08/12/2013 54140

FOREST TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the field of forest management, forest pest control, and nursery culture.

An employee in this job performs a variety of technical forestry assignments in the areas of timber sales, fire prevention, insect and disease control, forest tree nursery development, and recreation projects. Work involves conducting surveys to accurately measure and record forest resource characteristics, summarizing and reporting field data, and implementing standard forest management practices. Assignments are received from a forestry professional through general instructions, and employees are required to interpret maps, drawings, and plans in the execution of assignments. Work is reviewed upon completion for quality of work and compliance with agency standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs timber stand analyses by compiling data, such as timber type, timber vitality, timber measurements, recreational use, and insect and disease mortality, and presents findings and recommendations to a forestry professional for further decision making.

Examines and marks trees to make volumetric computations, and marks timber for removal from state lands, special use lands, and privately owned lands.

Lays out timber sales following instructions and directions provided by a forestry professional.

Conducts landscape examinations and compiles information for use in decision making by a forestry professional.

Conducts surveys and prepares timber type and land use maps for use by management.

Coordinates tree planting projects following plans developed by a forestry professional.

Assists in the implementation of recreation projects such as trail layout and maintenance.

Reports fires; recruits, trains, and assists in the oversight of forest fire wardens and fire crews; prepares and submits fire reports; and conducts investigations to determine causes of forest fires.

Assists in overseeing the production and distribution of forest planting stock; participates in seedbed preparation, seeding, weeding, cultivating, lifting, and the shipping of nursery stock; and assists in the development and maintenance of seed orchards.

Assists in the control of forest diseases and insects, conducts field surveys and prepares simple maps, assists professional staff with surveillance flights and ground checks, prepares and delivers insecticides, and assists in the conduct of research projects.

Assists in the control of oil, gas, and mineral operations on state forest lands to ensure that land is maintained or restored to an acceptable state.

Collects and compiles GPS data for management activities.

Prepares a variety of reports and records.

Collects fees from the sale of forest products and issues permits and receipts.

Serves as a State Forest Officer and enforces state forest rules and regulations on commonwealth-owned forest lands as defined by Act 18.

Serves as a Forest Fire Warden and takes action to extinguish and investigate wildland fires.

Assists in advancing the objectives of a forest conservation program by addressing audiences, presenting movies and slides, and distributing posters.

Operates passenger cars and light trucks to patrol roads and trails.

Travels to field sites.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of dendrology and forest mensuration.

Knowledge of forest management and silviculture.

Knowledge of the insects and diseases common to the forests of Pennsylvania and northeastern United States.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques of wildland fire protection including fire prevention and suppression.

Knowledge of the conditions that constitute forest fire hazards.

Knowledge of land surveying principles.

Knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Knowledge of the methods, tools, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of forest facilities, roads, and trails.

Ability to read and interpret written material, including maps, charts, specifications, and sales agreements.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: An associate’s degree in forest technology;

                                                                                                                                                                                               or

Completion of equivalent formal education in forestry.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions require possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.