About the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways.

This position has been created as part of the strategic readiness initiative. A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicant(s) for: Forester II, Service Forester, Stewardship.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for the implementation and support of a variety stewardship projects and data management needs within the Service Forestry Program. Service Foresters have both regulatory and programmatic responsibilities that generate data, reporting, and need for technological innovation within the framework of private lands forestry for which this position is responsible. These may include but are not limited to data management, GIS analysis, digitizing, data analysis, interactive web application maps, and integration of various tracking systems. In addition this position is responsible for Ch132 and Ch61regulatory responsibilities as needed and serves as an additional resource for the Forest Stewardship Program providing outreach and technical assistance to private landowners throughout the Commonwealth.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works directly with Service Forestry Program Director and other Service Foresters to support a wide range of forestry project needs including Forest Cutting Plan and Ch61 data analysis, both spatial and tabular.

• Coordinates the collection, processing, and dissemination of geospatial data for use in the Service Forestry Program.

• Sets up, collecting, downloading, and post-processing GPS data from a wide range of sources, including ArcGIS Online for use by other Service Foresters in the field.

• Coordinates the Stewardship monitoring and the creation of raster maps of Forest Stewardship priority areas for submission to the U.S. Forest Service based on Forest Service and Service Forestry criteria.

• Stays up-to-date on technology within Mass.gov, such as SharePoint, and applying technology in innovative ways for the enhancement of outreach to private landowners.

• Serves as a liaison between the Service Forestry Program and DCR GIS ad IT to maintain and improve upon the functions spatial data collection, support of the Forest Cutting Plan portal system and program databases.

• Provides programmatic assistance to forest landowners on forest management programs and activities.

• Provide outreach and education to forest landowners, foresters, harvesters, wood processors, municipal officials, environmental organizations, and general public by conducting workshops, individual and group meetings, developing web base material, preparing news releases and articles, and presenting papers and educational programs.

• Performs various statewide duties assigned by the Program Supervisor or the Chief Forester such as Ch. 132 Coordinator, Ch. 61 Coordinator, GIS Coordinator, NRCS liaison, Stewardship Committee, Green Certification Coordinator, leadership in various Working Forest Initiative Programs, leadership role in Forester or Timber Harvester Licensing programs.

• Gathers and disseminates information concerning agency programs by correspondence, telephone, personal contact, and through public education programs.

• Utilizes the current versions of Microsoft Office, ArcGIS and other software in the aforementioned activities including the preparation of correspondence, reports and other documents

• Prepares or develops reports and memoranda using word processing, spreadsheets and databases and communicates with agency personnel using computer network.

• Maintains various logs and records; prepares, reads and interprets written reports as required; prepares and interprets GIS/topographical maps; represents the agency at meetings and exhibits; operates communications equipment, maintains field equipment, and drives a motor vehicle as required.

• Prepares data for reports, analysis and presentations.

• Regulates the harvest of forest products from all private and public lands in the Commonwealth under the provision of the Ch. 132, s. 40-46 by; monitoring and assuring compliance of timber harvesting contractors, forestry consultants, and forest landowners with regulatory requirements as well as all applicable state and federal laws by observing contractor operations and harvesting results, and determines necessary enforcement actions on public and private forest lands.

• Administers and oversees the provisions of the state’s current use programs, Ch. 61 and Ch. 61A, by reviewing and evaluating forest management plans prepared for private landowners by licensed professional foresters; reviewing silvicultural prescriptions; providing outreach and education regarding the programs to landowners, foresters, assessors and the general public through workshops, field visits and meetings; monitoring forest management operations to insure compliance with the approved forest management plan and other requirements of the law; maintaining and/or overseeing the maintenance of the Ch. 61/61A records and database.

• Delivers and implements the Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program, the Massachusetts Working Forest Initiative and other programs such as forestry practices offered by NRCS through providing outreach and education to landowners and natural resource professionals on program specifications and procedures; evaluating eligibility for cost-sharing for management plans and/or forest practices under the 2008 Farm Bill (or it’s successors) through field visits with landowners and licensed professional foresters; reviewing and evaluating Forest Stewardship Plans and NRCS practices for approval of cost-sharing; monitoring the implementation of management practices to insure compliance with program goals and objectives; cooperating closely with federal, state and private natural resource professionals to maintain and improve program standards.

