DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:
1110 West Washington, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $25.7308 - $31.7308 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open until filled. Next review of resumes: September 25, 2024.

With direction from the Forest Products Coordinator (FPC), the Forest Products Specialist (FPS) will assist in the collection, reporting, and maintenance of informational resources related to forest products, industry, and utilization in the state of Arizona. The FPS will work with other DFFM employees, employees of partner agencies, established and prospective businesses, collaborative groups, and other professionals to support the maintenance and expansion of Arizona's forest based industry. The FPS will assist in forest products accountability and auditing on DFFM involved projects for reporting and project tracking purposes. The FPS will also assist the FPC execution of a forest products measurement and valuation program to aid other DFFM employees in management of their projects.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, shall be performed within Arizona.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the Forest Products Coordinator in their role as an informational resource by gathering information to be included in internal and external reports. The FPS will also be required to represent DFFM in meetings with partners, collaborators, and in working groups/committees.

• Assist the FPC in load tracking and accountability reporting on ASLD and GNA projects by collecting load tags from delivery points and digitizing relevant information to be reported on a monthly basis. The FPS will also be tasked with assisting the FPC in creating and maintaining a digital load tracking program.

•Collect, analyze, and maintain tree/stand data from cruises of areas to be treated. Assist the FPC in formalizing a forest products measurement and valuation program and in training other DFFM employees in this program.

• Support the FPC in supporting existing industries and emerging technology/industry by conducting industry site visits, providing technical assistance, meeting with representatives of prospective industries, and staying abreast of new technologies as they relate to Forest Products and Forest Industry.

• Assist as needed across DFFM Forestry Programs, formally and informally, using general forestry and natural resource management skills and knowledge.

• Drive on State business.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Timber valuation, harvest and merchandising techniques.
• Existing and emerging forest products technology and manufacturing.
• Timber industry economics and dynamics.
• Small business and rural economic development incentives.
• Skill Laws, regulations, and protocols affecting the harvest, processing, transportation, and sale of wood products.

Skills in:

• Customer service.
• Public speaking.
• Creative and critical thinking.
• Judgment and decision making.
• Forest products contract writing and management.
• Tree measurement and timber valuation techniques.
• Digital data management and analysis.

Ability to:

• Negotiation and compromise.
• Effective communication.
• Create and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Travel on state business with possible overnight stays.
• Determine and analyze barriers to and issues of forest based industry

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

Three years of work experience relating to forest products. Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) from an accredited university in Forestry or a related field.

A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact David Barney at dbarney@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 771-1419. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.