The Division of Forestry’s longtime State Forester, Chris Maisch, is retiring on February 12^th, and DOF is recruiting for the Alaska State Forester position. Please help spread the word to qualified people who may be interested in this position!

Alaska State Forester (Director, DNR Division of Forestry)

This position offers an excellent opportunity to lead and shape forestry and fire management across Alaska.  The successful candidate will work closely with state and federal land management agencies, state and federal legislators, the Board of Forestry, landowners, communities, and the general public to promote sound, professional management of Alaska’s forests. The State Forester serves as the Director of the Division of Forestry, and provides policy direction and oversight for statewide programs in wildland fire management, forest management, forest practices, and cooperative forestry.  

The Division of Forestry supports forest resource management on 20 million acres and fire protection services and management on 150 million acres. The State Forester leads the Division in responsible, professional, and effective implementation of its statutory authorities. The Division of Forestry’s mission is to develop, conserve, and enhance Alaska forests.

Core Responsibilities:

• Chair the governor-appointed Board of Forestry which represents a diverse array of interests.  The Board reviews and comments on forest practices legislation and regulations, coordinates monitoring of the Alaska Forest Resources & Practices Act and regulations, provides a forum for resolution of state forestry issues, reviews forest practices research needs, and annually reports on the effectives of the Act.  The Act applies to state, municipal, trust, and private land in Alaska;
• In concert with the Commissioner’s Office and Governor’s Office, develop strategy on forestry and fire management legislation, and testify before legislative committees;
• Inform and advise the Commissioner’s Office, Governor’s Office, state legislators, Congressional members, and local government officials about significant wildland fire and forest management issues.
• Represent the Division and Department with federal cooperators on forestry and fire management program.  Key cooperators include the U.S. Forest Service State & Private Forestry Program, U.S. Forest Service Region 10, and BLM Alaska Fire Service;
• Chair the division management team to develop a coordinated statewide approach to forest and fire management;  
• Ensure that the Division has active and appropriate public involvement programs for wildland fire and forest management programs on state land, and for revisions to the Forest Resources & Practices Act.  
• Work with the Deputy Director to develop the division’s budget, represent the Division in legislative budget hearings, and ensure that the budget is managed in a fiscally responsible manner;
• Represent the Division and Department with national and regional forestry and fire management organizations, including the National Association of State Foresters, Western Forestry Leadership Coalition; and
• Ensure coordination and participation in interagency programs, projects, and grants that advance forestry goals.

The Division of Forestry is a mission-driven organization, supporting a variety of programs from initial attack of wildfires and complex incident management in the wildland-urban interface to forest inventory across Alaska and old growth timber harvest in temperate rainforests. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead a diverse group of dedicated working professionals across the landscape of Alaska.  

The position will be advertised in Fairbanks and Anchorage; however, considerations may be made for other posts as warranted. 

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and Competencies

We are looking for an individual with the following demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities:

The State Forester must have a bachelor's or higher degree in forest management and at least three years of field experience in forestry; or at least eight years of professional work experience as a forester.  Applicants should have strong experience and skills in managing timber and forest resources, wildland fire, personnel, and budgets; leadership of an organization with offices in remote areas; and written and oral communications.  Applicants should understand state and local government processes and public process, work well with the state legislature and diverse interests and organizations, and show enthusiasm for forestry in Alaska.  

Special Notice
This position may travel frequently for meetings, and for fire-related activities, both within Alaska and in the Lower 48.

Minimum Qualifications

The State Forester must have a bachelor's or higher degree in forest management and at least three years of field experience in forestry; or at least eight years of professional work experience as a forester under AS 41.17.020(b).  

Additional Required Information

Application period closes on February 8, 2021, at 5pm Alaska Time.

Please send the following to the email provided below.

1. Professionally formatted cover letter – please see cover letter information below for more information on the cover letter;
2. A resume with complete job history, including the names and current telephone numbers of previous employers;
3. A list of three (3) professional references with current contact information, one (1) of which must be from a former or current supervisor; and
4. A copy of a valid Driver’s License.

COVER LETTER INFORMATION

In addition to answering the supplemental question regarding how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, a cover letter is required. The cover letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies as they pertain to the responsibilities listed in the job description above. The cover letter will be used as a writing sample and will help determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

Interested applicants must send the requested information to Alison Arians: 

E-mail: alison.arians@alaska.gov or

Attention: Alison Arians

Alaska DNR Division of Forestry

550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1450

Anchorage, AK 99501

Cell: (907) 748-3712

For more information about benefits, visit the posting at Workplace Alaska. Workplace Alaska is being used as a recruitment tool only, and not as a means to apply.