Who we are:
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission “To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio’s people.
ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.
We are accepting applications for a Forester within the Division of Forestry, headquartered in Ross County. The address is 345 Allen Avenue, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-1699. To learn more about the Division of Forestry please visit Division of Forestry.
What you will do…
Serve as Land Management Forester to ensure sustainable forest management practices on state forest lands;
Play a lead role in wildland fire fighting efforts;
Perform public relations duties, promoting interest, activity, & understanding in forest conservation;
Conduct cruises & inventory state forest land, as well as prepare timber sales;
Assist in the division's mission to promote and apply management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public forest lands.
What’s in it for you…
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
Medical Coverage
Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.
Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance
Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completing an eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.
Employee Development Funds
The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.
Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth/Adoption leave
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.
Deferred Compensation
The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
We are ready for you!
We’re glad you’re interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources! Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find!
Official Position Description:
Serves as Land Management Forester & develops & maintains multiple use resource management plans for assigned state forest area(s) & coordinates plans to provide needed priority to timber production, minerals, wildlife habitat, recreation, watershed protection, soils, aesthetics & other environmental qualities: prepares district forest management zone maps to ensure protection of sensitive areas, cultural/historical areas, plants & animals, & consideration of appropriate forest users (i.e., general public); makes recommendations to management & staff regarding use of state forest areas to demonstrate sound forest management techniques to public & private forest landowners; submits plans for review to higher-level management staff; reviews & implements approaches & techniques for potential application to state forest land management (e.g., prescribed fire, Geographical Informational System [GIS], Global Positioning System [GPS]); assists in acquiring & maintaining third party sustainable forestry certification (e.g. audits, developing written plans & obtaining appropriate GIS information); may assist in invasive species program.
Conducts cruises & inventories state forest land to determine types, stock, size, growth, conditions, & volumes of trees & seedlings on various sites (i.e., data is utilized in areas to include management plans, timber appraisal, timber sales, & forest health monitoring): analyzes & interprets data (e.g., in conjunction with other factors such as wildlife, recreation, aesthetics & watershed) to determine forest management needs; makes recommendations to higher-level management staff for timber sales, timber stand improvement or other cultural treatments; monitors health of forest & recommends appropriate forest management actions; utilizes traditional forestry equipment, new technology, & aerial photographs to collect & analyze forest data; prepares reports & documents & maintains forest management records; monitors impacts of recreation & public activities on forest; makes recommendation for design, layout, maintenance, relocation & rehabilitation of trails &/or other public uses.
Represents division & performs public relations duties: promotes interest, activity, & understanding in forest conservation; writes news articles; organizes &/or participates in field days & demonstrations; makes public appearances via radio, TV & service groups; writes reports; composes correspondence; attends meetings with civic, professional, & governmental agencies; serves as local contact for division programs & responds to simple inquiries; works on special projects; performs wildfire support as directed within training & physical capabilities; assists certification coordinator in implementing & conducting certification activities in the Land Management Manual (e.g. forest plans relating to contract administration, activity assessments, silvicultural prescriptions, activity inspections, monitoring): produces reports & documents relating to certification program.
Prepares timber sales: marks trees for harvesting; estimates volume by species; establishes layout for logging roads & necessary boundaries; prepares maps & summaries of marked timber required to prepare bid information; addresses concerns regarding public sentiment, neighbor impact, best management practices, erosion, road construction, harvesting equipment, & other special considerations; administers timber sales for compliance; completes revenue transmittals regarding timber sale transaction; scales forest products for volume as directed, marks logs for bucking, assists with forest product merchandising; monitors assigned activities relative to exploration & development of minerals & oil & gas on state forests; may train forest industry personnel in proper harvesting practices; may serve as lead worker & organize tasks to accomplish daily projects involving lower-level positions.
Performs routine maintenance on work vehicle (e.g., checks oil & tires, cleans vehicles, checks fluid levels): perform maintenance on trails (e.g., inspects & evaluates trail condition, removes trees & other debris from trail, mows/treats vegetation along trail edge); performs facility maintenance (e.g., mowing, painting, building repair); oversees the implementation of forest boundary maintenance (e.g. encroachment, trespass issues, paint/mark).
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT: Must successfully complete basic firefighter/introduction to fire behavior course (i.e., S-130/S-190) within first year of employment pursuant to national interagency management system (i.e., wildland & prescribed fire qualification system guide).
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires travel; exposed to inclement weather, dust, dirt, insects, & poisonous plants; responds to wildfires.
Qualifications
Completion of undergraduate core coursework in forestry or related field of study; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in public relations; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in operation of computer software programs; valid driver's license.
Or 12 mos. exp. as Forestry Technician, 22321.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
Knowledge of: safety practices (related to forest operations & forest logging operations, maintenance & construction, fire control, related to vehicle & facility maintenance, & Division of Forestry Safety Manual*); public relations; agency policies & procedures (department, division)*; government structure & process (local, state, federal); natural sciences (forestry); law (Ohio Administrative Code [OAC], Ohio Revised Code [ORC] Chapter 1503).
Skilled in: word processing (Microsoft Office Suite, operation of GIS software package [ArcGIS]); equipment operations (personal computer, firefighting equipment, forestry tools (e.g., prism, global positioning satellite [GPS], Biltmore stick, diameter tape [D-tape], clinometer, compass), hand & power tools, mower, state vehicle).
Ability to: deal with many variables & determine specific action (e.g., landowner recommendations, management alternatives, forest health threats, government programs); calculate fractions, decimals & percentages; use proper research methods in gathering data; gather, collate & classify information about data, people or things; handle sensitive inquiries from & contacts with officials & general public; demonstrate physical fitness (e.g., walk several miles, climb hills); interpret extensive variety of technical material in books, journals & manuals; demonstrate dexterity to (move legs & feet to climb hills & walk several miles, walk distances on rough terrain); define problems, collect data, establish facts & draw valid conclusions; prepare meaningful, concise & accurate reports; originate &/or edit articles for publication; cooperate with co-workers on group projects; resolve complaints from angry citizens & government officials; originate instructions & specifications concerning proper uses of machinery; work alone on most tasks.
*Developed after employment
Must maintain a Valid Driver’s License
Competencies: Making Decisions & Solving Problems; Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards; Communicating with People Outside the Organization
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator at 614-265-6992 or mohammad.yakubu@dnr.ohio.gov.
Effective July 1, 2015, applicants must apply online for positions at all state agencies except the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
STATUS OF POSTED POSITIONS: Applicants can view the status of this position by logging into their user profile on the Ohio Hiring Management System [OHMS] Home page at the following link careers.ohio.gov, and selecting "My Profile".
Background Check Information
Bargaining unit applicants will be given consideration for applicable positions, pursuant to collective bargaining agreement.
Selection devices, proficiency testing and/or assessments may be used to determine if an applicant meets and is proficient in the minimum qualifications for this position.