Overview

Minimum qualifications:
30 semester credit hours, including 12 semester credit hours in forestry, which must include at least one course in three or more of the following areas: botany, dendrology, forest biology, forest ecology, forest ecosystem management, forest entomology, forest health, forest mensuration, forest pathology, forest protection, forest soils, general soils, geographic information systems, land surveying, and silviculture.
OR
One year of technical forestry experience in one 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.

Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to identify trees of New York
Ability to determine cause of tree damage
Knowledge of forest insects and diseases as well as general forest health trends
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Capable of working in a productive and independent manner with minimal supervision
Capable of working alone or with another person

Duties Description
NYSDEC Forest Health is responsible for monitoring the ecological health and function of all the forests in New York state. Our priority is placed on early detection of and rapid response to high impact invasive species that may threaten forest health. We are looking for qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join our team.
This position will assist the oak wilt program manager by conducting field work, managing data, and providing technical guidance and outreach to stakeholders. Field work will consist of surveying for oak wilt, following up on land manager and homeowner reports, collecting samples from potentially infected trees, collecting data for treatments, and conducting treatment activities. Selected candidate will work with Foresters and staff from other State, Federal, and local agencies.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

  • Participate in targeted aerial surveys to detect oak wilt
  • Receive reports from the public and provide written or oral responses; prioritize for field inspections
  • Conduct inspections of trees suspected of having oak wilt
  • Collect, prepare, and ship oak wilt samples for diagnostic testing
  • Use standardized methods and common forestry equipment to collect tree data related to managing oak wilt
  • Participate in oak wilt management activities such as tree cutting, chipping, log splitting, and pile burning
  • Provide technical guidance and assistance to regional staff managing oak wilt
Additional Comments

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. Travel may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.

This is a hourly appointment currently funded through 3/31/2024, with a likelihood of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.