The Responsibilities of the State Forest Director:

Under general supervision, serves as the State Forest Director performing professional forestry management and public forestry activities; develops, and coordinates the implementation of a multiple-use forest management plan.  Provides for the protection and development of natural resources.

• Directs the planning, preparation, and completion of forest management activities to include forest products sales preparation, prescribed burning, tree planting, timber stand improvement, site preparation, educational programs, and other silvicultural activities.  Oversees recreational activities on the state forest. Ensures adherence to data management and harvesting guidelines associated with forest certification standards.  
• Prepares long range and annual multiple-use management plans, preliminary budget estimates, monthly budget analyses, and reports. Maintain written and/or electronic records of work performed in compliance with forest certification documents and other agency policies and procedures.
•  Performs and supervises staff responsible for performing forest management and administrative activities.  Ensures the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) is used as a continuous communication tool and planning stages and evaluations are completed within the agency time frames. 
• Responsible for patrolling the forest to prevent violations of timber and pine straw theft, illegal drug activity, littering, vandalism, illegal hunting, arson and other illegal activities governed by criminal statutes and/or regulated by the SC Forestry Commission (SCFC).  Responds to incident calls for forest and private lands involving forestry-related law violations.  Assists other SCFC law enforcement officers with special enforcement activities.
• Performs other duties in support of the agency's mission.   

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A bachelor’s, master's, or doctorate degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or a bachelor’s,  master's, or doctorate degree in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the Society of American Foresters’ Certified Forester educational requirements and three (3) years of forestry experience. 
• Required to be SC Registered Forester.
• Must pass the initial physical fitness test of walking two (2) miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25 lb pack or meet the agency's 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).
• Ability to obtain a Class I law enforcement certification within one year of employment.