Forester 1/2 - Flex Area Resource Forester (PCN 10-9285) - State of Alaska

The State of Alaska seeks a professional forester to join our team focused on Alaska’s forest management responsibilities in the temperate rain forest of Southeast Alaska; the organization functions in the dynamic and diverse geographic setting of Alaska and the many opportunities it offers. A forester in the position can expect to be involved in a variety of projects. The work requires a robust presence in the field that the incumbent supports with similar time in the office. The Division seeks individuals interested in growth or advancement in our organization.
 
Mission and Culture
The mission of the Division of Forestry is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska’s forests to provide a sustainable supply of forest resources for Alaskans.  We are leaders in forest management, forest practices, wildland fire management, and cooperative forestry programs across the state. Our influence crosses ownership boundaries through leadership of all-risk incident management teams, management of federal timber resources under the Good Neighbor Authority, and up-to-date best management practices that apply to all commercial forests.
 
Core Responsibilities 
This position prepares commercial timber sales and is instrumental in planning and implementing sale layout, timber cruising, and sale administration. The position works alone and in small teams in remote and rural forests. As part of the sale administration, the forester is expected to document in a professional manner, provide direction, and influence timber sale purchasers, contractors, and the public to protect the interests of the State. Part of the position’s time may also focus on administering the Alaska Forest Practices Act on private land. The incumbent will spend time in the office planning for field work, processing information gathered, and communicating on subject matters in written and verbal forms to represent and resolve issues. 
 
Benefits of Joining Our Team
The work provides exposure to Alaska's unique physical and cultural environment.  The Southeast Alaska Archipelago has abundant forest and aquatic resources.  Island life and public land dominate the landscape. Forest management in the area is transitioning from old growth to young growth management. Work in this position and environment will provide many opportunities to adapt lessons learned elsewhere and to develop new approaches in contemporary forest management. Demand for active management by the forest industry from all land is significant. Staffing in the organization is lean, providing an opportunity for broad exposure to our variety of missions; there are multiple options for long-term growth and advancement in both the resources and fire programs. Career-long training and innovation is a building block of our culture. Work schedules vary with the season; summer tends to provide extended weather and long daylight opportunities for project work, which can, in turn, provide blocks of time off to enjoy the location’s outdoor opportunities.
 
 
The Working Environment You Can Expect
The job is based in the Ketchikan office, composed of a team of four people. The amount of office time varies with the season and the ongoing operational needs. The balance of office to fieldwork is approximately 50/50 over the span of the year. Most of the fieldwork is located on other islands and requires periods of travel. Time in the field will vary from one day to two weeks; most travel lasts less than a week. Accommodations when traveling are typically at hotels, short-term rentals, and occasionally remote camps. Most accommodations are in small communities.
 
To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following core competencies:

• A self-starter who can identify issues, develop solutions, be accountable, and be an effective communicator.
• Experience with contract administration and timber sales planning, including road and unit design.
• Knowledge and experience with timber cruising.
• Proficient in written and oral communication and GIS software.