Forester I

~ The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) has been proud of our service to the public and protection of the state’s valuable forest resources since 1926. ~

Committed to delivering quality services and assistance to both rural and urban landowners, the MFC looks forward to the continued privilege of caring for Mississippi’s trees, forests, and natural resources. 

Our mission is to provide active leadership in forest protection, forest management, forest inventory, and effective forest information distribution, necessary for Mississippi's sustainable forest-based economy.

Position Overview

This position, Forester I, is with the MS Forestry Commission in area 12 with duties and responsibilities in the following counties: Lee, Tippah, Pontotoc, and Union.

This is professional forestry work at the supervisory level involved in directing or carrying out a county forestry program. Incumbents in this class are responsible for such activities as fire suppression and control, forest management, insect and disease control, and public relations work. Other duties include assigning, explaining, and reviewing the work of non-technical employees. General supervision is received from the Area Forester.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring agency. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares county/multi-county fire plan; trains county crews in fire suppression, timber management, and safety work; plans and administers safety programs.
• Inspects and directs maintenance of fire-fighting equipment; supervises forest fire detection system and directs suppression action.
• Prepares county/multi-county work unit plan and estimates the number of man-hours to be spent on each job; evaluates employees' performance.
• Prepares detailed forest management plan for landowners; marks timber; assists in locating timber markets; and supervises prescribed burning activities.
• Furnishes public forestry information through written articles, radio and television broadcasts, and by conducting special programs at schools, libraries, civic clubs, etc.
• Prepares reports and answers correspondence relative to forestry program activities.
• Informs landowners of available Forestry Incentive Programs and assists them in implementing needed forest management practices.
• Evaluates sixteenth section school lands; writes and recommends forest management plan.

Examples of Work:

Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares county/multi-county fire plan; trains county crews in fire suppression, timber management, and safety work; plans and administers safety program.
• Inspects and directs maintenance of fire-fighting equipment; performs and/or supervises forest fire detection system and performs and/or directs suppression action.
• Prepares county/multi-county work plan and estimates the number of man-hours to be spent on each job.
• Evaluates county employees' performance.
• Prepares detailed forest management plans for landowners; marks timber; assists in locating timber markets; and supervises prescribed burning activities.
• Writes news articles; participates in radio and television programs and speaks to various groups on forest management, fire control, insect and disease control, and forest appreciation and conservation.
• Takes seedling orders and issues seedlings to landowners.
• Prepares or supervises the preparation of reports and answers correspondence relative to forestry program activities in the area.
• Assists private landowners in construction of fire lanes.
• Informs landowners of available Forestry Incentive Programs and assists them in implementing needed forest management practices.
• Evaluates sixteenth section school lands; writes and recommends forest management plans to the Boards of Education.
• Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

These minimum qualifications have been agreed upon by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in this job class and are based upon a job analysis and the essential functions. However, if a candidate believes he/she is qualified for the job although he/she does not have the minimum qualifications set forth below, he/she may request special consideration through substitution of related education and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Any request to substitute related education or experience for minimum qualifications must be addressed to the Mississippi State Personnel Board in writing, identifying the related education and experience which demonstrates the candidate's ability to perform all essential functions of the position.

Experience/Educational Requirements: 

Education:

• One (1) year of successful experience as a Forester Trainee.

OR

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Forestry.

AND

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience as a professional forester.

Licensure/Certification:

• Must possess a valid driver's license, as verified by the hiring agency.
• Must possess a current license as a Registered Forester by the Mississippi Board of Registration for Foresters within one year of employment.

Note: Incumbents who are required to fight wildfires or conduct field work on a routine basis must successfully complete a Moderate Pack Test within ninety (90) days of hire date and annually thereafter.

Compensation

• Salary: $35,432.00 / Year
• Travel Schedule: Often Day Only
• Time Limited Position: No

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. 
• Closing Date/Time: Fri. 05/08/20 11:59 PM Central Time