Land Management Forester

What you will do…

Serve as Land Management Forester to ensure sustainable forest management practices on state forest lands;

Play a lead role in wildland fire fighting efforts;

Perform public relations duties, promoting interest, activity, & understanding in forest conservation;

Conduct cruises & inventory state forest land, as well as prepare timber sales;

Assist in the division's mission to promote and apply management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public forest lands.

Official Position Description:

Serves as Land Management Forester & develops & maintains multiple use resource management plans for assigned state forest area(s) & coordinates plans to provide needed priority to timber production, minerals, wildlife habitat, recreation, watershed protection, soils, aesthetics & other environmental qualities: prepares district forest management zone maps to ensure protection of sensitive areas, cultural/historical areas, plants & animals, & consideration of appropriate forest users (i.e., general public); makes recommendations to management & staff regarding use of state forest areas to demonstrate sound forest management techniques to public & private forest landowners; submits plans for review to higher-level management staff; reviews & implements approaches & techniques for potential application to state forest land management (e.g., prescribed fire, Geographical Informational System [GIS], Global Positioning System [GPS]); assists in acquiring & maintaining third party sustainable forestry certification (e.g. audits, developing written plans & obtaining appropriate GIS information); may assist in invasive species program.

Conducts cruises & inventories state forest land to determine types, stock, size, growth, conditions, & volumes of trees & seedlings on various sites (i.e., data is utilized in areas to include management plans, timber appraisal, timber sales, & forest health monitoring): analyzes & interprets data (e.g., in conjunction with other factors such as wildlife, recreation, aesthetics & watershed) to determine forest management needs; makes recommendations to higher-level management staff for timber sales, timber stand improvement or other cultural treatments; monitors health of forest & recommends appropriate forest management actions; utilizes traditional forestry equipment, new technology, & aerial photographs to collect & analyze forest data; prepares reports & documents & maintains forest management records; monitors impacts of recreation & public activities on forest; makes recommendation for design, layout, maintenance, relocation & rehabilitation of trails &/or other public uses.

Represents division & performs public relations duties: promotes interest, activity, & understanding in forest conservation; writes news articles; organizes &/or participates in field days & demonstrations; makes public appearances via radio, TV & service groups; writes reports; composes correspondence; attends meetings with civic, professional, & governmental agencies; serves as local contact for division programs & responds to simple inquiries; works on special projects; performs wildfire support as directed within training & physical capabilities; assists certification coordinator in implementing & conducting certification activities in the Land Management Manual (e.g. forest plans relating to contract administration, activity assessments, silvicultural prescriptions, activity inspections, monitoring): produces reports & documents relating to certification program.

Prepares timber sales: marks trees for harvesting; estimates volume by species; establishes layout for logging roads & necessary boundaries; prepares maps & summaries of marked timber required to prepare bid information; addresses concerns regarding public sentiment, neighbor impact, best management practices, erosion, road construction, harvesting equipment, & other special considerations; administers timber sales for compliance; completes revenue transmittals regarding timber sale transaction; scales forest products for volume as directed, marks logs for bucking, assists with forest product merchandising; monitors assigned activities relative to exploration & development of minerals & oil & gas on state forests; may train forest industry personnel in proper harvesting practices; may serve as lead worker & organize tasks to accomplish daily projects involving lower-level positions.

Performs routine maintenance on work vehicle (e.g., checks oil & tires, cleans vehicles, checks fluid levels): perform maintenance on trails (e.g., inspects & evaluates trail condition, removes trees & other debris from trail, mows/treats vegetation along trail edge); performs facility maintenance (e.g., mowing, painting, building repair); oversees the implementation of forest boundary maintenance (e.g. encroachment, trespass issues, paint/mark).

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT: Must successfully complete basic firefighter/introduction to fire behavior course (i.e., S-130/S-190) within first year of employment pursuant to national interagency management system (i.e., wildland & prescribed fire qualification system guide).

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires travel; exposed to inclement weather, dust, dirt, insects, & poisonous plants; responds to wildfires.