Job Title: Forest Health Protection Specialist

Division: Plant Industries

Headquarters: TBD (Work will be within the Pendleton, Grant, Hardy, Hampshire County Areas)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $26,000 - $28,000

OPEN UNTIL FILLED
 

Nature of Work: This position is responsible for carrying out forest insect and disease field work within the Pendleton, Grant, Hardy, and Hampshire County Areas.

Examples of Work:

• Conducts forest insect and disease surveys.
• Participates in forest insect and disease control projects.
• Gathers host type and other related data at survey sights.
• Operates chainsaws and ATVs when necessary to complete field assignments.
• Sets survey and detection traps and may supervise seasonal staff.
• Communicates with department staff and the public both orally and in writing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Standing, sitting, driving, walking, operating a computer, outside work, exposure to inclement weather.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of forest insects and diseases, forest insect and disease control methodology and its application.
• Knowledge of dendrology.
• Skilled in using USGS topographic maps, aerial photos and plat maps and their use, global positioning systems (GPS), and computers with emphasis on ArcView GIS, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, make sound decisions, organize work, meet with the public and clearly explain forest insect and disease projects to the public and local officials.
• Ability to traverse rough terrain and withstand daily physical exertion.

Qualifications:

Education: Associates’ degree as a forestry technician. Bachelors’ degree in entomology, plant pathology, forestry or other related biological science preferred.

Substitution: Associates’ degree in any science discipline plus a combined total of one full year (12 months) of experience working for a government forest health protection or gypsy moth control program will substitute for the forestry technician degree.

Additional Requirements:

• Dependable transportation and proof of insurance.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Willingness to travel and work hours other than normal, as needed, to accomplish program, unit, division, or department tasks.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.