Environmental Protection Forester 2 (35 Hour) Recruitment # 250207-7616EE-001 Location Hartford, CT Date Opened 2/18/2025 12:00:00 PM Salary $76,600 - $110,249/year Job Type Open to the Public Close Date 3/6/2025 11:59:00 PM Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits) + + + + Introduction The State of Connecticut (http://ct.gov) , Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP (http://ct.gov/DEEP) ), has an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Protection Forester 2 (http://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=7616EE&R1=&R3=) , Partnership Coordinator, with the Forestry Division's Urban and Community Forestry (UCF (http://portal.ct.gov/deep/forestry/urban-forestry-in-ct) ) Program. What we can offer you + Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page! + The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 (https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2023/Forbes-State-of-CT-Ranked) - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule + Professional growth and development opportunities + A healthy work/life balance to all employees Position highlights The Partnership Coordinator will oversee and coordinate technical assistance and outreach on behalf of the UCF Program and will support other aspects of the UCF Program as needed. Specifically, the Partnership Coordinator will help build capacity in Connecticut’s 169 municipalities to grow and maintain healthy, resilient, and equitably distributed urban and community forests. You will work statewide but will place particular focus on environmental justice and historically underrepresented communities to develop urban forestry programs and increase access statewide programs and resources. Examples of technical assistance the Partnership Coordinator will provide include, helping stakeholder groups to; + Identify where and how to plant trees. + Identify how to maintain and steward trees throughout their life cycle. + Develop urban and community forestry-focused outreach campaigns. + Develop tree ordinances. + Form urban and community forestry stakeholder groups. + Develop management plans, tree inventories and other tools that can be used to inform long-term urban forest management and planning. + Participate in national and statewide programs such as Tree City USA and Sustainable CT. Some of the outreach tasks you will be expected to perform include: + Attending and presenting at local tree board/commission meetings. + Developing, leading and organizing virtual and in-person workshops and presentations. + Creating and maintaining contact lists for the UCF program and provide regular e-blasts and program updates to UCF contacts. + Building and maintaining relationships with local stakeholder groups. + Liaising with non-profit and educational groups throughout the State (e.g., University of Connecticut, CT Urban Forest Council, Tree Warden’s Association, Sustainable CT, CT Forest and Parks Association, CT Tree Protective Association) and nationally (e.g. Arbor Day Foundation, US Forest Service) to connect stewardship groups with educational resources and facilitate collaborations between groups. This position is also responsible for creating and maintaining internal and front-facing geospatial databases. These databases may include local and statewide tree inventories, tree canopy assessments, and stakeholder mapping. You will use these data to help the UCF program form program goals and track accomplishments. This full-time position is 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday; Some evening and weekends may be required. This position is based out of Hartford, CT and provides technical assistance and support statewide. A Hybrid schedule is available. About us DEEP is dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment- and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. The mission of the Bureau of Natural Resources is to conserve and enhance Connecticut’s fish, wildlife and forest resources and to enhance opportunities for public use and appreciation. The Bureau of Natural Resources is made up of three Divisions (Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife) and a central office. DEEP's Forestry Division encourages the long term practice of responsible and sustainable forest management. We accomplish this by: + Protecting Connecticut's forest resources from the effects of fire, insects, disease, and misuse; + Providing accurate and timely information about Connecticut's forest resources; + Certifying forest practitioners; + Managing the State Forests, in which exist many large blocks of unfragmented forest land; + Engaging municipalities and citizens in the work of urban forestry; and + Providing guidance and technical support to private forestland owners. The Forestry Division has several units of focus, each specializing in achieving these goals as relevant to their programs. These units include State Lands Management, Private & Municipal Lands, Urban & Community Forestry, Forest Protection, Forest Planning, Forest Practices Act, and Utilization & Marketing. Selection Plan Special Notice: Incumbents in this class will be required to possess and retain certification as a Forester in accordance with Section 23-65h of the Connecticut General Statutes unless already certified by another reciprocating state. Applicants not currently certified as a Forester. If not already a licensed practitioner, the Partnership Coordinator must take the certification exam on October 8, 2025. Exam pre-registration is required by September 10, 2025. Exam Exception: Forester certification or licensure from another state or entity under a law which provides substantially similar qualifications for certification through examination under the provisions of Connecticut General Statute 23-65h. FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING: Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library (https://portal.ct.gov/das/home/services-for-state-employees/statewide-human-resources/applicant-reference-library?language=en\_US) for additional support throughout the recruitment process. BEFORE YOU APPLY: + Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. + Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below. + Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/pa/pdf/2021PA-00069-R00SB-00056-PA.pdf) , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. + Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. + Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. + Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. + Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting. AFTER YOU APPLY: + Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). + Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! + Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks. + The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class. + Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics. QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP: Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Mackenzie Robinson at Mackenzie.Robinson@ct.gov. Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence! PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK) In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Division of Forestry this class is accountable for acting as a working lead and/or for performing the most complex tasks in forest resource management and protection activities. