DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:  

1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $31.7309 hourly 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: Open until filled. Next review of resumes: February 2, 2023

This full-time position is a key component of the Specialized Forestry Team and will be responsible for the implementation of a comprehensive and robust statewide forest health program. The duties will include providing forest health technical assistance, outreach to community groups, local governments, landowners, related businesses, and Native American tribal organizations statewide, and responding to requests for technical assistance from state and private landowners and managers (urban and non-urban). This position will oversee and participate in all aspects of cost assistance projects, which may include field forestry work, remote sensing, data collection, data reporting, and tracking accomplishments of specific grant projects. The incumbent will also manage Western Bark Beetle Initiative grant projects.

This position will lead agency efforts in completing annual aerial detection surveys for insects and pathogens in Arizona forests by participating in survey flights, data collection and synthesis, and annual report compilation. Additional duties will include leading and coordinating all agency efforts in insect trapping projects and the Bark Beetle Reduction Cost Share Program. This position will also maintain project records, paperwork, and financial documents; prepare needed paperwork for assigned projects.

This is a grant-funded position.

• Provides technical expertise in forest health and cooperative forestry programs to private landowners, municipalities, non-profits, tribes and others.

• Conducts statewide forest health surveys on state and private lands and recommends forest health treatments. Assists in the preparation of funding proposals, tracking and fiscal controls.

• Provides technical expertise in statewide aerial detection surveys. With partners completes annual flights, develops quick notes for dissemination, synthesizes results and assists with compiling annual summary report. Maintains annual training requirements and relationships with partnering organizations.

• Prepares and submits periodic technical and administrative project reports and financial documents as required. Maintains accurate hard copy files and electronic maps of projects for input into treatment tracking database and geographic information systems. Assists local grantees with administrative reporting requirements. Field checks grants for compliance and accomplishments.

• Develops outreach opportunities/trainings and represents the agency at appropriate meetings. Develops materials for dissemination and develops relationships with partners. Represents the Department in regional and national committees, as assigned. Maintains communication with Federal, State and University partners for strategic project implementation.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Considerable knowledge of forest entomology.
• General knowledge of natural resource management in the Southwest to include standard forestry practices, dendrology, forest insects and diseases, urban forestry, wildland fire fighting, fire effects, and general multiple resource management (range, wildlife, soil, water, air).
• Knowledge of Arizona ecosystems and their relationships.
• Knowledge of the principles of planning, organizing, and directing area and state programs.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Tribal laws and Agency Standards, policies and procedures applicable to the area(s) of assignment.

Skills in:

• Forestry and natural resource measurement skills.
• Mapping, remote sensing and GIS skills.
• Computer skills in standard word processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs.
• Excellent public presentation skills, and written and oral communication techniques.
• Technical report writing and financial document review skills; attention to detail.
• Establishing reasonable goals, objectives and deadlines using efficient, organized working habits.
• Operational skills utilizing a wide variety of forestry tools and equipment such as forest inventory and marking materials, insect traps, and multi-channel radios.

Ability to:

• Ability to work independently and/or collectively with colleagues, clients and team members.
• Ability to fly in small fixed-wing aircraft for long periods of time and see all colors.
• Ability to adapt to changing work priorities, environments and new technologies.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of entities.
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with communities, organizations and private land owners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to meet tight deadlines.
• Drive on State business.

Bachelor or Master of Science Degree (Master's Preferred) or higher in Forest Health, Entomology, Forest Management or other Natural Resource Management field. 3-5 years professional experience in a Forestry-related position. Experience with forest insect and disease (forest health) programs and activities in urban and non-urban areas of Arizona. ISA Certified Arborist.

A valid Arizona Driver's License. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
Tution reimbursement (Eligible after one year)

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wesley Elwell at welwell@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-771-1419. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.