Forestry Conservation Tech 1 - Greenough

Knowledge:

Work requires knowledge of the principles and practices of technical level forest management, silviculture, and botany; timber cruising techniques; forest road design and construction; logging methods and techniques; basic surveying; timber sale data collection and measuring procedures; forest habitat types and species identification; statistical methods; forest stand dynamics; prescribed burning and wildland fire fighting procedures and guidelines; and insect and disease identification. 

Skills:

This position requires skill in reading and interpreting various types of maps and aerial photos; translating aerial photo and map locations to the ground; identifying landmarks in the field; and navigating in the woods.  The position also requires extensive skills in the operation of specialized cruising and surveying tools and equipment including a relaskop, diameter tape, clinometer, compass, GPS, electronic data recorders, complete input to databases, etc.; and in the operation of snowmobiles, ATV’s, and 4x4 vehicles.

Abilities:

The position requires the ability to keep scientific records, identify inconsistencies in the field and develop recommendations, establish and maintain effective working relationships with Unit and Area staff, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Predominant work is performed in the field, which involves exposure to varying weather conditions, terrain, and road conditions.   The incumbent is expected to wear clothing and footwear to match weather conditions. Unpredictable encounters occur with wild animals.  Travel in mountainous terrain by vehicle or on foot is required in any month.  Regular walking up and down mountains or in streams can be expected.  Safety concerns include driving unimproved mountainous roads, walking across mountainous terrain, or wading rivers or streams at high water in all weather conditions.  Vehicular travel requires both 4x4 and ATV’s.  Occasional overnight travel may be required on a project-by-project basis. 

Supervision Received:

Work assignments are provided verbally or in writing by the Area Silviculturist or resource managers located in any of the four SWLO Unit Land Offices.  The supervisor typically establishes overall work procedures and priorities, and the incumbent determines appropriate work sequences and methods to accomplish assigned tasks.  The incumbent conducts work independently or in conjunction with other forest technicians with minimal supervision to complete assignments within established timeframes.  Technical assistance is available from the Unit and land office professionals, and department and division procedures manuals are available in the office.  Work is informally reviewed on a project basis by supervisor, forest management specialists, or resource manager within the assigned Unit.  Overall work is evaluated through annual performance appraisals by the Area Silviculturist

Scope and Effect:

The actions and decisions of the incumbent in completing field work and data collection duties directly affect the success of the SWLO forest management program, which generates revenues for school trust lands, as well as forest improvement projects and programs.  Field work conducted by the incumbent is necessary to estimate, mark, and sell timber, and conduct other forest management and forest improvement activities.  Accuracy of field data is critical, and has a direct impact on the accuracy and reliability of multiple aspects of forest management and forest improvement projects.