Job Details

This position is located within the Office of Forestry in Tangipahoa Parish.

The Office of Forestry's primary responsibilities include suppressing timberland wildfires; promoting sound forest management practices, disseminating information; facilitating educational programs; producing reforestation seedlings; enforcing timber-related laws; investigating timber theft; and assisting community urban forestry programs.

Selected Core Competencies

• Demonstrating Accountability: The ability to take ownership of actions, behaviors, performance, decisions, and outcomes.
• Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.
• Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.

Why Join Us?

• Work in breathtaking natural settings
• Enjoy competitive pay and great benefits
• Make a real impact on the environment
• Be part of a passionate, supportive team

LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees! We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and at home. The EAP is also free for all members of your household.

Three years of law enforcement experience as a POST certified peace officer commissioned with the power of arrest; OR

A bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, veterinary science, forestry, or in a biological science or a criminal justice field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relief from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Possession of a current Louisiana driver's license.

A drug screen and background check will be administered prior to employment.

Successful completion of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification within 6 months of employment.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Performs advanced inspectional and commissioned law enforcement duties for the Office of Forestry, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), under general supervision of higher-level Ag/Forestry Enforcement Supervisors, Managers, or Directors.
• Conducts complex criminal, administrative, and regulatory investigations involving forestry and agriculture, including wildfire arson, timber theft, and heavy equipment theft and vandalism; performs patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering related to suspected criminal activity.
• Develops, coordinates, and participates in statewide special investigations and operations, as well as joint investigations with state police, sheriff's offices, municipal police departments, district attorneys' offices, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Interviews suspects and witnesses; obtains statements; prepares reports, affidavits, search warrants, and arrest documentation; executes search warrants; makes arrests; transports suspects; presents cases and evidence to district attorneys; and consults with district attorneys and judges.
• Provides testimony in court and conducts enforcement activities in accordance with applicable state and federal forestry laws and regulations throughout the assigned region.
• Conducts audits and verifies the movement and receipt of timber and timber by-products; collects, maintains, and analyzes wildfire occurrence data to identify patterns and support targeted investigations and operations.
• Provides training to Office of Forestry personnel on forestry laws and regulations, investigative procedures, evidence collection and preservation, data-gathering methods, and court procedures; disseminates information related to forestry protection and conservation.
• Serves on first-response teams during terrorist threats, national emergencies, and disasters; monitors threats to the forest industry and assesses risks involving timber and lumber establishments.
• Assists with quarantines, roadblocks, traffic control, emergency response activities, patrols, and calls involving accidents or health-related incidents in coordination with other government and law enforcement agencies; maintains required firearms, POST, and CPR certifications.
• Develops and participates in public and media relations activities, including articles, public service announcements, public information programs, and public speaking; presents forest fire prevention and education programs.
• Assists with the development and implementation of specialized regional and statewide programs and operations and works with local fire departments on joint fire prevention initiatives.
• Serves as a liaison between the Office of Forestry and rural fire departments in administering state and federal programs.

Environmental Factors

• Working indoors and outdoors
• Occasional excessive heat and humidity
• May be required to wear appropriate safety protection
• Slippery and uneven walking surfaces
• Working around routine neighborhood residential hazards
• Occasional working in moderately cold temperatures for short periods of time
• Excessive smoke, heat, humidity, cold, wet, and extreme dry conditions

Functional Requirements

• Sit over long periods of time at work station or in ave circle for travel
• Drive a vehicle to perform audits and investigations
• Sit over long period of time while on wildfire patrols and investigations
• Reaching above shoulders and carrying specialized equipment needed to perform duties.
• Requires considerable walking over irregular ground and standing for long periods of time.
• Occasional demands maybe required for moderately strenuous activities in emergencies over long periods of time.
• Walking and standing (8 Hours)
• Climbing stories and occasionally ladders.
• Light to moderate lifting, 20 lbs with occasional lifting of up to 40lbs.
• Occasional bending or kneeling
• Lifting items such as a briefcase, computer, scanner, luggage or other items used to travel and perform field work and audits.

Position-Specific Details

• Appointment Type: Probational
• Career Progression: This position may be filled as an Agriculture/Forestry Officer 1, 2, or 3.
• Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

• Jennifer Ginn
• Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
• 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001
• Baton Rouge, LA 70806
• jginn@ldaf.state.la.us