DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:  3650 Lake Mary Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86005

Salary: $34.6631 - $40.0347  

Grade: 23

Closing Date: Resumes will be reviewed on June 27, 2025

Under the authority of the Assistant Director for the Forestry Division (Assistant State Forester of Forestry Programs), this position leads a team of foresters and forestry technicians to ensure the coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring of a robust district-wide Program of Work. This work includes forestry projects on private, state, and federal lands for wildfire mitigation, forest health, and watershed restoration. The incumbent will have functional, administrative, and budgetary responsibilities within the District as well as decision-making authority.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

This position is available for remote work on a full-time basis within Arizona (including virtual office arrangements).
OR
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (# days per week in the office/hoteling).
OR
This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Provides leadership, supervision, professional development, and support to a team of foresters, forestry technicians, and other related staff that are responsible for the coordinated planning and implementation of wildfire risk reduction, forest health, and watershed improvement projects on private, state, and federal land within a designated District.

Coordinates and leads with their respective District Fire Management Officer and collaborates on the development and implementation of an annual district-wide wildfire mitigation Program of Work.

Develops and collaboratively manages district forestry project budgets; forecasts additional funds needed for projects, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitoring and approval of expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.

Ensures safe work practices; reviews and recommends policy.

Drive on State business.

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Comprehensive understanding of forestry principles, forest ecology, and wildfire management techniques
• Land management techniques including forest planning and operational procedures
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to forest management and environmental conservation.
• Organizational and personnel management
• Leadership principles
• Contract administration and data management
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other relevant technology for forest management planning and monitors

Skills in:

• Building and maintaining relationships
• Strong verbal and written communication to effectively address various levels of internal and external stakeholders
• Time management, project prioritization, planning and implementation
• Distribution of resources and problem solving
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Analytical skills to assess forest conditions, interpret data, and make data-driven decisions.
• Project management, including planning, organizing, and executing forest management initiatives within defined timelines and budgets.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, program staff, private industry, and project stakeholders
• Manage, monitor, and report on budgets and program accomplishments
• Forecast program needs and stay current on changes in industry practices and science in the field of forestry
• Develop, train, and evaluate staff performance
• Work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Lead and inspire others toward achieving common objectives while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Drive on State business.

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited School of Forestry or related natural resource program. 5+ years in land management. 3+ years in a supervisory role. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or similar project management certification.

A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact David Barney at dbarney@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 771-1419. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.