
- Knowledge, experienced, and skilled using the Incident Command System to respond to and manage wildland fires and/or other emergency all-hazard incidents.
- Possess strong leadership skills with the ability to positively influence both internal and external individuals or groups.
- Knowledge and/or experience promoting and implementing company or agency safety programs and protocols.
- Knowledge or experience maintaining, managing, and conducting improvements to facilities and property.
- Possess working knowledge and skilled with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
- Knowledge and/or experience working as a manager or supervisor of a wildland fire suppression agency.
- Knowledge or experience with North Carolina's Forest Practices Guidelines.
- Qualified in the Incident Command System at the Type 3 Level of Command or General Staff.
You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.
Bachelor's degree in forestry from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited institution and five years of related professional Forestry experience; or Registered by the NC Board of Registration for Foresters and five years of related professional post registration Forestry experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Necessary Special Requirement
Those not registered at the time of hire must obtain registration as a Forester from the NC Board of Registration for Foresters within one year of employment.
Supplemental and Contact Information
Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.
* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For Permanent And Time-limited Appointments
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 hours work/week for participation.
01
Only current NC Department of Agriculture employees or former NC Department of Agriculture employees eligible for RIF priority reemployment consideration as described by GS126 are eligible for consideration for this position. Please select the box that describes your current employment status.
- I am currently employed in a permanent position with the NC Department of Agriculture.
- I am currently employed in a time-limited position with the NC Department of Agriculture.
- I am a former State NC Department of Agriculture employee eligible for RIF priority employment.
- I am currently employed in a temporary position.
- I am currently employed in an EHRA position (Exempt from the Human Resources Act).
- None of the above
Please select which best fits your education and/or experience. (Upload applicable documentation under attachments on the application.)
- I have graduated or am within 6 months of graduation with a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited bachelor's or master's degree
- I am registered by the NC State Board of Registration for Foresters (NCBRF) and have my NC Registered Foresters Number
- I am a registered forester in a state that has reciprocity with the NC State Board of Registration for Foresters
- I have documentation from the National SAF office that states my non-SAF accredited degree meets the current education criteria of the Certified Forester credential
- I have a document from the NC State Board of Registration for Foresters that states I can sit for the NCBRF Registration exam
- None the above apply to me
If You Have a Master's Degree, Select Which Type
- Master of Science in Forestry
- Master of Forestry
- do not have a master's degree in Forestry
Do you have knowledge and/or experience in Forestland Management or assisting others with Forest Management prescriptions and/or planning? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Do you have knowledge and/or experience with wildland fire suppression strategies and tactics? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Do you have experience promoting agency programs, services, policies, and procedures with employees and customers? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Do you have experience managing and supervising employees and conducting employee performance reviews and/or evaluations? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Do you have knowledge and/or experience managing and maintaining a budget or funds allocated for projects or work-related programs? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Do you have knowledge, experienced, and skilled using the Incident Command System to respond to and manage wildland fires and/or other emergency all-hazard incidents? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Do you have knowledge and/or experience promoting and implementing company or agency safety programs and protocols? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Do you have knowledge or experience maintaining, managing, and conducting improvements to facilities and property? (If YES, under the “duties/skills” sections of your application specifically list in detail what and how this knowledge/skill and/or experience was used. This information must be on your application in order to receive credit and qualify for the position.)
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation? (A conviction does not mean that you cannot be hired. The offense and how recently you were convicted will be evaluated in relation to the job for which you are applying).
- Yes
- No
If you answered "yes" that you have been convicted of an offense against the law other than a minor traffic violation, please explain the nature of the conviction and the date. If you answered "no" enter NA
14
To the best of your knowledge, have you or a company that you have worked for been given a warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or a settlement agreement by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or one of its divisions while you were employed with that company?
- Yes
- No
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please explain the nature of the warning letter, civil penalty, notice of violation or settlement agreement, the date, and how it was resolved if you have knowledge of that information. If you answered "No", please type N/A.
- Required Question
