Facility Operations Assistant 2

Forest Technician Supervisor

The DEC Division of Lands & Forests' Forest Health Program protects New York's diverse ecosystems from pests, diseases, and invasive species. This position involves supervising and a Forest Technician, while working alongside them to carry out a wide range of forest health activities, including monitoring, survey and treatment efforts, forest stand improvement, restoration, and applied research. Some travel is required. Appropriate safety & equipment training is provided at the outset of employment. We are looking for qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join our team.

Principal Duties:

• Invasive Species Control: Implement manual and chemical control of priority invasive species; safely remove and dispose of invasive plant flower/seed heads; conduct additional scouting near known locations and potential areas of spread; maintain detailed digital records of control activities. Pesticides will be applied under certified supervision, using backpack or hand-held sprayers as per label instructions.
• Forest & Ecosystem Health: Utilize forestry equipment for stand improvement or silvicultural experiments; collect data in established forest monitoring plots; deploy insect traps and perform visual surveys; perform site visits to diagnose tree-health issues; assist with tree planting and seed collection efforts.
• General: Utilize ESRI GIS tools for data collection; secure property owner permission for survey and control activities; provide technical information to landowners; participate in annual forest health and invasive species trainings.
• Supervise field crews: Organize weekly crew plans, ensure accurate data collection and use of safe and effective control methods. Train staff on protocols and associated program technology as needed. Responsible for maintaining high team morale, ensuring assigned work is completed in a safe and professional manner, and working hard alongside crew members. Provide reports to program manager and assist with overall program tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of service as a Facility Operations Assistant 1 or Motor Vehicle Operator; OR, two years of full-time, verifiable experience in custodial, grounds, or maintenance operation or assisting in a journey-level trade. When required to operate motor vehicles, incumbents must possess a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle being operated.
• Preferred knowledge and skills:
• Supervisory Experience: Ability to lead as well as listen, provide constructive feedback to staff, resolve workplace issues and create a safe, effective and positive team dynamic.
• Educational Background: Completed coursework in forestry, environmental studies, ecology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or wildlife biology. Experience identifying common tree species of New York and the pests that impact them.
• Invasive Species Expertise: Knowledgeable about invasive species, identification, and control techniques.
• Mapping and Field Skills: Proficient in using maps, GPS, and GIS for effective site location and recording during surveys.
• Physical Fitness: Demonstrates physical capability for labor-intensive tasks in diverse terrains and weather conditions; including digging, cutting, spraying, using a chainsaw, and hiking for extended survey periods.
• Communication: Exhibits excellent interpersonal, organization and communication skills, providing accurate information about invasive species of concern to the public.
• Work Ethic & Safety: Positive attitude, self-motivated, works well both independently and in a collaborative setting, displays a strong commitment to safety practices.
• Herbicide, chainsaw and wildland fire experience: Prior experience is a plus. Must be a NY State Certified Category 2, 3A or 9 Pesticide Technician/Applicator or able to pass pesticide exams. Required to have or ability to pass Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2 or equivalent. Encouraged to have or ability to pass Basic Wildland Firefighting Training Course.
• Driver's License: Candidates must possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.

Additional Comments:

• This is a hourly appointment currently funded through 3/31/2026, with a likelihood of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date.
• Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.
• Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
• Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
• Must be able to work in remote areas.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Travel may be required.
• Overnight travel may be required.
• Must be able to lift and move objects up to 35 pounds.
• Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
• The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
• Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).