Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleForester 1 / Trainee 1/2 (2 Positions) - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $47925 to $80248 Annually
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Minimum qualifications:
A bachelor's or higher degree in ecological forest management, forest biology, forest ecosystem science, forest health, forest resource management, forestry, Natural Resources Planning, Natural Resources Management, Natural Resources Conservation, or urban forestry.
OR
A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 24 credits in any of the following; dendrology, entomology, environmental planning (as part of a forestry program), environmental policy (as part of a forestry program), environmental resource management (as part of a forestry program), forest ecology, forest ecosystem, forest entomology, forest inventories, forest pathology, forest management, forest measurement/inventory, forest recreation, forest recreation management, geographic information system (GIS), natural resources planning, natural resources policy, pathology, plant entomology, plant pathology, silviculture, soils, surveying, or wilderness management.
Candidates may also be appointed via the following:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the minimum qualifications above
or
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), Forestry Technician 2 and Forestry Technician 3
55-b/55-c Appointment- Must meet minimum qualifications above and include a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.
Duties Description DEC Region 1 manages around 17,000 acres of state land and conservation easements. The successful candidates, under direction from the Supervising Forester, will administer various programs in the Division of Lands and Forests including State Forests, Private Land Services, and Invasive Species and Forest Health. Duties include, but are not limited to:
1.Coordinate management plan development for land management units:
• Serves as lead author and management team leader -Coordinates with various Department programs, State agencies and stakeholders and facilitates team meetings.
• Prepares reports, studies and formal correspondence and presents information for public awareness.
• Performs analysis of natural resource conditions through forest inventory to develop sustainable forest management plans based on current guidance, policies, and law.
• Meets schedules and assures plans are accurate and complete.
2.Coordinate management plan implementation for State lands:
• Serves as area manager and oversees construction, maintenance, and related management tasks.
• Develops sustainable timber management strategy and implementation for state forest units including timber sale preparation and oversight.
• Develops work plans based on management plan guidelines, Department policy and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Works cooperatively with other Department programs and stakeholders to complete projects.
• Helps prepare and manage contracts.
3. Provide Private Forestry and Urban and Community Forestry assistance:
• Provide technical assistance to forest landowners on private forest management.
• Assist private forest landowners with cost share programs including EQIP and Regenerate NY.
• Provide technical assistance and outreach regarding forest carbon management and forest carbon program enrollment to private forest landowners.
• Prepare reports, studies, conduct presentations and outreach events.
4. Respond to invasive species and forest health threats.
• Perform surveys to assess the presence, distribution, and severity of invasive species and forest pests and diseases.
• Control spread and mitigate impacts of harmful pests and diseases.
• Provide technical guidance and diagnostic support to land managers and the public
• Coordinate restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas
• Collaborate with LIISMA and federal, state and municipal natural resource managers on invasive species projects
5. Respond to public inquiries.
6. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders. Represent DEC in a positive, professional, and productive manner.
7. Conduct other program-related activities as assigned by supervisor, including supervision of forest technicians and interns.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain. Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. Travel may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.