06/16/2004

FOREST PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANAGER 54418

DEFINITION: This is professional and managerial work directing statewide forestry programs in the Bureau of Forestry, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

An employee in this job directs the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of statewide forestry programs such as: forest protection, timber management, forest resource planning, public recreation, wood utilization, nursery management, forest insect and disease control, and forest road maintenance. Work involves determining program goals; developing and implementing technical forestry rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; interpreting technical forestry rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for subordinates, field personnel, special interest groups, and the public; developing and managing the budget for the program; and ensuring a proper understanding of these programs through coordination with the Forest District Managers responsible for the implementation and management of these programs in the field. Work includes serving as the Commonwealth's representative on various regional, state, and interstate committees on conservation, education, or other interests of the Department. Supervision is exercised over Forest Program Managers. Work is assigned through broad program goals and objectives and the employee exercises considerable independent judgment in determining specific goals, objectives, and program priorities. Work is reviewed upon completion through reports and conferences for attainment of program goals and objectives, completeness, and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of several statewide forestry programs such as, forest protection, timber management, forest resource planning, forest inventory, forest operations, public recreation, wood utilization, nursery management, forest insect and disease control, and forest road maintenance.

Develops, implements, and evaluates technical statewide forestry program goals.

Reviews and analyzes reports, correspondence and memoranda to determine work being performed, program trends and effectiveness and adherence to established goals.

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

Directs the evaluation of programs at the district level to determine effectiveness, identify deficiencies, and recommend ways to improve the efficiency of district programs.

Develops and manages the program budget, recommends the allocation of resources to the Forest District Offices, and ensures program activities are consistent with approved budgetary resources.

Prepares documents to obtain federal grants.

Represents the forestry program, Department or Commonwealth on regional, state, national and interstate committees or task forces to ensure Departmental and program needs are met.

Prepares reports, letters, and memoranda to exchange information with subordinates, district personnel, superiors, and the public.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of federal, state and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing forestry operations on public and private land.

Knowledge of the practices, principles, procedures, methods, and techniques utilized in conducting forest management, forest fire protection, forest insect and disease control and recreational activities on public and private forest lands.

Knowledge of the various species of timber, and the destructive insects and diseases, common to the forests of Pennsylvania and the northeastern United States.

Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties.

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 quantitative analysis as required and utilized in the forestry program.

Ability to read, interpret and apply federal, state, and Commonwealth and forestry rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate technical forestry program goals, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, civic groups and associations, conservation groups, professional organizations, federal officials, and the public.

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

                                                                                                                                                                                              or

Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Operations Manager;

                                                                                                                                                                                              or

Three years of experience as a Forest Assistant Manager;

                                                                                                                                                                                              or

Three years of experience as a Forest Program Specialist;

                                                                                                                                                                                              or

Six years of experience in forestry or natural resources management, including three years of managerial experience in forestry which involved staff supervision, fiscal management and policy development; and a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry.

A Master’s Degree in Forestry may be substituted for two years of the general forestry or natural resources management experience.

A Doctorate’s Degree in Forestry may be substituted for three years of the general forestry or natural resources management experience.