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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00093920 |
Description Activated On: 12/28/2023 2:55:30 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This position carries the working title of Area Forest Health Specialist (AFHS). One of five strategically located positions, it is responsible for the field implementation of the activities of the Division of Forest Health over a multicounty area encompassing four forest districts. These activities include forest pest suppression, forest insect and disease survey and detection, and information and education programs necessary to fulfill the Bureau of Forestry’s goals of monitoring and managing destructive forest insects and diseases on Pennsylvania’s public and private forest resources. This position is responsible at the Area level for planning, coordinating, monitoring, conducting, supervising, and evaluating these activities, and may serve as Field Project Leader for statewide forest health projects. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. STATEWIDE DUTIES Information and Education (I&E) - Includes generation of periodic FH project updates that include Area reports and articles of interest for Forestry staff and other appropriate Agencies and Cooperators. Also organizes the annual FH Forest Health Updates and other events that provide appropriate certification credits for BOF employees. Organizes and archives educational resources (e.g. - presentation and photos) created within the Division. Aerial Survey - Coordinate Aerial Survey Project annually. Ensure that Surveyors plan and prepare properly prior to each survey season. Also coordinate necessary aviation safety training with DCNR Air Operations and Safety Specialist. Spongy Moth Suppression Administration - Annually coordinate the necessary proposal procedures among the Area FH Specialists and assist in the preparation for and oversight of spray operations. Spongy Moth Suppression Data Coordination – Annually coordinate the creation of cooperator spray blocks, review of spray blocks according to FH requirements and edit spray blocks according to environmental review requirements. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Suppression (HWASP) – Coordinate HWA detection, monitoring, and suppression activities statewide. Monitoring includes coordination of FH field staff duties and data management. Suppression activities include training, demonstrations, logistics, and data management & involves interaction with BOF Districts and State Parks. Participates in collaboration with the Forest Service and university researchers. Biocontrol – Coordinate activities statewide for release and evaluation of all bio-control agents. Act as point of contact between State Entomologist and FH field Staff. Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Develop program, oversee procurement, research equipment and regulations, train staff, and provide general oversight of the FH UAS program. Field Data Collection - Coordinator that oversees the use of the ESRI Field Maps App within the Field Operations (FO) Section. Act as the secondary point of contact for all FO staff for field data collection and Field Maps App issues. Act as the secondary contact with the BOF Geo-Spatial Section for Field Maps App maintenance and project development. Data Coordinator – Coordinate Field Operations (FO) data storage and security. Work with the Program Services and Support Section (PSS) Data Coordinator to facilitate and streamline data flow from FO to PSS. SURVEY & DETECTION Surveys for major forest pests by conducting and directing aerial and ground inspections to identify pest population levels, prepare maps and reports of impact/damage, and anticipate suppression activities. Provides input into an FID database regarding the occurrence and intensity of forest pests by submitting forest pest reports and by encouraging district personnel to submit forest pest reports to provide historical references. PEST SUPPRESSION Prepares annual objectives for Area forest pest suppression projects by conducting, reviewing, and/or evaluating forest pest reports and surveys, Bureau and cooperator objectives and proposals, and previous years’ programs. Prepares an annual estimate of anticipated Area pest suppression needs by evaluations of current and historical field data and through forest district and cooperator contacts. Assists in the preparation of additions, revisions, and other changes to suppression program work and safety plans, forms, letters, rules, regulations, environmental assessments, and reports. Plans, conducts/monitors, and evaluates Area FH training programs regarding current program policies, rules, and regulations for forest district, cooperator, state forest volunteer, and other involved personnel by developing lesson plans, audiovisual aids, exhibits, and written instructional materials. Monitors and participates in required cooperator public meetings and news releases by attending or reviewing to ensure dissemination of accurate information, ensure cooperator compliance with program requirements, and to solicit public input regarding suppression programs. Conducts and/or reviews Area forest district evaluations of cooperator suppression proposals by reviewing maps and proposal forms, conducting field evaluations/inspections of selected and/or disputed treatment areas, and examining them for required biological and physical criteria, and by reviewing all cooperator and forest district treatment area summaries. Recommends contract specifications for suppression programs by reviewing approved treatment areas to determine the types and quantity of treatment material and/or equipment required to conduct the project safely and efficiently. Explains contract specifications to prospective bidders by conducting field tours, answering calls and communications, and preparing and providing requested maps and documents to facilitate bid development. Develops and executes contract logistics plans by preparing maps, evaluating contractor equipment, locating potential worksites, and conducting contractor conferences to ensure optimum types and numbers of contractor/forest district/cooperator personnel, equipment, and supplies and to plan timely treatments. Coordinates, conducts, and evaluates Area-wide suppression programs by implementing the policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and specifications detailed in the appropriate suppression program manuals and guidelines. Provides technical assistance to private landowners by making site visits, making management recommendations, and providing pest management documentation on an as needed basis. Coordinates the inter-district implementation of the operational phase of suppression projects by confirming the calibration of treatment equipment; inspecting and approving treatment equipment; verifying applicator/pilot/ground crew certification/registration; conducting pretreatment logistics and safety briefings; evaluating and reporting on applicator/pilot/ground crew performance; acting as liaison between contractor, forest district, and Division; reviewing treatment/flight/daily aircraft records for completion and accuracy; monitoring weather conditions; enforcing contract regulations; resolving contract disputes; responding to public inquiries/complaints; investigating accidents/incidents; notifying military air units of aerial spray dates and times; and assigning contractor and forest district personnel and equipment within contract areas. Conducts frequent briefings for the section supervisor and others by phone, radio, and/or written communications on the progress of Area programs. Reports on the results of suppression projects by gathering physical, meteorological, and biological field data to measure the success of the projects and to identify problems in the planning, coordination, and operational phases of the program. Evaluates and reports on the Area aerial application contractors’ compliance with contract specifications by monitoring compliance and performance and maintaining written documentation to evaluate the contractors’ performance, and, if necessary, provide data for assessing agreed damages for failure to perform. Prepares an Area post-treatment suppression project report by reviewing all documentation and interviewing participants to summarize the acreage treated, document the pesticides/materials used, identify the problems encountered/resolved, and recommend program improvements. Maintains records of all Area suppression program activities by reviewing and filing documents and data by manual and/or electronic means to provide legal records and to update databases for future programs or activities. