Project Forester I (Lexington, Richland and Union)



Project Forester I (Lexington, Richland and Union)

Salary

$48,634.00 - $60,471.00 Annually

Location

Newberry County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

171698

Agency

Forestry Commission

Division

Piedmont East Newberry

Opening Date

12/09/2024

Closing Date

12/23/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Residency Requirement

Yes

Class Code:

LD50

Position Number:

60011259

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Band

Band 4

Hiring Range - Min.

$48,634.00

Hiring Range - Max.

$60,471.00

Opening Date

12/09/2024

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

When applying for this position, the electronic state application must be completed to include the Education and Work Experience sections and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each work-related position and, if applicable, military service (indicate rank) and job-related volunteer work that you feel qualifies you for the position. Failure to provide detailed and complete work-related information may result in your application being rejected. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has not met the qualifications for the position. A criminal records check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. SCFC requires individuals to complete an online application to apply for this position. Interested individuals can access www.careers.sc.gov, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application must upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

Residency Requirement (specifics):

This position works in Lexington, Richland and Union Counties. Must be a resident of South Carolina and must live in their area of responsibility or within a radius of 30 miles of their assigned work center.

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, provides forest management assistance to private landowners to include preparation of forest management plans. Administers cost-share programs for the project. Assists with conducting prescribed burns, wildfire suppression, and disaster response. Represents the SC Forestry Commission at local meetings.

  • Provides forest management assistance and outreach to landowners and the general public to promote active management of forestland. Writes forest management plans to produce multiple benefits including the sustainable production of forest products, clean air and water, wildlife habitat, aesthetics and to mitigate wildfire risks through recommending mastication and other fuels reduction activities. Administers cost-sharing programs and prepares reports. Assists landowners with implementation of forestry practices. Performs insect and disease activities. Represents agency at local meetings. 
  • Responds to wildfires both in-state and out-of-state through Southeastern Compact requests and western wildfire assignments. Participates in FireWise activities to include conducting wildfire risk assessments for at-risk communities in the wildland urban interface and other wildfire prevention events. Responds to non-wildfire disasters, and participates in wildfire and disaster-related exercises as directed. Assists in basic wildfire investigations, burn site inspections, participates in incident management activities on large fire events. Supports Sector Fire Management Officers on fire suppression activities. 
  • Participates in opportunities for professional growth as directed such as working with specialty foresters and participating in and/or conducting training as directed to include wildland fire training (i.e. fireline refresher). Serves as acting Sector Fire Management Officer when needed. 
  • Provides landowner services such as prescribed burning and timber marking in project area and elsewhere as directed. 
  • Participates in activities and/or projects in support of agency's mission and performs other duties as required. 
This position works under direct supervision and performs job duties independently. 

Minimum and Additional Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in forestry from a college or university accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Required to be a SC registered forester within two years of appointment. 
  • Must pass a physical fitness test of walking two (2) miles in thirty (30) minutes carrying a 25 lb. pack or meet the agency physical fitness program requirements. 
  • Must obtain firefighter registration with the Office of State Fire Marshal. 
  • Criminal background check and drug test are required.
  • Must possess a valid SC Driver's license (Class D) 

Additional Comments

  • This position works in Lexington, Richland and Union Counties. Must be a resident of South Carolina and must live in their area of responsibility or within a radius of 30 miles of their assigned work center.
  • Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm schedule. 
  • Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb, and carry objects up to 50 lbs. 
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions. 
  • This position is designated as safety sensitive and essential. Position is subject to pre-employment, random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace-CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing. 

Benefits for State Employees
 
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
 

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
 
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
 
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
 
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.
  • Yes
  • No
02
If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position may be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No
03
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application must upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No
04
Do you have a bachelor's degree in forestry from a college or university accredited by the Society of American Foresters?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Are you a pending graduate that will receive a bachelor's or graduate degree in forestry (or related natural resources field) from a college or university accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF)?
  • Yes
  • No
06
If you are a pending graduate that will receive a bachelor's or graduate degree in forestry (or related natural resources field) from a college or university accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), please submit your anticipated graduation date.
07
Are you willing to accept a starting salary of $48,634-$60,471.00?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer
State of South Carolina
Agency
Forestry Commission
Address
5500 Broad River Road

Columbia, South Carolina, 29212
Phone
803-896-8879

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.