10/01/1990 54411

FOREST NURSERY ASSISTANT MANAGER

NATURE OF WORK: This is professional forestry work assisting in the management of a Forest Tree Nursery in the Bureau of Forestry, Department of Environmental Resources. The Forest Nursery Assistant Manager assists a Forest Nursery Manager in planning, developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating forest tree nursery operations.

DEFINITION: An employee in this class compiles and analyzes data involving nursery operations and develops and presents recommendations involving work plans, work schedules, work priorities, and nursery operations operating policies and procedures. Work involves determining and recommending the seed beds to be cultivated, the species and amounts of seedlings to be planted in the seed beds, the method of planting to be utilized, the equipment to be utilized, and the employees to be utilized to plant seedlings. Work also involves inspecting the seedlings during the growing season and developing and recommending the weeding schedule to be followed; the irrigation schedule; the type and frequency of pesticide to be applied; and plans to control rodents, pest and disease. Work includes developing and recommending plans to harvest, store, inventory, and ship the seedlings including schedules, equipment to be utilized, and
employees to be utilized. Work includes coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on nursery operations to the Forest Nursery Manager. Work may include determining nursery operations equipment and supply needs and purchasing the approved materials, supplies, and equipment. Work is assigned by the Forest Nursery Manager through conferences and established or approved plans, and work varies due to the cyclical nature of nursery operations. Work is reviewed upon completion for adherence to approved plans and results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Compiles and analyzes data involving nursery operations and develops and presents recommendations and plans to assist a Forest Nursery Manager in managing the activities of a forest tree nursery.

Develops and recommends work plans, work schedules, work priorities, and nursery operations, goals and objectives; coordinates the implementation of approved activities; and prepares reports on the effectiveness of the activities.

Develops and recommends nursery operations, policies and procedures; ensures approved policies and procedures are followed by nursery personnel; and interprets operating policies and procedures for nursery personnel.

Determines and recommends planting plans including the seed beds to be cultivated, the species and quantities of seedlings to be planted on the seed beds, the method of planting to be utilized, the equipment to be utilized, and the employees to be utilized; and coordinates and directs nursery personnel in the implementation of approved planting plans.

Inspects seedlings during the growing season to determine, develop, and present the weeding schedule to be followed, the irrigation schedule to be followed, the type and frequency of pesticide to be applied, and the plans to control rodents, pests, and disease; and coordinates and directs nursery personnel in the
implementation of approved schedules and plans.

Develops and recommends plans to harvest, store, inventory, and ship seedlings including work schedules, equipment to be utilized, and employees to be utilized; and coordinates and directs nursery personnel in the implementation of approved plans.

Prepares monthly activities reports on work being performed, effectiveness of nursery operations, and adherence to established goals and objectives.

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

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

Operates a motor vehicle 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 private and public lands.

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

Knowledge of the various species of timber normally found in Pennsylvania and northeastern United States.

Ability to learn the principles and practices of a tree nursery operation.

Ability to learn the goals, objectives, practices, and principles of seedling development, soils management, and seedling harvesting.

Ability to learn the basic principles, practices, methods, techniques and equipment utilized in the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades.

Ability to learn the safety requirements required for the work performed in forest nursery operations.

Ability to learn the methods and techniques utilized in successful tree planting.

Ability to learn the Commonwealth's Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing travel, lodging, expense vouchers, and reporting requirements.

Ability to learn how to supervise employees effectively.

Ability to learn to read and understand blueprints and drawings.

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

Ability to perform mathematical calculations utilized in forest tree nursery operations.

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

Ability to plan, schedule, organize, and coordinate work activities.

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

Ability to demonstrate proper methods and techniques for performing work to nursery personnel.

Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the forest nursery operations.

Ability to develop procedures for the forest nursery operation.

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

Ability to exhibit sufficient physical strength and stamina to permit walking long distances in rough terrain and participating in forest fire fighting activities.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Bachelor's Degree in Forest Management which included nine (3 credit) forestry courses with a minimum of three (3 credit) courses in the following areas: dendrology, silviculture/forest ecology, biometrics, or forest management;

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An Associate's Degree in Forest technology which included nine (3 credit) forestry courses with a minimum of three (3 credit) courses in the following areas: dendrology, silviculture/forest ecology, biometrics, or forest management; and two years of forestry experience which included the application of forest
principles to the operation of a forest tract under the direction of a professional Forester and following the directions and prescriptions developed by a professional Forester;

                                                                                                                                                                                             or

Four years of experience in forest management experience which included the application of accepted business methods and practices, coordinating the application of all forest management, and the application of forestry principles and practices to the operation of an entire forest property with considerable
independence and accountability for the actions taken.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license, as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.