This is work involved in protecting, reforesting, and inventorying timberlands in accordance with Mississippi Forestry Commission regulations. Incumbents in this classification contact landowners giving advice on proper forestry management practices such as tree planting, timber stand improvement, and establishment of fire lanes. The work also includes assisting suppression crews when needed to control forest fires and assisting landowners in the management of their timber and in reforesting lands. The work is performed under the general supervision of a forester, and supervision is exercised over specified Forestry Commission employees in lower classifications.
Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assists Forester in accomplishing objectives and plans of the department's work program.

Contacts and works with landowners, giving advice on proper forest management practices and on methods to improve and protect their forest investment.

Checks public land sales; assists in timber inventory and timber marking; and supervises sales work.

Assists in insect and disease recommendations.

Operates Global Positioning System Equipment.

Assists in prescribed burning and management of public and private lands.

Assists suppression crews on fires as needed.

Performs needed work on buildings, grounds, fences, and other structures.

Prepares detailed forest management plans for public and private landowners, including the ability to read maps and aerial photographs, traverse property, draw maps, and calculate acres.

Inspects timber cutting on public lands for violations of the timber sale contract.

Assists private landowners in rehabilitation of unproductive land.

Takes seedling applications; helps distribute seedlings; and takes care of seeds and seedlings.

Trains and supervises planting crews to ensure that proper planting techniques are followed and keeps them supplied with seedlings.

Conducts safety meetings.

Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.
Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring agency. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Assists in establishing plans for the management of forest lands and forest resources.

2. Performs duties associated with the development, maintenance, and protection of forest lands.

3. Assists landowners of private and public lands in the management of their timber and in reforesting land.

These minimum qualifications have been agreed upon by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in this job class and are based upon a job analysis and the essential functions. However, if a candidate believes he/she is qualified for the job although he/she does not have the minimum qualifications set forth below, he/she may request special consideration through substitution of related education and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Any request to substitute related education or experience for minimum qualifications must be addressed to the Misssissippi State Personnel Board in writing, identifying the related education and experience which demonstrates the candidate's ability to perform all essential functions of the position.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Education:
An Associate's Degree from an accredited two-year college in Forestry.

OR

Education:
Completion of sixty (60) semester hours of college course work from an accredited college or university in Forestry.

Note:

Incumbents who are required to fight wildfires or conduct field work on a routine basis must successfully complete a Moderate Pack Test within ninety (90) days of hire date and annually thereafter.

Required Document:

Applicant must submit a copy of his/her official transcript to verify completion of required course work, if applicable.

Applicant must possess a valid Mississippi Driver's License or a valid Driver's License from a contiguous state.