Forester

About the Role

The Forester position operates within a team framework, managing the planning and execution of forestry projects across private, state, and federal lands within the assigned district. Key projects entail hazardous fuel reduction, forest health enhancement, and watershed restoration initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify forestry and natural resource management projects and develop corresponding planning documentation.
• Interpret planning documents to execute projects on-site effectively.
• Lead field personnel, devise work plans for project monitoring and oversight, document outcomes, and propose management recommendations.
• Collaborate with forestry and fire management teams to coordinate stakeholder requirements, gain consensus, create project task orders, and supervise contractors and internal teams during project implementation.
• Offer technical support to landowners, internal staff, partners, and stakeholders and conduct forest resource surveys.
• Perform additional assigned duties as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of forest planning, site-specific prescription development, and high-quality plan composition.
• Familiarity with forest operations, including harvesting techniques and forest industry methods.
• Knowledge of Arizona's forest and fuel types alongside applicable state and federal environmental laws and regulations.
• Proficiency with computer tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, and ArcGIS technologies.
• Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork capabilities.
• Skill in training others on forestry subjects, safety protocols, and practices.
• Expertise in timber marking, cruising, and estimation of stand values.
• Effective communication skills to articulate ideas and information.
• Ability to track progress towards goals and adapt as needed to achieve results.
• Leadership with a constructive and productive approach.
• Capability to maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports and documents.
• Driving on state business as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry or a related natural resource field.
• At least two years of experience creating forest planning documents and managing forestry operations.

Employment Prerequisites

• Possession of a valid Arizona driver's license.
• Employees must maintain an appropriate license, complete mandatory training, and pass necessary driving record checks. The license should be current, valid, and not suspended or revoked.
• Employees driving on state business are subject to driver record verification and required training.
• If the job requires the use of a vehicle, the employee must maintain the required liability insurance coverage as per Arizona Administrative Code.
• Compliance with the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) is mandatory for all new state employees.

Work Locations

This position is based in either:

• 1100 N Beeline Highway, Payson, AZ 85541
• 1110 W Washington, Suite 500, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Compensation and Grade

The salary range for this role is $21.1449 to $29.4960 per hour, classified at Grade 21.

Additional Information

The application deadline is August 7, 2026.