Salary: $74,688.00 - $94,608.00 Annually
Location : Sumter County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 190792
Agency: Forestry Commission
Division: Manchester State Forest
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: Yes
Class Code:: LD80
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Other
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Pay Grade: GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $74,688.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $94,608.00

Job Responsibilities
The Responsibilities of the State Forest Director:

Under general supervision, serves as the State Forest Director performing professional forestry management and public forestry activities; develops, and coordinates the implementation of a multiple-use forest management plan. Provides for the protection and development of natural resources.

• Directs the planning, preparation, and completion of forest management activities to include forest products sales preparation, prescribed burning, tree planting, timber stand improvement, site preparation, educational programs, and other silvicultural activities. Oversees recreational activities on the state forest. Ensures adherence to data management and harvesting guidelines associated with forest certification standards.
• Prepares long range and annual multiple-use management plans, preliminary budget estimates, monthly budget analyses, and reports. Maintain written and/or electronic records of work performed in compliance with forest certification documents and other agency policies and procedures.
• Performs and supervises staff responsible for performing forest management and administrative activities. Ensures the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) is used as a continuous communication tool and planning stages and evaluations are completed within the agency time frames.
• Responsible for patrolling the forest to prevent violations of timber and pine straw theft, illegal drug activity, littering, vandalism, illegal hunting, arson and other illegal activities governed by criminal statutes and/or regulated by the SC Forestry Commission (SCFC). Responds to incident calls for forest and private lands involving forestry-related law violations. Assists other SCFC law enforcement officers with special enforcement activities.
• Performs other duties in support of the agency's mission.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the Society of American Foresters' Certified Forester educational requirements and three (3) years of forestry experience.
• Required to be SC Registered Forester.
• Must pass the initial physical fitness test of walking two (2) miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25 lb pack or meet the agency's physical fitness program requirements.
• Must obtain firefighter registration with the Office of State Fire Marshal.
• Criminal background check and drug test are required.
• Must possess a valid SC Driver's license (Class D).
• Ability to obtain a Class I law enforcement certification within one year of employment.

Additional Comments

• Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb, and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions.
• Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. May require weekend work from time to time. Overnight travel required to include extensive periods of time (up to 16 days) on large fire incidents in/out of state.
• Knowledge of the SC Forestry Commission regulations, policies and procedures is preferred. Considerable knowledge of forestry management techniques, practices, and technology (GIS). Ability to interpret and apply rules and regulations; ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally. Ability to supervise other employees and adhere to schedules; ability to establish working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public. Ability to react effectively in emergency or stressful situations; ability to carry out the functions of a commissioned law enforcement officer. Basic computer skills required.
• Position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing. This position is designated as safety sensitive and essential.

Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02

If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position may be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

03

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application must upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters or a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the Society of American Foresters' Certified Forester educational requirements and have three (3) years of forestry experience?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you currently a SC Registered Forester?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have the ability to obtain a Class I law enforcement certification within one year of employment?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you willing to accept a starting salary range between $74,688-$94,608?

• Yes
• No

Required Question