Forester

About the role

This position assists with the logging crew operation at state properties, from marking timber to operating equipment. The role will also be responsible for forest resource management. The candidate must be, or be willing to become Red Card certified, and a Forester degree is required.

Responsibilities

• Collect technical forest resource data on state managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas.
• Analyze resource data and develop plans and reports including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns.
• Implement forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/businesses.
• Establish and maintain public relations with landowners, communities, organizations, wood using industries and the public.
• Conduct educational programs and develop educational materials for the public.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of forestry tools and equipment (data recorder, laser, increment borer, compass, clinometer, etc.)
• Working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management.
• Working knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression.
• Ability to inspect and develop management recommendations for rural and urban forests.
• Basic knowledge of surveying.
• Basic knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of computer operation, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS.

Qualifications

• Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• To continue employment, obtain and retain a pesticide applicator's license within the first year of employment and maintain.
• Successfully complete chainsaw training course within the first year of employment.
• Successfully complete basic wildland fire courses (Red Card certified) and prescribed burning course within the first two years of employment.

Skills

• Forestry tools and equipment (data recorder, laser, increment borer, compass, clinometer, etc.)
• Forest resources management principles and practices
• Tree and herbaceous plant identification
• Fire behavior and suppression
• Surveying
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Computer operation, Microsoft Office Suite, and ArcGIS

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• A wellness rewards program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• A health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• A deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Covered vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• An education reimbursement program
• A group life insurance program
• A referral bonus program
• An employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• A qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

The schedule for this role is typically full-time, with potential for overtime as needed to complete essential functions or other assigned work.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.