Forester 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS

Description

Duties Description

The Forester 1 will work in the Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health’s Forest Health Section under the supervision of a Forester 2. The Forest Health Section provides technical guidance and operational capacity for forest pest and disease issues on state and private land across NY. The Forester 1 will implement key Forest Health programs statewide, including the Oak Wilt and Defoliators programs, which primarily focus on monitoring and control. The position will also have technical responsibilities for Forest Health’s Geographic Information Systems.

Oak Wilt program

• Work with Central Office and Regional staff to implement the NYSDEC Oak Wilt Response Plan
• Develop aerial and ground survey priorities statewide
• Coordinate annual aerial survey with New York State Police Aviation Unit and ground verification of the mapped areas
• Apply for federal funding to support oak wilt survey and treatment activities
• Develop and administer contracts for the removal of trees
• Ensure timely and effective treatments in defined zones to limit spread
• In collaboration with the Forest Health Research Lab, set research priorities and facilitate the completion of research projects
  
  

Defoliator program

• Monitor defoliator activity using remote sensing data, aerial surveys, predictive modeling, and mapping tools
• Facilitate and/or conduct egg mass surveys in high-risk areas
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure detection and treatment best practices
• Share BMPs with public via workshops, presentations, social media, and development of outreach products
  
  

Geographic Information Systems

• Use ArcGIS Pro to create original data, and analyze and synthesize field and remote sensed data
• Create data collection forms in ESRI Field Maps for field use
• Use ArcGIS Online to publish data for use by DEC staff and collaborators
• Manage historic data in a spatial database for the purpose of identifying current issues and long-term trends in forest health
• Maintain current pest and disease distribution maps
  
  

Qualifications

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.

To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:

Minimum Qualifications

Forester Trainee 1: 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.

Forester Trainee 2: You must also have as qualifying bachelors degree as noted above and either 1: One year of professional experience in forestry; OR 2: A master'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.

Forester 1: You must also have as qualifying bachelors degree as noted above and either 1: Two years of professional experience in forestry; OR 2: A master'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 AND One year of professional experience in forestry.

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 - Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: One year of permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), Forestry Technician 2, or 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.

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 25 pounds.

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.

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.