Good Neighbor Forester / Forestry Professional III - Limited Service

About the role

FPR is seeking a Forestry Professional III, also known as the Good Neighbor Forester, to implement a series of forest management activities primarily on federal lands (Green Mountain National Forest) under a partnership between the USDA Forest Service and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation authorized under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). The role supports forest health, wildfire risk reduction, and the local forest economy by managing public forestlands for multiple benefits, developing long‑range plans, preparing timber sales, ensuring regulatory compliance, supervising seasonal technicians, and conducting public outreach with partners and adjacent landowners.

Responsibilities

• Manage public forestlands for multiple benefits, including timber production, wildlife habitat, water quality, and conservation.
• Support the development and implementation of long‑range management plans for public forestlands, considering resource protection and public uses.
• Prepare timber sales on public forestlands, including conducting timber inventories, appraising timber value, planning harvests, identifying logging contractors via competitive bidding, negotiating contracts, and ensuring sustainable timber production.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and applicable public forestland standards.
• Supervise seasonal forestry technicians.
• Engage in public outreach work by advising the public about forest management projects and working with partners such as conservation NGOs and adjacent landowners to keep them apprised of upcoming management activities.
• Perform duties frequently in a field setting, involving exposure to all types of weather conditions; require strength and agility for traversing steep and rough terrain; use hand tools (axes, saws, shovels) and power equipment (chain saws); maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license; occasionally work outside regular hours; and encounter strong and conflicting public opinions.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND four (4) years or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, or wildlife management, or an environmental field.
• OR Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND two (2) years or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, wildlife management, or an environmental field.
• OR Master's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND one (1) year or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, wildlife management, or an environmental field.
• OR One (1) year or more as Forestry Professional II with the State of Vermont.
• OR Licensed as forester by the State of Vermont.
• Special requirement: Some positions may require the ability to obtain a Vermont forester's license within 6 months of hiring.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• Two ways to save for retirement: a State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts.
• Low cost group life insurance.
• Incentive‑based Wellness Program.
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.