State Lands Forester

Overview

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is excited to recruit for a State Lands Forester in the Rutland District of the Division of Forests. The Division manages a wide variety of public lands and serves to protect and enhance forestland, natural resources, and outdoor recreation throughout Vermont. This is an exciting opportunity to implement forest management  and recreation projects in the ecologically diverse southwestern region of Vermont overseeing 40,000 acres of public land as part of a close-knit, collaborative and interdisciplinary team of resource professionals.

The State Lands Forester will be involved in all aspects of state lands management as part of a team of resource professionals with the chance to grow in many areas. This will include forest management, recreation management, wildlife habitat management, planning, and related duties.

There will be a particular focus on forest-based recreation in this position, which will have primary responsibility for maintaining and improving the District’s dispersed recreational resources with duties in assessment, planning, and recreation project development, as well as working with partners. The State Lands Forester also conducts forest resource inventory, assessment and management, including timber sale preparation and administration; implements forest road maintenance and rehabilitation projects; and conducts invasive plant management, timber stand improvement, and habitat management projects. This position will develop and oversee contracts and may provide day to day direction to seasonal staff as part of implementing these responsibilities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate applicable and transferrable knowledge or skills in forestry, forest management, forest ecology, forest-based recreation, GIS, effective communication, project management and developing strong working relationships.

Who May Apply

This position, State Lands Forester II – Limited Service (Job Requisition #51360), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Level II: Job Requisition #51360

Level III: Job Requisition #51313

If you would like more information about this position, please contact jim.duncan@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed more than half the time in a field setting; involving exposure to all types of weather conditions. Strength and agility are needed in traversing steep and rough terrain. They may use a variety of hand tools, such as axes, saws, and shovels, and power equipment, such as chain saws. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required. Some work outside of regular working hours may be required. Strong and conflicting public opinions may be encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field AND two years or more of experience at a professional level in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field or higher AND six months or more of experience at a professional level in forestry, natural resources, biological or physical science, engineering, or an environmental field.

OR

One year or more as Forestry Professional I with the State of Vermont.

OR

Licensed as forester by the State of Vermont.

Special Requirements

State of Vermont Forester License may be required for specific positions in this class.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it’s more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your 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

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer