State Forester/Director of Forestry Services

About the role

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) is seeking a full-time State Forester/Director of Forestry Services in the Forestry Services Division.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and direct Oklahoma State Forestry programs for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
• Oversee and coordinate the implementation of state and federal resource grants and initiatives.
• Maintain, coordinate and promote statewide role in wildland fire prevention, mitigation, detection and suppression, providing direction to all forestry division employees.
• Develop and maintain collaborations and partnerships with organizations, providing guidance on resource management and protection.
• Monitor and communicate Oklahoma’s wildland fire dangers and related activities.
• Provide input on legislation related to Forestry and wildfire management services and coordinate all legislative dialogue with the ODAFF legislative liaison.
• Maintain Division Incident Management Team ensuring NWCG qualified staff, personnel development and implementing effective changes as needed.
• Plan, coordinate and direct field inspection and investigation activities; conduct assessments of staffing needs, assignment of work and effective use of staff.
• Review reports, recommendations, complaints and other information and directs or coordinates further action as needed, including coordination with other state, local or federal officials.
• Interpret state and federal laws and regulations concerning program requirements; advise appropriate directors and others as needed in emergency situations.
• Prepare program budget recommendations and supportive data for inclusion in agency budget; maintain program records and reports.
• Represent the agency or the state at public and intergovernmental meetings concerning program responsibilities; plans public relations and educational activities to promote public awareness of agricultural issues, products, services and programs.
• Establish overall direction for division and its programs; sets goals and objectives; coordinates strategic program planning in the Forestry Services Division; evaluates division operations and programs and recommends improvements.
• Cookordinate development and maintenance of policies and procedures for division operations and programs.
• Provide input, as needed, into the agency’s rule-making process within the Forestry Services Division.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, biological sciences, physical sciences, or a closely related field and three years of experience in agricultural inspection, regulation or production, forestry, or plant industries, plus seven years of experience in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal laws concerning Forestry Services, forest management and Wildfire prevention and management.
• Knowledge of various agricultural products and services and industry operations in the area of assignment.
• Knowledge of business and economics theory.
• Knowledge of general accounting principles.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of personnel administration.

Skills

• Ability to manage programs and personnel.
• Ability to interpret state and federal laws.
• Ability to prepare and develop training programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to write technical reports.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.
• Ability to analyze and resolve highly complex administrative and personnel problems.
• Ability to direct multiple services and activities related to Forestry Services.

Benefits

The annual pay for this position is up to $112,459.00 based on education and experience.

Pay

The annual pay for this position is up to $112,459.00 based on education and experience.

Schedule

This position will work in an office setting and outdoors and will work closely with landowners, and other natural resources personnel. Field work sometimes occurs in extreme environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures; high winds; smoke; and dust. This position is subject to on call after regular duty hours to serve as needed. Travel may be required up to 50% during extreme wildfire seasons and may require frequent travel throughout multiple counties in the state.