06/01/1989 54413

FOREST NURSERY MANAGER

NATURE OF WORK: This is professional forestry and managerial work directing the activities of a Forest Tree Nursery in the Bureau of Forestry, Department of Environmental Resources. The Forest Nursery Manager plans, develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates nursery operations.

DEFINITION: An employee in this class directs, through subordinate supervisors, several work units engaged in the full range of activities at a Forest Tree Nursery. Work includes determining work priorities; developing, implementing, evaluating, and monitoring nursery operation procedures; and interpreting rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for subordinates, forestry personnel, and the public. Work involves developing technical nursery management programs such as seed testing, harvesting, and storage; weed, insect, disease and pest control; and soil fertilization and development. Work includes planning the maintenance of buildings and mechanical equipment; planting, developing, harvesting, storing, and shipping tree seedlings; and evaluating current operating methods to determine if production goals and seed quality standards are being met. Work involves reviewing and approving daily work plans, coordinating the work activities of the units, and resolving conflicts between the units. Work also involves determining nursery goals, objectives, and priorities; planning, scheduling, and organizing work; assigning work; determining work flow; reviewing work performance; evaluating employee performance; interviewing and recommending employee selection; receiving and resolving employee grievances and complaints; approving leave requests for subordinates; and initiating disciplinary actions for misconduct by subordinates. Work is assigned in the form of long-range goals and objectives and specific production goals and quality levels to be attained within a designated operating cycle. Work is reviewed by the Forest Nursery Operations Manager in the Department of Environmental Resources for the attainment of established goals and objectives, and an evaluation of product quality and the cost- effectiveness of the operation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs, through subordinate supervisors, the activities of several work units engaged in the implementation of the full range of activities at a Forest Tree Nursery including the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all activities.

Develops, implements, directs, coordinates, evaluates, and adjusts nursery goals, objectives, priorities, activities, and production quotas.

Reviews and analyzes monthly activities reports to determine work being performed, effectiveness of nursery operations, and whether goals and objectives are being met.

Reviews reports, correspondence, and memoranda to determine work being performed and adherence to established goals and objectives.

Approves plans for nursery operations such as seed bed use, pest and disease control, and soil management.

Directs the adaption of automotive and mechanical equipment to specialized nursery or wood working operations.

Represents the nursery program in dealing with federal officials, Departmental officials, and other Commonwealth agencies.

Prepares letters, reports, memoranda, and correspondence to exchange information with subordinates, co-workers, superiors, Department personnel, and the public.

Serves as a Forest Officer and enforces forest rules and regulations on Commonwealth owned forest lands.

Operates motor vehicles to travel to various work sites.

Performs similar work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Department of Environmental Resources' rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing forestry operations on public and private lands.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of forestry operations.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of tree nursery operations, maintenance, and construction.

Knowledge of the goals, objectives, practices, and principles of seed testing and seedling development, soil management, and seedling harvesting.

Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment utilized in the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques utilized in successful tree planting.

Knowledge of the collective bargaining unit agreements applicable to the work performed in the units.

Knowledge of safety precautions required for the work performed by the units.

Knowledge of the Commonwealth's and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing travel, lodging, expense vouchers, and reporting requirements.

Skill in the supervision of employees.

Ability to read, understand, interpret, and write technical forestry material.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations utilized in forest nursery operations.

Ability to read and understand blueprints and drawings.

Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of nursery operations.

Ability to plan, schedule, organize, and assign work to subordinates.

Ability to develop employee performance standards, evaluate employee performance, prepare employee performance evaluation reports, and discuss reports with subordinates.

Ability to demonstrate proper and safe methods for performing the work to subordinates.

Ability to develop policies and procedures for the Forest Tree Nursery operation.

Ability to interpret forestry program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for subordinates, district personnel, co- workers, and the public.

Ability to operate motor vehicles to travel to various work sites.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, superiors, Commonwealth officials and the public.

Sufficient physical strength and stamina to permit walking long distances in rough terrain and in directing forest fire fighting activities.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Assistant Manager;

                                                                                                                                                                                           or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license, of the proper class for the vehicles operated, as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.