Forester 2 - GNA Forester

Job Overview:

The position performs advanced professional forest management activities in close coordination with the US Forest Service under the general supervision of the Area Good Neighbor Authority Program Specialist. The incumbent provides contract package development and review, technical support, , and works with the DNRC and Forest Service Staff to implement various timber sale and service restoration projects to improve forest health, reduce hazardous fuels, and harvest commercial timber from federal lands and across ownership boundaries.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.

A. Good Neighbor Authority Project Planning and Design (25% of time)
The position is responsible for understanding tools and authorities, such as Good Neighbor Authority; working knowledge of NEPA and Farm Bill categorical exclusion provisions; basic DNRC timber sale and service contracting, sale and contract administration, and policies and procedures that allow state involvement in federal land management. The position is responsible for collaborating with federal partners to plan, manage, and implement federal forest management projects through these authorities. The position coordinates within the DNRC, with other agencies, local governments, and other interested stakeholders to accomplish forest management projects across multiple ownerships.

Coordinates with the Area GNA Program Specialist and Supervisory Foresters to identify, plan and design service restoration contracting opportunities which may include, but are not limited to, landline surveys, road maintenance, engineering survey and design work on forest roads, pre-commercial thinning, goods-for-services stewardship contracting for forest management/fuels reduction, weed spraying, NEPA contracting, piling/scarification, road closure monitoring/maintenance, and Call-When-Needed contracting. Conducts Surveys and collects inventory data to determine natural resources present, their condition, and management needs. Determines timber distribution and timber volume estimates. Determines hazardous fuels reduction needs. Identifies forest insects and diseases damage and management needs. Identifies topography, Streamside Management Zones, riparian areas and other factors that influence forest management operations and planning.  Coordinates the design or implementation of silvicultural prescriptions, timber marking guidelines, sale design and logging system specifications, road specifications, sale layout and timber cruising activities. Coordinates information sharing with federal partners to ensure efficient and appropriate project scheduling, and to achieve forest management goals. Develops initial forest management proposals and works collaboratively with federal agency partners and other stakeholders to refine proposals. Evaluates project access needs. This involves determining existing road ownership status; assessing existing road systems, road construction costs, log hauling feasibility, right of way issues, and environmental concerns, ensuring permits are obtained as required; and evaluating other access issues relevant to the project area.

B. Good Neighbor Authority Project Implementation and Administration (60% of time)
The position is responsible for contract development/approval, administration, oversight and implementation of forest management activities on federal lands under the Good Neighbor Authority and DNRC timber sale contract and administration rules, policies and guidelines. 

Develops and administers forest management projects and contracts such as: timber sales, fuels reduction, stand improvement, and road maintenance to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, NEPA requirements and Forest Plan Standards. Prepares all sale-package documents for Land Office and Good Neighbor Bureau review and distribution. These include the NEPA Design Features Crosswalk, Timber Sale Contract, Prospectus, Notice of Sale, Summary of Actions and other summaries of timber values, cruise documentation, forest improvement appraisal, road and logging costs, and specifications. Coordinates with Forest Service personnel to ensure projects meet the abovementioned requirements. Completes contract inspections and details project progress, conditions, and compliance in inspection reports. Compares observations with expected outcomes. Performs timber sale clerical duties such as truck ticket entry and tracking, timber sale billing. Creates and maintains a complete file of project documentation. Implement procurement and contract administration for forest product sales and restoration projects on the Kootenai and Flathead national Forest GNA Programs to ensure the DNRC receives the best value products and services in compliance with applicable state and federal procurement and contracting laws and rules. This includes recruiting contractors by disseminating information regarding upcoming projects and opportunities; coordinating and overseeing procurement (e.g., requests for proposals, sale packages, equipment specifications, etc.); administering contracts to ensure the delivery of products and services as agreed; providing technical assistance to unit staff on procurement and contract administration issues; resolving problems; and negotiating solutions and/or contract amendments.  Participates in public meetings, monitors input from industry, affected groups and the public. Obtains data and recommends strategies or actions. Determines and oversees forest restoration treatments on assigned parcels including thinning, timber stand improvement hazard and fuels reduction, weed spraying, road maintenance needs and planting after timber sales or as needed. Coordinates, cross-trains, and consults with federal partners on project Implementation and Administration.

C. Public Relations (10% of time)
Provides program and project expertise and responds to and answers questions from internal and external specialists, other agencies, and the general public regarding the DNRC's Federal Engagement Program and projects. Promotes goals and objectives, fosters awareness of issues affecting forest resources, and delivers information on project outcomes and progress as requested or appropriate.

Plans, organizes and conducts field tours at any time during the design and implementation of forest product sales to educate and inform individuals, special interest groups, collaboratives groups, and other organizations. The incumbent provides information on resource concerns, benefits and costs, environmental impacts, proposals and alternatives and related issues. Solicits comments and involvement from others such as interested private citizens, collaborative groups, local governments, the forest products industry, and conservation organizations. Attends meetings with organizations and individuals to educate about individual projects, the DNRC's Good Neighbor Program, and the need for active forest management. 

Benefits:

Health Insurance Retirement Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. 

Application Materials Required for this Position Are:

State of Montana Application Resume Cover Letter

Special Information:
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. 

Qualifications:

The required knowledge, skills and abilities are acquired through a bachelor’s degree in Forest Management or a related resource management field and one year of job-related professional forest management experience. May consider alternative combinations of education and experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Specialized knowledge of forest management principles and practices; equipment and techniques used in forest management projects and operations including cruising, layout and harvesting systems.
Experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, GIS programs, Data collections instruments and software
Capable of vigorous physical activity in all types of weather
Experienced in working alone in the field, including driving winter conditions, operating ATVs and navigating with map and compass.
The position requires routine travel within northwest Montana and occasional travel to other areas of Montana.
Considerable knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act and related laws and rules governing natural resource management.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to individuals, groups and representatives from other organizations.
Ability to coordinate and direct multiple resources to complete work objectives and be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

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