Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleForester 2

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary Grade23

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $84156 to $106454 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Provisional

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 5%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8 AM

To 4 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Saratoga

Street Address Saratoga Tree Nursery

City Saratoga

StateNY

Zip Code12866

Job Specifics

Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications for Provisional Appointment

Must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have had one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as a Forester 1.

or

Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC

or

Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.

or

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: One year of permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Natural Resources)

If no more than three individuals meeting the provisional qualifications are interested, it will be possible to make a permanent appointment via non-competitive promotion. The minimum qualifications for non-competitive promotion are: Must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have had one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as a Forester 1.

Duties Description This Forester 2 position will serve as the Resident Nursery Manager of the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery, located within the NYS DEC Division of Lands and Forests. Reporting to the Forestry Manager of the State Tree Nursery Program, this position is integral to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the nursery, which consists of roughly 100 acres of growing space and 150 acres of supporting infrastructure, including over 30 buildings and the largest seed extractory in the Northeast. The nursery’s primary function is the production of forest tree and wildlife shrub seedlings for conservation planting across New York State.

As the Resident Nursery Manager, the Forester 2 will play a critical role in achieving the nursery’s production goals, maintaining the health and quality of the plant materials, and ensuring the effective operation of the facility. This position also carries the responsibility of providing round-the-clock protection for the nursery’s assets and responding to emergencies such as mechanical failures or adverse weather events. Therefore, the Forester 2 will be required to reside in state-provided housing on nursery property.

This position is essential to the continued success of the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery and the broader mission of the DEC's conservation programs. The Forester 2 will ensure that the nursery remains a reliable source of high-quality plant materials for conservation planting across New York State while contributing to critical state environmental goals.

Primary Duties:

- Nursery Operations Management: Administer the day-to-day operations of the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery, producing annual crops of trees, shrubs, and other plant materials for conservation planting on public and private lands. Maintain required Agriculture Business and NYS Motor Vehicle Inspection Station certifications and licenses and oversee equipment and bulk supplies purchasing.

- Cultural Treatments and Seedling Production: Oversee cultural treatments for seedling beds, greenhouse container stock, potted stock, and other plant material, applying modern techniques to ensure healthy and robust crops, including pest management and seed germination strategies.

- Production Goals: Expand greenhouse and potted stock production to meet the growing demand for fall planting projects, ensuring that production goals align with state conservation initiatives.

- Work Planning and Budgeting: Develop comprehensive annual work plans, budgets, and schedules covering all aspects of the nursery operations, including seed procurement, cleaning and preparation, sowing, maintenance, harvesting, and shipment.

- Supervision of Staff: Supervise nursery staff and seasonal crews, conducting performance evaluations, hiring and managing temporary workers, and ensuring that all personnel are trained in modern nursery management practices.

- Seed Sowing and Pesticide Application: Develop and implement seed sowing plans and pesticide application schedules, leveraging expertise in forestry and plant care to maintain optimal seedling health and prevent damage from pests and diseases.

- Facility and Equipment Maintenance: Maintain the nursery’s equipment, buildings, and infrastructure, planning for necessary maintenance and improvements to support long-term production goals and enhance operational efficiency.

Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be available for emergency response.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 70 pounds.
Must reside in State Housing.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Contact Information

Name Heath Boomhower

Telephone 518-402-9273

Fax 518-402-9038

Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume and a copy of your transcript to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #24-170656 on your letter/resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted.