Forestry Technician 1

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation seeks a Forestry Technician 1 to conduct forest inventory work in New York. Responsibilities include data collection using GPS, timber marking, and invasive species management. Candidates should have relevant educational qualifications or forestry experience. This seasonal position may require travel and work in challenging conditions. Telecommuting options may be discussed during the interview, but the job is primarily field-based.
Description

Duties Description

Complete forest inventory work on State Wildlife Management Areas under the direction of a professional Forester. Incumbent may be required to work alone, in rough terrain and will be required to gather and input field data into the State Forest Inventory Program using a hand-held GPS unit and/or electronic data collector from random plots following standard procedures, assist with timber-type mapping and inventory plot layout using GIS technology, perform boundary line maintenance, conduct timber marking for forest product sales. Invasive species work will be a significant portion of duties, including manual and chemical control. Essential skills include: tree identification, tree diameter and height measurement, GPS navigation and GIS data manipulation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

30 semester college credit hours, including or supplemented by 12 semester credit hours in forestry, which must include at least one course in three or more of the following areas: pathology, entomology, forest biology, silvics, silviculture, forest mensuration, forest protection, forest soils, dendrology, botany or land surveying. OR One year of diversified, technical forestry experience in two or more of the following areas: forest management, including sale and removal of timber products, nursery management, including the transplanting of tree or shrub seedlings; forest pest management, including control of diseases and insect pests.

Additional Comments

This is a seasonal, hourly appointment with an anticipated end date of 9/30/2025. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.

Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

Must be able to work in remote areas.

Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.

Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Weekends and holidays may be required.

Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.

Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.