Incumbents of Forester II also:

• Oversee forest resource management and maintenance activities on private lands and review comprehensive forest management plans and operating procedures.

• Provide technical assistance under agency service forestry and state land management programs to private and municipal forestland owners and the primary forest industry in areas such as silviculture, wildlife habitat characteristics, proper management practices to protect against soil erosion and water pollution, protection of rare and endangered species and other non-timber values, insect and disease infestation and marketing and utilization of forestry products; approve cutting plans of Foresters from own and other state agencies; administer the Forest Stewardship Program and other federal cost share programs.

• Provide technical advice regarding new land acquisitions for the district or watershed area by reviewing the forestry characteristics of the land, and plan and conduct timber inventory valuation for these acquisitions in order to assist others in making land acquisition decisions.

• Conduct meetings, task forces and/or conferences with agency staff and professionals in related disciplines on issues such as meeting forest management goals, updating silvicultural techniques, and new forest resource management procedures.

• Provide general technical assistance to forest landowners on forest management programs and activities. Refers specific technical assistance needs to private natural resource specialist.

• Provide outreach and education to forest landowners, foresters, harvesters, wood processors, municipal officials, environmental organizations, and general public by conducting workshops, individual and group meetings, developing web base material, preparing news releases and articles, and presenting papers and educational programs.

• Participates and cooperates with other agencies, advisory groups, and general public in consensus efforts relating to forestland and management issues.

• Represent agency at local public hearings, advisory committee meetings and task forces concerning forest resource management.

• Conduct environmental impact and economic analyses of forest resource management programs for assigned watershed area or statewide program.

• Collaborate with professional staff in related disciplines in the preparation of forest resource management plans and research projects.

• Assist in designing, coordinating and conducting training programs for agency staff, consultant foresters, timber harvesters, landowners and other organizations (including Department of Environmental Protection and U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service, Agricultural Soil and Conservation Stabilization and Forest Service) to enhance the delivery of program and improve skills in forest resource management and environmental protection.

• Serve as liaison to municipal, federal and state agencies and other organizations regarding forest resource management and environmental protection on lands of the Commonwealth.

• Apply for and coordinate the expenditure of federal grants designated for the State and Private program.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Provides supervision (direct and functional) Forester I, fire personal, interns, administrative assistants, etc. as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forest resource management, watershed management and silviculture.

• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in connection with forest resource management and watershed management.

• Knowledge of the types and causes of woodland and forest fires.

• Knowledge of the types, uses and proper care of materials and equipment used in forest resource and watershed management.

• Knowledge of the types and uses of heavy equipment used in forest resource management such as skidders, log forwarders, Fellar-bunchers, bulldozers, etc.

• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in forest resource management operations.

• Knowledge of the types and uses of hand held power tools such as chain saws, brush saws, etc.

• Knowledge of the techniques followed in minimizing and preventing forest insect and diseases.

• Knowledge of the procedures policies and safety practices followed in park and recreation area management.

• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in connection with park management.

• Skill in the use of precision measuring devises and instrumentation used in forest resource management.

• Ability to analyze forest conditions and apply silvicultural prescriptions.

• Ability to explain the provisions of laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

• Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with other.

• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedure.

• Ability to prepare and use charts, graphs and tables.

• Ability to act quickly and make decisions in emergency situations and dangerous situations.

• Ability to give oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both an oral and written manner.

• Ability to write clearly and concisely.

• Ability to use microcomputers for word processing and database management.

• Ability to deal tactfully with others.

• Ability to maintain accurate records.

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

• Ability to walk long distances over rough, forested terrain.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to use proper grammar, punctuation and spelling.

• Ability to explain the procedures, guidelines, policies, etc. governing unit activities.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as reports, topographic maps and land survey plans.

Additional qualifications required at hire for Forester II:

• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in connection with wildlife management, natural resources management, cultural resources management, landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture.

• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, principles and practices of natural resources management.

• Ability to prepare general and technical reports and forest management plans.

• Ability to work independently.

Based on assignment, the following additional qualification may be required at hire:

• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining subordinates’ training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.

Qualifications Acquired on Job (list knowledge, skills, abilities)

• Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing agency and assigned unit operations.

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency and assigned unit operations.

• Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms and contracts.

• Skill in the operation of two-way radio communications equipment.

Based on assignment, the following additional qualifications may be acquired on job in Forester II positions:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!