Job Description
District Forester Job No: 542688
Work Type: Full-time
Location: CHINO VALLEY
Categories: Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona's people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections.
District Forester Job Location:
Address: 1133 West Road 3 North Chino Valley, AZ 86323 Posting Details:
Salary: $72,099-$83,272.18 Annually Grade: 23 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Job Summary:
Under the authority of the Assistant Director for the Forestry Division (Assistant State Forester of Forestry Programs), this position leads a team of foresters and forestry technicians to ensure the coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring of a robust district-wide Program of Work. This work includes forestry projects on private, state, and federal lands for wildfire mitigation, forest health, and watershed restoration. The incumbent will have functional, administrative, and budgetary responsibilities within the District as well as decision-making authority.
Job Duties:
- Provides leadership, supervision, professional development, and support to a team of foresters, forestry technicians, and other related staff that are responsible for the coordinated planning and implementation of wildfire risk reduction, forest health, and watershed improvement projects on private, state, and federal land within a designated District.
- Coordinates and leads with their respective District Fire Management Officer and collaborates on the development and implementation of an annual district-wide wildfire mitigation Program of Work.
- Develops and collaboratively manages district forestry project budgets; forecasts additional funds needed for projects, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitoring and approval of expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
- Ensures safe work practices; reviews and recommends policy.
- Drive on State business.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
- Comprehensive understanding of forestry principles, forest ecology, and wildfire management techniques
- Land management techniques including forest planning and operational procedures
- Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to forest management and environmental conservation.
- Organizational and personnel management
- Leadership principles
- Contract administration and data management
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other relevant technology for forest management planning and monitors
Skills in:
- Building and maintaining relationships
- Strong verbal and written communication to effectively address various levels of internal and external stakeholders
- Time management, project prioritization, planning and implementation
- Distribution of resources and problem solving
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Analytical skills to assess forest conditions, interpret data, and make data-driven decisions.
- Project management, including planning, organizing, and executing forest management initiatives within defined timelines and budgets.
Ability to:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, program staff, private industry, and project stakeholders
- Manage, monitor, and report on budgets and program accomplishments
- Forecast program needs and stay current on changes in industry practices and science in the field of forestry
- Develop, train, and evaluate staff performance
- Work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Lead and inspire others toward achieving common objectives while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Drive on State business.
Selective Preference(s):
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
- Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited School of Forestry or related natural resource program.
- 5+ years in land management.
- 3+ years in a supervisory role.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or similar project management certification.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
- A valid Arizona Driver's License.
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).
Benefits:
- 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
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
- Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
- Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
- Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
- The current contribution rate is 11.98%
Contact Us:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 623-236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
Advertised: 29 Jul 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
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Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Local area