Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $19.33 to $19.33 Hourly
Duties Description The Division of Lands & Forests' Forest Health Program works to protect New York's forest ecosystems from pests, diseases, and invasive species. Forest technicians support forest health efforts through on-the-ground surveys, treatment implementation, and restoration. The position offers the opportunity to engage in forest management, survey and monitoring, and applied research in collaboration with a dedicated statewide team. Some travel within the region is required. Safety and equipment training will be provided as needed.
Principal Duties
• Implement manual and chemical control of priority invasive species, including protective treatments to preserve high-value or ecologically significant tree species. Conduct pre- and post-treatment monitoring and maintain accurate digital field records. Pesticide applications may include foliar, soil, or trunk injection treatments, conducted under certified supervision and in accordance with label instructions.
• Conduct forest inventory and tree health assessments, and utilize forestry equipment for stand improvement or silvicultural experiments.
• Collect data in established forest monitoring plots; deploy and monitor insect traps and perform visual surveys to detect priority forest pests and diseases; assist with aerial surveys and subsequent ground-truthing to verify and identify tree damage; perform site visits on public and private land to diagnose tree-health issues.
• Assist with silvicultural treatments, restoration planting, and seed collection.
• Provide basic technical information to partners and the public; assist with outreach efforts, participate in annual forest health trainings.
• Use ESRI GIS tools (Field Maps) to collect and report field data.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum qualifications:
30 semester credit hours, including 12 semester credit hours in forestry, which must include at least one course in three or more of the following areas: botany, dendrology, forest biology, forest ecology, forest ecosystem management, forest entomology, forest health, forest mensuration, forest pathology, forest protection, forest soils, general soils, geographic information systems, land surveying, and silviculture.
OR
One year of technical forestry experience in one or more of the following areas: forest management, including sale and removal of timber products; nursery management, including the transplanting of tree or shrub seedlings; forest pest management, including control of diseases and insect pests.
Preferred knowledge and skills:
• Educational Background: Completed coursework in forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or wildlife biology. Experience identifying common tree species of New York and the pests that impact them.
• Invasive Species Expertise: Knowledgeable about invasive species, identification, and control techniques.
• Mapping and Field Skills: Proficient in using maps, GPS, and GIS for effective site location and recording during surveys.
• Physical Fitness: Demonstrates physical capability for labor-intensive tasks in diverse terrains and weather conditions; including digging, cutting, spraying, using a chainsaw, and hiking for extended survey periods.
• Communication: Exhibits excellent interpersonal, organization and communication skills, providing accurate information about invasive species of concern to the public.
• Work Ethic & Safety: Positive attitude, self-motivated, works well both independently and in a collaborative setting, displays a strong commitment to safety practices.
• Herbicide, chainsaw and wildland fire experience: Prior experience is a plus. Must be a NY State Certified Category 2, 3A or 6A Pesticide Technician/Applicator or able to pass pesticide exams. Encouraged to have Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2 or equivalent. Encouraged to have or ability to pass Basic Wildland Firefighting Training Course.
Additional Comments This is a hourly appointment currently funded through 3/31/2026, with a likelihood of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.
Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.
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 35 pounds.
Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #25-201990 on your resume and also in the subject line of your email or it may not be accepted. You must submit a copy of your college transcript of qualifying courses with your resume. An unofficial copy is acceptable.