Address: 1133 West Road 3 North

Chino Valley, AZ 86323

Salary:  $67,567-$80,000

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 02/04/2026

Under the direction of the Forestry Operations Administrator, this position acts as a subject matter expert for the Forestry Operations program and assists in comprehensive implementation of safe and effective timer harvests and wildfire mitigation activities on all lands in Arizona. The incumbent supports DFMM district Program of Work by providing professional training and guidance to on-the-ground forestry staff to ensure forest initiatives are properly planned, laid out for treatment, and implemented in a safe manner. Incumbent also oversees establishment and implementation of certification programs and training opportunities for field staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, maintain, and administer all aspects of the training program for DFFM district forestry staff, including creating and delivering classroom and on-site training sessions focused on forestry operations, safety protocols, equipment use, and adherence to DFFM policies and best practices.
  
• Develop, update, and maintain competencies, training, and a professional development program for district forestry positions, including organizational structure and culture for their use, qualification and evaluation processes, and advancing technical and leadership capabilities.
  
• Provide foundational on-the-job training and knowledge transfer to DFFM forestry field staff in forestry skills and practices, including silvicultural prescriptions, project layout and design, operations management, and mechanized forestry operations (e.g., cut-to-length timber harvesting, mastication).
  
• Develop and maintain the DFFM Forestry Operations Task Book, including creation, review, and revision of tasks and qualification standards.
  
• Identify existing certification and credentialing programs (e.g., Society of American Foresters) and develop opportunities for professional development and certifications for staff.
  
• Assist with the overall training of staff on project development and implementation (Proposal, Task Order, and Operations Management) and project administration (ACTV Code, FITS, PR/PO, Invoicing, and Close-Out).
  
• Assist DFFM with identifying, developing and implementing standard work practices and policies as needed and directed.
  
• Advise leadership and district staff on baseline elements for safety, compliance with applicable rules, efficiency, and agency responsiveness.
  
• Serve on applicable Project Management Teams and assist with advancing the implementation of DFFM projects as requested by district leadership.
  
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Advanced knowledge of forestry or natural resource management.
  
• Plant identification with an emphasis on tree species.
  
• Wildfire hazard reduction, defensible space improvement and wildfire prevention.
  
• Safety protocols in forestry, transportation, and machine use.
  
• Incident Command System (ICS).
  
• Laws, regulations, and protocols related to forestry operations.
  
• Safety and best management practice protocols related to forestry/crew work.
  
• Forest inventory and timber cruising techniques.
  
• Survey and Evaluation Instruments.

Skills in:

• Tree felling, thinning, and brush removal.
  
• Heavy equipment transportation and operation.
  
• Forest resource assessment, silvicultural prescription interpretation, and layout and marking.
  
• Organization and prioritizing tasks.
  
• Time management and managing multiple project deadlines.
  
• Communicating effectively with employees, supervisors, and stakeholders at various levels.
  
• Working with teams in training scenarios
  
• Curriculum writing.
  
• Tracking Mechanisms.

Ability to:

• Effectively teach, train, and communicate forestry concepts and skills.
  
• Lead, train, mentor, and manage personnel.
  
• Assess and evaluate staff competencies and skills in forest measurements.
  Motivate and contribute to the professional and personal development of subordinate staff.
• Hike in rough and steep terrain and inclement weather for an extended period of time.
  
• Be fair and equitable.
  
• Resolve conflict and handle challenging situations diplomatically.
  
• Guide and develop staff.
  
• Drive on State Business.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor's of Science in Forestry with a minimum of 10 years experience in the practice of forestry.
  
• A minimum of 5 years supervisory and training experience.

A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

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).

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 pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• 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 12.00%

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.