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL Prepares annual objectives for Area biological control activities by reviewing and evaluating past and current programs and anticipating future activities. Investigates the occurrence of natural control agents of forest pests by collecting and identifying the natural control agents, observing, and recording their incidence and location, and reporting on these and other field data to determine the effectiveness, geographical distribution, and potential for manipulation of these natural control agents. Coordinates with other AFHSs, other state and federal agencies, university researchers, and the forest pest management industry for the study and redistribution of natural control agents of forest pests by identifying, procuring, releasing, and evaluating potentially beneficial organisms to mitigate the impact of forest pests on the resources and to minimize pesticide use. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION Services requests from the Bureau, other governmental agencies, the public, forest industries, schools, and the media regarding forest, tree, and other pest control by making field and/or laboratory identifications, making management recommendations, and providing educational materials to inform and promote effective and environmentally acceptable pest management practices. Understands and utilizes online insect and disease resources, including Fact Sheets, Bulletins, research literature and identification databases. Develops, prepares, and presents informational and educational materials on forest pest management issues and programs to keep the Bureau, cooperators, and the public informed. Provides annual update training for Public Pesticide Applicator Certification for DCNR Parks and Forestry personnel by planning, organizing, and conducting one or more training meetings to procure core and category credits for attendees through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Conducts FH training programs for Bureau personnel, student interns, and forestry volunteers by evaluating training needs; presenting lectures; providing audiovisual presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits; and preparing written instructional materials. GENERAL FOREST HEALTH ACTIVITIES Involved in any cooperative or collaborative forest health effort involving the forests of Pennsylvania, as assigned, or OK'd by Supervisor. Maintain working relationship with appropriate contacts from other PA agencies, universities, cooperative extension, conservation districts, federal agencies (particularly the US Forest Service), and collaborative landscape-level organizations that operate within Pennsylvania. Be an active part of collaborative groups when possible. SPECIAL STUDIES Implements special studies in conjunction with the appropriate section supervisor or program specialist by providing planning assistance, collecting data, and assisting in analyses. PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT Conducts a program of professional self-improvement by reviewing appropriate scientific, technical, and popular literature; maintaining liaisons with other forestry and pest management professionals; attending professional and technical training meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences; publishing in professional and popular journals; and maintaining membership in professional organizations. SUPERVISION Supervises the work of one or more Assistant Area Forest Health Specialists (Forester) by planning, scheduling, and assigning work, approving leave and expenses, and taking disciplinary action to attain established goals and objectives. Functionally supervises, during suppression programs, four (4) or more forest district program leaders (who in turn supervise or lead 10 to 50 Bureau personnel, other agency personnel, and volunteers), and the treatment contractors’ project supervisors by assigning work, making frequent personal and electronic communications contacts, holding work conferences, and monitoring daily progress and spray reports to meet program goals, objectives, and deadlines. Periodically supervises the activities of temporarily assigned permanent, temporary seasonal, other agency, state forest volunteer, and cooperator personnel through personal contact, written communications, and other means to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Division and the Bureau. OTHER ACTIVITIES Represents the Commonwealth and/or DCNR and/or the Bureau of Forestry on boards, councils, committees, and task forces as assigned by Supervisor. Attend meetings for applicable boards, councils, committees, task forces and annual program meetings as assigned by Supervisor. Some examples are: Mid-Atlantic Forest Health Program Managers Meeting (required for federal grant core funding received from USDA Forest Service); Annual Lymantria Dispar Review (required for federal grant funding received); Annual Lymantria Dispar Program Managers Meeting (required for federal grant funding received); Annual Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Program Managers meeting (required for federal grant funding received); and the USDA Interagency Research Forum on Invasive Species. Review public reaction and industry movements regarding pesticides and forest management practices by reviewing proposed and enacted legislation and regulations, professional publications, and media releases and by attending public hearings/meetings to recommend changes in Bureau/Division policies and procedures and to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to Bureau personnel and the public. Prepare, review, verify, and submit administrative documents/reports regarding itineraries; daily time and activity; monthly activity; leave, automotive, and telephone usage; supply and equipment purchasing; travel expenses; Bureau training and information and education activities; safety; and hazardous substance survey forms to ensure the administrative requirements of Bureau and Division programs are met. Maintain an assigned work facility and inventory of equipment, tools, and supplies by preparing purchase and maintenance requests, performing minor maintenance, and storing and distributing equipment and supplies to provide a safe, efficient, and well-supplied workplace. Perform all duties by having a working knowledge of and using a variety of vehicles and manual, electronic, and scientific tools, and equipment (including computers and a variety of computer software, 2-way mobile radios, and unmanned aircraft systems). RELATED ACTIVITIES This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Work is assigned through statewide or Area-specific program/activity goals, objectives, and priorities with considerable freedom and independent judgment permitted in determining and recommending task-specific goals, objectives, and priorities. Work is reviewed by a professional superior for quality, completeness, accuracy, and adherence to established goals, objectives, and priorities through frequent personal, virtual or telephone contacts, monthly activity reports, and interim and final project reports. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Class C Driver's License 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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