Job Class Search
Job Details
DEPUTY STATE FORESTER
The Deputy State Forester is responsible for supervision of Forestry Commission field operations, coordinating activities between agency divisions and field operations, and assisting the State Forester (Director) with overall operations of the agency. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution and Arkansas Department of Agriculture policies and procedures.
Class Code:
B001C
Job Grade:
GS13
Special Job Requirements:
Must be available 24/7 to coordinate response by Arkansas Forestry Commission and cooperators to emergencies, including but not limited to, wildfires or natural disasters.
Typical Functions:
Directs the proper delivery of Arkansas Forestry Commission programs and services of Districts statewide and the Poison Springs State Forest by preparing and disseminating program objectives and unit work plans, conducting field reviews to evaluate program delivery and unit management, and monitoring delivery and effectiveness of programs. Hires, directs, and evaluates performance of District Foresters and State Forest Manager; reviews hiring recommendations and evaluates subordinates; enforces agency policies and disciplinary actions and provides decision on a variety of actions recommended by District Foresters and State Forest Manager. Coordinates with District Foresters and State Forest Manager fire pre-suppression and suppression activities and response for other emergencies or disasters in Arkansas. Provides, coordinates, and implements programs and services, in cooperation with upper level agency administration, Assistant State Foresters, Human Resource Manager, Fiscal Officer, and Conservation Education Manager. Provides recommendations on grants, special projects and equipment requests. Ensures Districts and State Forest expenditures do not exceed annual unit budgets; enforces agency and state purchasing procedures. Performs administrative duties to include preparation of reports relating to Arkansas Forestry Commission programs, assists with development and/or revision of Arkansas Forestry Commission goals, policies, and procedures; and, reviews and interprets new and existing natural resource laws, regulations, and policies. Develops and submits, for peer and agency review, guidelines or policies concerning natural resource management, such as the Arkansas Smoke Management Plan required by Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. Assists State Forester as liaison with the Governor and General Assembly; attends legislative meetings and hearings, provides testimony or presentations at state legislative and public meetings; researches and prepares written responses for Governor or state legislators on forestry-related subjects, and may represent the State Forester.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices of forests and forest fire management. Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies applicable to forestry. Knowledge of state budgetary and purchasing polices and procedures. Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures. Knowledge of human resources practices. Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate forestry programs and activities. Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations applicable to forestry and public safety. Ability to prepare and present information verbally and in writing. Ability to walk in rough and/or mountainous terrain. Ability to pass and put to practical use required Forestry Commission training curriculum for the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in forestry from a four-year university accredited by the Society of American Foresters, plus five years of experience in forestry, including two years in supervisory or leadership capacity. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Required Certificates:
None
Exempt:
E
