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FORESTER

Job Summary
To manage county tax-forfeited lands using multiple-use practices to enhance wildlife, recreational, and forestry interests.

Supervision Received 
Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  

Supervision Exercised
Serves as a work leader for Forestry Technicians and seasonal equipment operators. Elements of direct control over these positions include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, and providing input into supervisor’s actions.


Essential Functions 
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1. Prescribes forest management projects using the latest silviculture practices. Silviculture is the science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values. Uses statistical equations (i.e., mensuration and biometrics) to cruise, inventory, evaluate timber. Makes independent land management decisions to meet County long term (100yr) and short term (5yr) management objectives. Makes a variety of independent high level land management decisions.
2. Monitors timber permits and timber stand improvement projects to ensure all contractual obligations are being met by the logger and/or company.
3. Oversees a unit (district) of county land to ensure that the forest is healthy and there is no public misuse of county land.
4. Monitors ACLD lands to determine planting, release, insect and disease problems, harvesting needs and then develops management prescriptions to address those needs.  
5. Supervises timber contracts and permit holder to ensure contract specifications, financial oversight and for logging operations for compliance with state required best management practices and third party audit principles. 
6. Supervises contractors constructing roads, timber stand improvement, timber thinnings, site preparation, herbicide application, tree planting. 
7. Evaluates ACLD land management for Ecological Classification System based on an interpretation of soils and vegetation.
8. Identification and eradication of invasive species that occur on county lands.
9. Develops and maintains the county forest road system. If necessary, sets-up and supervises projects such as graveling, herbicide applications, timber stand improvements, and construction of roads.
10. Locates boundaries between County and private lands using modern survey methods and equipment. Communicates with private landowners.
11. Evaluates tax forfeited property regarding retention or disposal, estimates timber values, and makes recommendations for and supervises improvements. Prepares county lands for real estate sales.  Provides due diligence for public safety and cleanup of lots. Investigates and coordinates with County Sheriff and Attorney’s office for trespass and real estate property issues.
12. Initiates wildlife projects and research on ACLD lands to meet management goals. Acquires input from wildlife professionals such as DNR U of M and sportsman groups..
13. Helps develop and maintain ACLD recreational facilities (trails, campgrounds, water accesses, etc.) by working with various clubs and ACLD staff.
14. Works with and safely around trailers, logging equipment, large construction equipment (i.e,, Backhoes, skidsteers, fork lifts, road graders, dumptrucks).  
15. Makes public presentations to various groups. Trains next generation foresters by teaching classes for the University of Minnesota, Itasca Community College and others.
16. Attend conferences and continuing education courses as needed.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate’s degree or higher in Natural Resources, Forestry, or a related field, plus three or more years related forestry experience and/or training.  

Certified Timber Scaler issued by State of MN DNR preferred at time of hire, but not required. 

Pesticide Applicator license issued by the State of MN Department of Agriculture preferred at time of hire, but not required. 

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:  
1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 
2. Silviculture practices in Minnesota.
3. State and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position.
4. Habitat needs of wildlife and plants.
5. Knowledge and understanding of soils, forest pests, and herbicides.
6. Different plant and tree species.
7. Basic land surveying.
8. General office work such as filing and recording information. 

Skill in:
1. Written and oral communication skills sufficient to communicate the policies and procedures of the department to, contractors, other agencies, customers and the public.
2. Operating light machinery and various forestry tools.
3. Accurately interpreting aerial photos.
4. Proficient GPS and compass orienteering.
5. Preparing and making presentations to groups.
6. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
7. Effectively organizing and prioritizing workload.

Ability to:
1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
2. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other county employees, loggers, contractors, individuals, special interest groups, government agencies and the general public. 
3. Read and understand legal descriptions and several different types of maps.
4. Work in all types of weather and conditions
5. Physically traverse in treacherous conditions.
6. Communicate with the public and different contractors using good judgment, integrity, and tact.
7. Demonstrate independent and innovative thinking.
8. Demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently 
9. Endure hazardous insect, animals, and plants.
10. Maintain accurate daily logs.
11. Motivate and direct seasonal staff as they work. 
12. Safely operate chainsaws, brush axes, ATVs, snowmobiles and pickup trucks.

Language Skills 
High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Skills 
High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.   
County Financial System (IFS), County Payroll Software, E-time, Webfusion, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Arc GIS, and other job-related software.
 
Ability to Travel
Daily travel required, approximately 100 miles per day on highways and forest roads.

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and innovation.

Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Works outside and is exposed to very hot summer and cold winter temperatures, depending on the weather. Sometimes subjected to sounds and noise levels that are loud or distracting. Walks on passes through uneven terrain and is susceptible to various insect borne diseases and possibly dangerous animals. Is exposed to hazardous physical conditions daily while working around equipment and mechanical parts and is periodically exposed to hazardous chemicals such as pesticides.
 
Equipment and Tools
Personal protective equipment, computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, power tools, hand tools, surveying equipment, 10-key calculators, measuring and metering devices, laser levels, construction calculators, specific forest related tools such as prisms, clinometer, Biltmore sticks, statistical charts specific to forestry (i.e. stocking tables), handheld GPS units, motor graders, bobcats, and county-owned vehicles.

Physical Activities/Requirements
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Position requires walking long distances in sometimes difficult terrain.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

6/20/2019


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Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.
Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.
Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism