Forester, Forest Management

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Assists in the development as well as monitors the implementation of work plans for the Region; 
• Evaluates performance against pre-determined objectives and targets; 
• Supervises the work of staff and ensures that duties are performed efficiently and effectively;
• Evaluates the performance of direct reports and ensures that performance reports are done on a timely basis, at prescribed intervals, and in accordance with PMAS guidelines;
• Represents the Agency at meetings, conferences, and workshops locally, regionally, and internationally; 
• Mediates in disputes and resolves conflict ensuring proper documentation of issues, concerns, and outcomes; 
• Manages the welfare and development of staff of the unit through the application of the performance management system of the department; 
• Provides guidance to reports through coaching, mentoring and training, and support and assistance as needed; 
• Ensures that training and other developmental needs of staff are adequately identified and addressed; 
• Administers disciplinary action in keeping with established human resource policies/guidelines. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Manages the welfare and development of staff of the Unit through the application of the performance management system of the department; 
• Provides guidance to reports through coaching, mentoring and training, and support and assistance needed;
• Ensures that training and other developmental needs of staff are adequately identified and addressed; 
• Recommends sick and departmental leave in keeping with established human resource policies; 
• Recommends/administers disciplinary action in keeping with established human resource policies/guidelines. 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Co-ordinates and integrates as necessary the implementation of forest management plans in areas assigned determining the allocation of responsibilities and resources for activities;
• Supervises the forest management and development activities, within the region, in keeping with the forest legislation, forest management plan, and effective conservation and protection practices. 
• In collaboration with the Forest Science and Technology Services Division, ensures the collection/dissemination of technical data /information 
• Participates in the development of co-management agreements and ensures adherence to these agreements in the execution of the forestry programs and projects; 
• Organises, attends, and facilitates public awareness sessions such as workshops, seminars, forest treks, community meetings, and field days in collaboration with the Research Officers and the Forest Education and Information Officer, 
• Keeps abreast of developments and changes that may have a significant impact on initiatives being undertaken to achieve sustainable forestry development and preservation;
• Collaborates with Enforcement officers; 
• Collaborates with other GOJ agencies in the development and implementation of forestry related programs and projects; 
• Oversees the forest inventory activities including standing volume assessments/measurement and documentation of data/information; 
• Recommends, where necessary, the training of Forest Technicians in data collection methods and techniques; 
• Oversees the felling and extraction of forest trees and products in accordance with licenses and harvesting techniques/methods; 
• Trains and leads Forest Technicians and other forest workers in activities such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities;
• Oversees the survey, measurement, and mapping of access roads and forest areas such as cut over areas and experimental plots; 
• Oversees the surveying of prescribed areas in accordance with regional work plans;
• Supervises the implementation of disease and pest control programs. 
• Oversees the implementation of good silvicultural practices within the Forest Region
• Liaises with the civil works engineer and supervises the civil works activities/projects within the Forest Region. 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

• Clear directions and feedback given to direct reports; 
• Meetings are scheduled, held and proceedings recorded accurately; 
• Correspondence, reports in keeping with standards of the Citizens Charter
• Competent in representing the Department and providing feedback on forest-related matters;
• Sound solutions to problems provided 
• Timely performance evaluation reports; 
• Reliable technical data provided in keeping with agreed targets and timelines;
• Government forest estates protected with adequate tree cover within the area.
• New forest estates identified and protected in keeping with the forest management plan;
• Revenue target achieved; 
• Successful collaborative projects with relevant agencies; 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A First Degree in Forestry/Environmental Management or related area/Agriculture;
• Training in Supervisory management; 
• 4-5 years field experience 

OR 

• An Associate Degree/Diploma in Forestry/Environmental Management or related area/Agriculture/Natural Sciences; 
• Knowledge of projects, Planning, and Research Techniques 
• Management Training 
• Training in relevant software applications 
• Five (5) years field experience 

OR 

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

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