10/24/2000 54432

FOREST HEALTH MANAGER, DCNR

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing the Commonwealth-wide Forest Pest Management Program in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The employee in this class directs, through subordinate managers, the planning, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the Forest Pest Management Program in the Bureau of Forestry's Division of Forest Pest Management. Work involves directing a statewide program concerned with the identification, prevention, detection, evaluation, and suppression of forest pests on both public and private lands. Work involves determining program goals, objectives, and priorities; directing the development, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of rules, regulations, policies and procedures; interpreting rules, regulations, policies and procedures for subordinates, field staff, Forest District staff, special interest groups, and the public; developing, documenting, and managing the budget for the program; and coordinating the implementation of program goals and objectives with Forest District Managers and their staff. Work also includes representing the Department in coordinating program activities with the United States Forest Service, other Commonwealth agencies, universities, and other states; and providing information and advice to executive staff, senior program managers and their staff, and field personnel on forest pest management matters. Work is assigned through program goals and objectives and the employee exercises considerable freedom and independent judgment in determining specific goals, objectives, and program priorities. Work is reviewed upon completion by the Director, Forestry Services, DCNR through reports and conferences for attainment of program goals and objectives, completeness, and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, and directs a statewide program concerned with the identification, prevention, evaluation, detection, and suppression of forest pests.

Develops, implements, directs, coordinates, and evaluates program goals, objectives and priorities.

Directs the development of program rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards.

Coordinates program activities with the U.S. Forest Service, other Commonwealth agencies, local governments, and private landowners.

Develops and manages the program budget and ensures program activities are consistent with budgetary resources.

Coordinates the implementation of program initiatives with District Foresters and their staff and private land owners

Directs the review and evaluation of program effectiveness and recommends methods for improvement.

Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of reports, scientific articles, bulletins, manuals, and newsletters, and articles on the control of forest diseases and harmful insects.

Makes presentations before professional organizations, public interest groups, and the general public to provide information on program goals objectives, and priorities.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the various destructive insects and diseases that commonly affect the forests of the northeast United States.

Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and procedures used to detect and control destructive forest pests.

Knowledge of the goals, objectives, practices, and principles of forest management.

Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements applicable to the work performed by subordinate staff.

Ability to effectively supervise subordinate employees.

Ability to read, understand, interpret, and apply technical materials.

Ability to read, understand, interpret, and apply Commonwealth and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to effectively organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of subordinates.

Ability to develop, implement, direct, and coordinate statewide program goals, objectives, and priorities.

Ability to coordinate the activities of work units and resolve conflicts within the units.

Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Departmental managers, program staff, subordinates, civic groups and organizations, public interest groups, professional organizations, federal officials, and the public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Forest Health Supervisor, DCNR or Forest Pest Suppression Supervisor, DCNR;

                                                                                                                                                                                                or

Six years of professional experience in the field of forest pest management which included two years of experience supervising technical employees; plus a bachelor's degree in Biology, Forestry, Entomology, Pathology, Forest Entomology, Forest Ecology, or Forest Pathology, and a master's degree in any of these fields;

                                                                                                                                                                                                or

Seven years of professional experience in forest pest management which included two years of experience supervising technical employees, and a bachelor's degree in Biology, Forestry, Entomology, Pathology, Forest Entomology, Forest Ecology, or Forest Pathology;

                                                                                                                                                                                                or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.