Community Forester II

Requisition Id: 4156 

Salary: $51,696.00 - $64,512.00  

Salary Grade: S8 

Job Location:  Central Reg Office & Research Ctr (COLUM2) 

Closing Date: September 30, 2025

 

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.

 

To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor,James A Barton at Jamie.Barton@mdc.mo.gov or at573 8157901x2882, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Administer, maintain, and manage the forested resources and wildlife habitat on urban and rural landscapes in Missouri including work on Conservation Areas and assistance to private landowners. 

Essential Job Duties

• Administers state grants/cost sharing programs related to urban tree planting/care region wide.
• Develops urban tree planting and community forest plans for governmental entities.
• Responds to arborists' requests for assistance with insect and disease problems.
• Makes recommendations for building around trees and selection of species for planting.
• Works with green industries on ISA certification and responds to requests for help on special problems.
• Works with Forest ReLeaf and Forest Keepers region wide; promotes National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City, Tree Line, and Tree City USA programs, certifies Champion Trees.
• Responds to commercial, industrial and utility requests for assistance with tree management and provides training.
• Serves on area planning teams to give forestry input for Conservation Area Management Plans.
• Develops area management plans and budget requests for urban Missouri Department of Conservation lands.
• Assists with regional budget preparation and planning and assists with training on urban forestry issues.
• Conducts workshops, classes, and training sessions on urban forestry topics including insects and diseases, tree identification, plant health care and arborist certification; works with area schools, civic groups, special event organizers and the public to coordinate information and education on all urban forestry issues.
• Provides technical assistance to private landowners and writes stewardship plans and administers cost share programs for forest management; works with absentee forest landowners to educate them about stewardship programs. 
• Provides media information, prepares news releases and organizes special events.
   

Ancillary Job Duties

• Organize and/or participate in internal and external regional planning committees and councils.
• Organize and/or participate in special events and programs, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or Forest Management or closely related field.
• One (1) year of progressively responsible professional experience in forestry work.
• ISA Arborist Certification desired but not required for positions with primary job responsibilities in community forestry.
• Society of American Foresters Candidate Certified Forester.
• Certified American Tree Farm Inspector.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge to conduct forest inventory and analysis.
• Knowledge to observe and classify trees and common insects and diseases.
• Knowledge to interpret aerial photos and soil survey maps.
• Ability to read and write land descriptions using latitudes and longitudes, GPS data, and standard legal descriptions (Township, Range, Section), and to locate specific points, areas, and features on topographic maps and on the ground.
• Ability to complete a forest inventory and analysis and use this information to make forest management recommendations with appropriate technical specifications, and plan and implement standard forest management practices.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, Department field staff, Extension Agents, private landowners, FFA instructors, community leaders, teachers, saw millers, and loggers.
• Ability to exp