Wildlife Conservation Forestry Specialist

Job Code: 32000118
Salary Grade: NC15
Revision Date: 09/2023

Class Concept

This is advanced professional work for the Wildlife Resources Commission for the management of forestry and wildlife on statewide or regional state lands. Positions serve as administrators prescribing and implementing forest wildlife habitat management, research, and survey activities.

Positions apply wildlife and forest management science to benefit wildlife species and adapt practices to accommodate listed species. They provide technical assistance, coordinate wildlife plans, and make recommendations to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), conservation partners, universities, State Forestry Service, state and federal land managers, and other biologists.

Positions are technical experts in forestry management overseeing timber resources and inventory. They plan, coordinate, and conduct prescribed burns. They monitor and direct activities to improve and maintain forest health through active timber management practices. This position works independently on annual and long-range forestry-management work plans. Positions will use scientific principles to design, develop, administer, report on, or plan the development of prescribed burns. Prescribed burn processes include monitoring weather forecasts, prepping equipment, and risk evaluation. Timber Management processes include cruising and marking timber, drafting contracts once ready to sell, planning forest product sales and bids, ensuring contract compliance and budgeting, wildfire prevention and control, and controlling pests. Responsibilities include grant writing and grant management from state and federal entities, associated with land acquisition, habitat management and reforestation.

They may represent the agency by serving on state and multi-state committees. These positions may assist with forestry and wildlife surveys and research projects that include the collection of biological data. Positions may be required to represent the agency for high profile and sensitive issues or provide testimony or consultation within the judicial system. They may supervise Conservation Biologists, Conservation Technicians, or contract workers.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of wildlife species and their habitats with skill in identifying a variety of wildlife species and plants, wildlife habitat management practices and ecological principles
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of technical forestry as they apply to forest management, marketing, utilization, forest health, and habitat protection, impacts of forest management practices on wildlife habitat and populations
• Intermediate knowledge of the principles and practices of prescribed fire management, herbicides and pesticides commonly used in forest management and their impacts on wildlife populations
• Thorough knowledge of applicable mapping and modelling technology and understanding of weather and fire behavior, including the ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions
• Thorough knowledge of applicable mapping and modelling technology. Thorough knowledge and understanding of weather and fire behavior, including the ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions
• Ability to prepare detailed technical reports and analyze data
• Ability to train, supervise, and direct the work of assistant forestry managers and large crews in complex, dynamic, and stressful situations
• Ability to develop and monitor a project budget and manage grants or contracts
• Ability to prepare and present clear information to a variety of audiences
• Physical ability to work in rugged terrain and in a variety of weather conditions

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, supplemented by 15 hours of forestry coursework, or forestry or a related biological degree, supplemented by 15 hours of wildlife management coursework, from an appropriately accredited institutio

Necessary Special Requirements

Must possess a Prescribed Burner Certification or obtain one within 24 months of employment is required May require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).