Date of posting here August 23, 2009 Type of position Temporary (18 months) ; Number of openings: Six (6) Employer Georgia Forestry Commission Description of Employer State Government Location Six locations throughout Georgia Description of Location Camilla Waycross Rome/Newnan (Combined area) Gainesville/Washington (Combined area) McRae/Statesboro (Combined area) Milledgeville/Americus (Combined area) Salary $15 to $18 per hour DOE Closing date of competition 8/28/09 Date position available September, 2009 Description of duties Through grant monies provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is recruiting highly qualified individuals to fill an eighteen (18) month assignment primarily focused on the eradication of invasive plant species, and also on the establishment of longleaf pine plantations. These newly created positions will offer challenging work and valuable on-the-job training in Georgia’s Best Forestry Practices, while providing forest management assistance to landowners and communities. Under limited supervision, the Forester, Invasive Plant Species & Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Restoration will provide assistance, advice and planning services to landowners on the management and eradication of invasive plant species, and also on the site preparation and establishment of longleaf pine plantations. Primary Job Responsibilities Assists with implementation of the Cogongrass invasive species incentive payment program. Raises awareness of certain invasive plant species, especially Cogongrass, through the investigation, identification and treatment of reported infestations. Verifies that the site preparation and planting contractors have completed contract work on state and private lands. Interacts with landowners; may also perform outreach activities to support the identification and treatment of invasive plant species. Conduct surveys of invasive plant species. Maintains assigned equipment and presents a professional appearance so as to project a favorable impression to the public. Maintains and prepares reports indicating projects worked on and the completion or progress status. Completes other reports as assigned. Provides assistance to foresters and performs other work duties as assigned. Interacts with all levels of state government in a way that promotes respect, encourages cooperation and contributes to excellent performance. Maintains a consistent, high quality, customer-focused orientation when conducting business and providing services or products to clients, the general public and other external customers. Qualifications sought Minimum Qualifications: Must possess a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Invasive Plant and Science Management, Botany, Forest Resources, or Horticulture from an accredited four-year college or university OR an AS degree in a related field with equivalent work experience. Must possess expertise in the investigation, identification, and treatment of invasive plant species. Must have expertise in site preparation and planting of longleaf pine. Familiar with application and use of herbicides to destroy noxious weeds. Must possess strong communications and customer service skills. Must have basic computer skills and the ability to utilizes standard applications; e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Other Qualifications and Requirements: Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s license and suitable transportation (Mileage rate will be reimbursed for use of personal vehicle.) Preferred Qualifications: (In addition to the above) Experience with the identification and treatment of Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) Registered Forester. Knowledge of Georgia’s Best Forestry Management Practices. Strong working knowledge of aerial photo interpretation, map reading, and GPS applications. Completion of an undergraduate major in forest resources or horticulture and five years of related job experience Contact for additional information http://www.gatrees.org/Recovery/JobAnnouncements/Index.cfm Please, no phone calls. Application procedure   Submit what Send State Application and Resume to rpjobs@gfc.state.ga.us Submit to Apply via email. Additional Information GFC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity. GFC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability, in employment or the provision of services. In accordance with the Immigration and Control Act of 1986, GFC employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. All persons hired by GFC will be required to verify their identity and employment eligibility. Males between the ages of 18 and 26 must submit proof of selective services registration. Some positions require drug testing, medical exam, and fitness testing.