State Forester-Assistant Commissioner of Forestry

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is seeking an experienced and dedicated State Forester to lead the agency's forestry programs and help protect, manage, and promote Louisiana's valuable forest resources. If you are passionate about forestry management and public service, we encourage you to apply. The State Forester provides statewide executive leadership and direction for all forest interests and all matters pertaining to forestry within the jurisdiction of the State, establishes the agency's annual goals, objectives, and priorities, and serves by operation of law as the Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Forestry within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The function of work, the reason the position exists, and its duties and special requirements are mandated by law through La. R.S. 3:4276, La. R.S. 3:4275, and La. R.S. 36:627, in furtherance of the constitutional directive that forestry be practiced in the State under the Louisiana Forestry Commission (La. Const. art. IX, § 8). Why Join the State of Louisiana? Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options Participation in the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS) Generous paid holidays Earn annual and sick leave Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) Life insurance options Deferred compensation (457(b)) retirement savings plan Flexible spending and health savings account options Employee Assistance Program (EAP) To learn more about the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, visit www.ldaf.la.gov . Education: Graduate of an accredited school of forestry. Experience: At least four (4) years of forestry experience in the South. Preferred Skills and Experience: Established written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated senior leadership experience in forestry, fire management, ecosystem management, and forest products. Strong administrative capabilities to strategically and effectively guide, supervise, and develop staff in a complex organization. Proven record of working collaboratively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and public bodies. •Appointed and employed by the Louisiana Forestry Commission, which controls the tenure of the office. •Serves as the statutory Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Forestry; selected as provided by law and with the consent of the Louisiana Senate. •Salary fixed by the Commissioner of Agriculture at $150,000 with state-allowed benefits. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications. ALLOCATION OF TIME (FUNCTIONS OF WORK): Time Function Representative Activities 75% Administrative / Departmental Responsibility Reports; personnel management; legislative activity; budget management; daily responsibility for the operation and function of the Office of Forestry; and overall responsibility for LDAF Office of Forestry programs. 5% Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) Serve as a member and/or officer of the 13-state group; attend bi-annual meetings to represent Louisiana forestry; serve as the State Forester liaison for the GIS Committee; attend the annual GIS Committee meeting; and participate in conference calls and email discussions on specific matters. 10% Louisiana Forestry Commission (LFC) Serve as Secretary for the Louisiana Forestry Commission; organize and host quarterly LFC meetings; compile division reports, budget information, legal documents, legislative activity, meeting minutes, and related materials for the LFC; and update LFC information with the Louisiana Legislature. 5% National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Represent Louisiana within NASF; attend the annual NASF meeting; participate in conference calls and email related to NASF matters; serve on the NASF Forest Science and Health Committee; and participate in Congressional visits to Washington, D.C. related to forestry issues. 5% U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Serve as State representative with the USFS Region 8; oversee USFS grants to Louisiana; and cooperate with USFS personnel at Kisatchie National Forest. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Executive Direction and Strategic Planning Have direction of all forest interests and all matters pertaining to forestry within the jurisdiction of the State. (La. R.S. 3:4276(1)) Determine annual goals, objectives, and priorities, and conduct annual reviews per established department protocol. (La. R.S. 3:4276(2)) 2. Wildfire Detection, Suppression, and Prevention Serve as lead department liaison responsible for the detection and rapid suppression of all forest wildfires in the State, including all state-owned and private forest lands and non-forested open