Forestry and Fuels Technician

Implements all forestry functions of the Ruidoso Forestry Department as assigned. Implements Forestry projects, programs, policies and ordinances to serve the Village, citizens, and visitors in the areas of forest and forest fuels management. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

Under supervision of the Director of Forestry, implements all aspects of the Ruidoso Forestry Program. This is a Non-exempt position. Work hours are 40 hours per week; however specific hours will be determined by the Director. This may include some nights and weekends. This position entails considerable initiative and independent judgment and the ability to work with other Village Departments and Landowners to accomplish the forestry program goals and objectives.

• Responsible for daily assistance to the Forestry Director/Department in implementing projects, programs, policies, and ordinances, to serve the Village, its citizens, and visitors in the areas of forestry and fuels management including but not limited to protection, watershed quality, defensible space, fuel breaks, landscaping, pest and disease issues, and healthy forest restoration and maintenance.
• Daily implementing all aspects of the Forestry Department's programs including meeting with landowners, marking prescriptions, giving cost share presentations and overseeing contracts.
• Closely coordinates appointments with the Forestry Office Manager who schedules appointments and maintains an appointment schedule.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.
• Responsible for managing scheduled appointments and meetings and showing up on time and prepared for all appointments and meetings.
• Enforces ordinances that protect forest health and achieve desired fuels management.
• Creates and maintains forest treatments and defensible space requirements that include natural landscape opportunities; and assess and make recommendations for pest and disease issues.
• Provides public awareness and consultation to other Village departments and public regarding all aspects of forestry management, diagnosis of forest heath, pest and disease issues, and site development procedures and requirements.
• Reviews site development plans for ordinance compliance including: tree density requirements; and tree replacement requirements.
• Conducts field inspections and recommends compliance for all properly treated residential and commercial properties.
• Evaluates and makes recommendation for hazard tree removal on Village owned and Private property as defined by Ordinance.
• Assists Director in developing and implementing annual work plan for the accomplishment of the Forestry Program.
• Participates in periodic community involvement programs relating to forest and wild-fire issues.
• Efficiently prepares, presents and executes cost share agreements with landowners.
• Exhibits professional appearance and dress, independent thinking, responsiveness, and excellent customer service.
• Utilizes personal protective equipment as specified in the Departmental work hazard analysis.
• Responsible for ensuring a productive and positive attitude and work environment, and professional actions foster confidentiality of customers and coworkers.

• Assists Fire department in wild-land fires as needed in capacity other than suppression.
• Works as liaison with other public entities in cooperation with management of our forest and land.
• Implements and supports safety policies/procedures and attends safety training as required.
• Completes personal timesheet accurately and timely enters time into Employee Self Service software weekly and ensures time is reported based on actual time worked.
• Submits reports to Director as instructed.
• Notifies Director of any real or perceived problems related to the Forestry Department. Ensures computer is backed up once a month.
• Adheres to all the Village of Ruidoso's policies not limited to IT, Purchasing, Travel, and Personnel Policies. Reports any on-the job accident or injury immediately to the Director and follows up with appropriate forms and actions. Reports immediately any incidents of harassment to the appropriate Village official and reports any suspected fraud and/or abuse to the Director or Village Manager.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as directed.
• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. As a condition of employment, employees are required to perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

• Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting or standing for extended periods of time, driving or riding in car, and operating assigned office equipment.
• Frequently walks 3 to 5 miles while surveying or marking trees, walks and works in…