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES + Will conduct urban forestry site visits with municipal land managers, non-profit organizations, and community stewardship groups to advise on best management practices in urban and community forestry. Will provide post-site visit reports and other resources, as relevant, to assist stakeholders in growing and maintaining their urban and community forests. + Will develop and lead in-person, virtual, and field-based workshops and educational opportunities for a variety of stakeholders on topics related, but not limited to: tree planting, tree stewardship, climate change, forests pests and disease, and tree protection. + Will build and maintain relationships with local, statewide, and national partners in urban and community forestry. Will expand UCF partnerships by working and developing relationships with partners working in the public health, housing, education, workforce development, and other sectors. + Will identify knowledge and resource gaps and develop tools, resources, and programs to address gaps with the goal of increasing the capacity of Connecticut’s Urban and Community Forestry stakeholder groups. + Will build and maintain a UCF contact list and provide regular updates on new and upcoming grant programs, conferences, programs, and other urban forestry resources. + Acts as a Department representative at technical and professional meetings. + Coordinates education, outreach, and communication strategies with the Division’s Private & Municipal Lands Unit and other Division Units as guided and necessary. + Will advance strategies and recommendations identified in the 2020 CT Forest Action Plan, GC3 Working and Natural Lands Forests Subgroup Report, and Policy on Resilient Forests for Connecticut’s Future (PRFCT Future) report. Specifically, the Partnership Coordinator will help the State to accomplish Strategy #3: Describe and Promote the Elements of a Successful Municipal Urban Forestry Program and Strategy #5: Embrace Diversity and Encourage Cooperation and Inclusion Throughout Urban Forestry, as stated in the CT Forest Action Plan. + Will demonstrate initiative, passion, and a strong work ethic. + Performs miscellaneous administrative duties: attends staff meetings and program partner meetings; develops and processes program surveys, manages databases, uses geographical information systems; responds (written & orally) to correspondence and inquiries; tracks project status and coordinates to ensure timely completion, provides recommendations to supervisor & staff to improve efficiency; reviews plans & documents prepared by others. + May lead and assist in fire prevention and control activities including the training and direction of fire wardens and crews; may be required to assist other states or federal agencies on emergency assignments; performs related duties as required. + Applicants must have and maintain the agility, endurance and physical ability to perform the required work. A physical examination may be required prior to and/or during employment in this class. Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of injury or personal harm from on-site field conditions and a moderate degree of discomfort from year-round weather conditions. + Incumbents in this class may be required to travel. KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY + Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of silviculture and forest resource management, silvics, forest mensuration, aerial photogrammetry, forest products marketing and utilization, forest surveys and type-mapping, forest recreation, forest diseases and insects; + Knowledge of + laws and regulations pertaining to forest lands, arboriculture, and related resources; + forest land tax classification laws; + Skills + interpersonal skills; + oral and written communication skills; + Considerable ability to keep records and make reports; + Ability to + develop short and long range forest management plans and programs; + review and evaluate forest management plans; + coordinate and oversee forest fire prevention and control; + utilize computer software; + lead. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE Seven (7) years of experience performing technical analysis in forest management. NOTE: Forest management is defined as professional level forestry work requiring a knowledge of such scientific fields as dendrology, silvics and silviculture, engineering, forest economics, forest influences, and forest pathology and entomology and the application of their principles to the production of goods and services. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED + College training in forestry, forest management as defined or arboriculture may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree. + A Master's degree in forestry or forest management as defined may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS + Experience providing urban forestry technical assistance to stakeholders including municipal land managers, non-profit organizations, tree wardens, tree commissions, advocacy groups, or volunteer groups. + Experience conducting outreach in and developing programs for environmental justice communities. + Experience building and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders. + Experience or coursework in silviculture. + Experience or training in arboriculture. + Experience developing and delivering presentations. + Experience running technical analyses using Geographic Information Systems. + Experience with tree inventory data and software. + Experience applying to or developing a sub-grant program. + Experience independently producing deliverables. + Experience identifying programmatic gaps and implementing strategies to address gaps. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS + Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment or transfer to any area of the state. + Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certification including a standard first aid certificate. Incumbents may be required to perform emergency first aid as needed. + Incumbents in this class must obtain a Commercial Supervisory Certificate for the application of pesticides issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection within one (1) year of appointment. + Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain certification as a Forester in accordance with Section 23-65h of the Connecticut General Statutes. + Incumbents in this class may be required to travel. + Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS + Incumbents in this class must have and maintain adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties. + A physical examination may be required. WORKING CONDITIONS Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some risk of personal injury or physical harm from on-site field conditions and to some degree of discomfort from year-round weather conditions. Conclusion AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility. Click on a link below to apply for this position: Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online