Description

Target Hiring Range: $56,877.85 - $66,769.65 - Based on Experience

*Salary is the targeted hiring range and not the full salary opportunity of the position.

**Applicants MUST submit an official job application through the City of Newport News career site to be considered. To learn more and apply, visit https://www.nnva.gov/Jobs  

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES 

Under general supervision, this position performs natural resources and forestry work on City-owned watershed properties.  Reports to the Chief of Natural Assets.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Collects timber stand data by identifying trees and plants; determines tree sizes, growth rates, densities, soil types, forest history and other related data; maintains timber stand data using a Geographic Information System database; conducts and coordinates reforestation and timber stand improvement work.  Prepares and monitors timber sales; identifies the type of harvest needed; marks and creates a global position system map of timber sale boundaries; performs timber cruises to determine timber volume; identifies and marks trees to be harvested.  Writes harvest specifications; inspects harvesting operations.  

Develops forest management plans; performs GIS analysis on timber stand data.  Develops silviculture prescriptions for each timber stand; develops schedules for regeneration, site preparation, harvesting, and timber stand improvement work.  Provides recommendations to the Watershed Management Planning Group.

Monitors forest health; manages exotic invasive plants; manages nuisance wildlife species; writes reports and updates records as required. Addresses hazard tree issues and coordinates tree pruning and removals. Conducts watershed and forest management tours and presentations for various civic and school agencies.  Provides direction to personnel on specific forestry activities to include reforestation, timber stand improvement work and herbicide application.

Responsible for the effective supervision and administration of forestry personnel including preparation of reports, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities.

Serves as the Department’s drone operator for recording progress on capital (and other) projects.

Performs other duties as assigned.  

PERFORMANCE STANDARD 

 Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE 

Forestry – Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to the management of natural resources to include forest management principles, methods, and techniques as related to maintaining watershed lands.

Supervision – Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

REQUIRED SKILLS 

Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situation and research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.   

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.

Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, geographic information system database and related software to effectively complete a variety of tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.

Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.  Implements work activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

REQUIRED ABILITIES 

Communication – Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.  Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner.

Mathematics – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications for use in developing timber sales data and forest management plans.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited program in Forestry, Forest Management, Forest Ecology, or a related Forestry field and 3-5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check; a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical and audio evaluation

Requires a Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s certification in Categories 2 (Forest Pests) and 5A (Aquatic Pests), FAA part 107 Small Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS) certification and First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 6 months of employment. SAF Certified Forester (CF) designation is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work.

Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.

May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).