The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) is seeking a full time State Forester/Director of Forestry Services in the Forestry Services Division. This position (PIN #04000757) is in state government, located in Oklahoma City, OK. The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. 

The annual pay for this position is up to $112,459.00 based on education and experience.

This position serves as the director of the State Forestry Division. This position is responsible for the planning and development of State Forestry programs and will be the primary point of contact for wildfire management activities in the state.

Typical Functions:

• Plan, develop and direct Oklahoma State Forestry programs for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
• Oversee and coordinate the implementation of state and federal resource grants and initiatives.
• Maintain, coordinate and promote statewide role in wildland fire prevention, mitigation, detection and suppression, providing direction to all forestry division employees.
• Develop and maintain collaborations and partnerships with organizations, providing guidance on resource management and protection.
• Monitor and communicate Oklahoma’s wildland fire dangers and related activities.
• Provide input on legislation related to Forestry and wildfire management services and coordinate all legislative dialogue with the ODAFF legislative liaison.
• Maintain Division Incident Management Team ensuring NWCG qualified staff, personnel development and implementing effective changes as needed.
• Plan, coordinate and direct field inspection and investigation activities; conduct assessments of staffing needs, assignment of work and effective use of staff.
• Review reports, recommendations, complaints and other information and directs or coordinates further action as needed, including coordination with other state, local or federal officials.
• Interpret state and federal laws and regulations concerning program requirements; advise appropriate directors and others as needed in emergency situations.
• Prepare program budget recommendations and supportive data for inclusion in agency budget; maintain program records and reports.
• Represent the agency or the state at public and intergovernmental meetings concerning program responsibilities; plans public relations and educational activities to promote public awareness of agricultural issues, products, services and programs.
• Establish overall direction for division and its programs; sets goals and objectives; coordinates strategic program planning in the Forestry Services Division; evaluates division operations and programs and recommends improvements.
• Coordinate development and maintenance of policies and procedures for division operations and programs.
• Provide input, as needed, into the agency’s rule-making process within the Forestry Services Division.

Level Description: At this level employees are assigned responsibilities which involve overall responsibility for performing administrative and managerial work in organizing and directing a major division related to the development, regulation, enforcement and operation of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. Direction will be provided to program managers and assigned staff in establishing and meeting goals and objectives and insuring compliance with existing laws and standards.

Education and Experience: Requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, biological sciences, physical sciences, or a closely related field and three years of experience in agricultural inspection, regulation or production, forestry, or plant industries, plus seven years of experience in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

NOTE: No substitution will be allowed for the required supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:  Requirements include knowledge of state and federal laws concerning Forestry Services, forest management and Wildfire prevention and management; of various agricultural products and services and industry operations in the area of assignment; of business and economics theory; of general accounting principles; of budget preparation and control; of supervisory principles and practices; of principles and practices of public administration; and of personnel administration. Ability is required to manage programs and personnel; to interpret state and federal laws; to prepare and develop training programs; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to write technical reports; to supervise and direct the work of others; to analyze and resolve highly complex administrative and personnel problems; and to direct multiple services and activities related to Forestry Services.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: This position will work in an office setting and outdoors and will work closely with landowners, and other natural resources personnel. Field work sometimes occurs in extreme environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures; high winds; smoke; and dust. This position is subject to on call after regular duty hours to serve as needed. Travel may be required up to 50% during extreme wildfire seasons and may require frequent travel throughout multiple counties in the state.

Additional Information:

This position is subject to a twelve-month probationary period.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.