District Forester; EMNRD

Why does the job exist?

The District Forester is responsible for coordinating and directing the implementation of forest and watershed management and protection activities on New Mexico's non-federal, non-municipal and non-tribal lands in the counties of Taos, Union and Colfax. The District Forester evaluates and determines program delivery based on the goals and needs of diverse private landowners, public land management agencies and cooperators, rural communities and forest-based businesses.

The District Forester provides administrative and fiscal management and budget oversight of the District as well as supervision of District staff.

The position coordinates and directs the implementation of forest management activities within the District, including: providing technical forestry assistance to landowners and state and local government agencies; forest insect and disease management; safe and effective fire response on non-federal, non-municipal and non-tribal lands; wildland urban interface and hazardous fuels reduction to protect homes from wildfire; collaborative, cross-boundary large-scale forest restoration planning and project implementation;

compliance of timber harvest activities with state regulations; and tracking and reporting on performance measures for the District's activities. This position is the key management role in the field to accomplish the Department's goals of Healthy Forests in New Mexico, adjusting the management of fire and forests to adapt to climate change, and mitigating impacts on New Mexico forests, watersheds and communities.

The District Forester makes decisions to implement the priorities outlined in New Mexico's Forest Action Plan.

Primary customers are private landowners, cooperating State and Federal and natural resource management agencies and other non-federal landowners such as local governments, tribal governments and citizens of the State.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:

• Exceptional leadership and management skills with the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing while making senior level decisions with minimal guidance, and communicating effectively with executive management.
• Sound knowledge base of wildland fire suppression response, administration, management and financial decisions.
• Extensive forest management knowledge, implementation, contracting, agreements and financial management associated with forest management, post‑fire restoration, reforestation and project management.
• Knowledgeable in grant management, administration, implementation, reporting requirements and systems.
• Knowledge of state procurement codes, Code of Federal Regulations, other procurement regulations, laws and policies.
• Knowledge of the Forest Conservation Act, Forestry Division, Forest Action Plan.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any field and four (4) years of relevant experience in this occupation. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or related experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Must maintain and possess a current New Mexico Driver's License, Defensive Driving Certificate and must pass annual wildland fire certification and maintain certifications if the incumbent desires to maintain wildland fire qualifications or meet other certification requirements for non‑fire related qualifications.

Work will primarily be in an office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be willing to serve as a rotational duty officer year-round.

Extensive travel and potential for intermittent work in rough and remote terrain. Work irregular or extended hours including evenings, weekends and holidays is common during the wildland fire season. May be exposed to a variety of weather conditions including those associated with forest management and wildland fire management activities.

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. on occasion.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.