Forest Manager (North-East Region)

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

To maintain forest cover of not less than 30% of the island of Jamaica and aim to increase the cover by 2% over 10 years. 

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Senior Director, Zonal Operations the incumbent is responsible for managing and protecting the forest resources within a Forest Region. 

This will be achieved through the implementation of the Forest management plan and related Forestry programs which ensure the maintenance of Forest Management Areas (FMA). The incumbent will also ensure the achievement of performance targets outlined in the plan and will use monitoring systems to track progress throughout designated periods. 

KEY OUTPUTS:

• Forest development/management plans implemented; 
• Forest Management Areas maintained; 
• Conservation and protection practices instituted; 
• Clearly articulated and agreed performance targets developed for the Forest Region; 
• Revenue-generating projects developed and implemented; 
• Approved Operational Plan and Budget prepared; 
• Financial, Administrative, and Performance monitoring systems managed;
• Performance, Financial, and Statutory Reports prepared and submitted;
• Terms and conditions of Memorandum of Understanding/co-management between the Agency and partners observed; 
• Local Forest Management Committees (LFMC) formed and operated;
• Performance Evaluation Reports related to Programmes/Projects completed and submitted; 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Directs the forest management activities within the forest region, in keeping with the Forest legislation, forest management plan, divisional plan, and effective conservation and protection practices. 
• Monitors the implementation of Forest Management Plans to ensure that predetermined objectives are met. 
• Assists with ensuring the recommendations of the Silviculture program are implemented within the Region. 
• Collaborates with the Public Relations & Corporate Communications Branch in the implementation of Public Awareness and Public education programs in the Region through workshops, seminars, school visits, and field visits. 
• Develops and monitors the implementation of work plans for the assigned region.
• Implements sustained revenue-generating projects/activities in the Forest Region in accordance with the approved Forest Plan. 
• Ensures that programs are in place to facilitate the formation and sustained operation of Local Forest Management Committees, which are identified for the Region, to allow for the engagement of the local community in the sustainable use of forests and their products. 
• Assists in the preparation and implementation of the Divisional Plan in collaboration with the Zone Director. 
• Participates in the implementation of the urban forestry program. 
• Participates in the development and implementation of private forestry programs and initiatives. 
• Supports the establishment and management of the recreational facilities within the Region. 
• Facilitates and promotes community participation within the Forest Region.
• Collaborates with other GOJ agencies in the development and implementation of forestry-related programs and projects that enhance the protection and preservation of endangered flora and fauna species. 
• Keeps abreast of developments and changes that may have a significant impact on initiatives being undertaken to achieve sustainable forestry management. 

Human Resource Responsibilities 

• Leads the work of staff and ensures that duties are performed efficiently and effectively. 
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of staff within Forest Regions and recommends transfer, promotion, termination, and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures. 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through objective setting, effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring, and coaching and provides assistance and support as needed. 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment, and commitment to the Division’s and Agency's goals.
• Reviews and approves individual work plans of direct reports. 
• Manages the welfare and development of direct reports through the preparation of performance appraisals and recommends required training and development programs. 
• Evaluates the performance of direct reports and ensure that performance reports are done timely at prescribed intervals and in accordance with PMAS guidelines.
• Mediates in disputes and resolves conflicts, ensuring proper documentation of issues, concerns, and outcomes.

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Prepares, monitors, and coordinates the annual budget for forest operations within the Region in accordance with the Agency’s goals and objectives. 
• Represents the Agency at meetings, conferences, and workshops locally, regionally, and internationally. 
• Conducts regular staff meetings and ensures that proper records are kept. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Forest Management Plan developed and implemented in accordance with established legislations, standards, and guidelines; 
• Collaborative projects with partners agencies are managed in keeping with prescribed guidelines; 
• Revenue generation achieved in keeping with stipulated projections;
• Reliable technical data provided; 
• Reports submitted within the agreed timeframe and in accordance with agreed standards; 
• Accurately and comprehensively provides feedback on forest-related matters;
• Appropriate solutions provided for problems identified; 
• Clear directions and feedback given to direct reports; 

Required Skills/Competencies

• Excellent leadership and management skills. 
• Sound strategic thinking and project management skills. 
• Strong customer orientation and partnership-building skills. 
• Ability to manage limited resources to achieve challenging output targets.
• Basic knowledge of financial management and budgeting. 
• Basic knowledge of procurement procedures and the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act. 
• Good knowledge of information technology support and operations.
• Sound personal and professional integrity.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies 

• Oral Communication 
• Customer & Quality Focus
• Written Communication 
• Initiative 
• Adaptability 
• Integrity
• Results Oriented 
• Teamwork & Cooperation 
• Compliance 
• Technical Skills 

Technical/functional Competencies 

• Planning and Organizing 
• Organizational Awareness 
• Problem Solving and Decision Making 
• Data and Information Management 
• Project Management 
• Technical Writing 
• Analytical Thinking 
• Risk Management 
• Analyzing and Researching 
• Business Analysis and Process Management
• Performance Development & Management 
• Change Management 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A First Degree in Forestry, Environmental Management, Natural Resources or Agricultural Sciences, or a related field. 
• Four (4) years related experience. 
• Working knowledge of Project Management. 
• Training in relevant computer software applications. 

OR 

• An Associate Degree in Forestry, Environmental Management, Natural Resources or Agricultural Sciences, or related field. 
• Six (6) years related experience. 
• Working knowledge of Project Management. 
• Training in relevant computer software applications. 

OR 

• Any other acceptable combination of academic qualification and related experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB 

• Requirement for traveling to offices and sites within Regions; 
• Stress of deadlines for implementation of major changes; 

AUTHORITY

• Recommend Leave; 
• Utilize portion of the Budget to achieve Branch objectives;

We thank all persons who express an interest, however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted