The exact nature of work of an ACF depends on the post held by him. The most common post is that of a Sub divisional Forest officer. A subdivision consists of 2 or three ranges. Thus a SDO/ACF in a territorial forest division has 2 or 3 Range officers under him. A division consists of 2 or three subdivisions and hence DFO usually has 2 or three ACF’s under him. One of these SDO’s is posted at the divisional HQ that is the place where the DFO is posted. The other ACF’s are in the field.
2. The ACF is basically a first line supervisor. The work of the Range Officer and the officials subordinate to him is to carry out the work. The ACF supervises the work. The DFO and higher officers are mainly concerned with decision making. The ACF thus functions as a link between the Range Officers and the DFO.
3. The ACF posted in the Divisional HQ has some additional responsibilities such as acting on behalf of the DFO when he is on tour or leave. He is basically the second in command of the division and carries out all the functions of the DFO except some financial and administrative duties which can be done by the DFO only.
4. Apart from the sub division, an ACF can be posted in Circle HQ as attached officer which is headed by a Conservator of Forests or Chief Conservator of Forests in some states. His work is to assist the CF/CCF and act on behalf of the CF/CCF when he is out of station.
5. in addition to above an ACF can be posted as an Assistant director in a National Park or as a Superintendent of a sanctuary. His designation in the Forest Corporation is assistant or deputy manager.
The various functions of an ACF are listed below:
Financial Functions: He has to examine the vouchers prepared by the Range officers and certify that the work has been done and the expenses are incurred as per the work performed. For this the ACF was to check the work in the field. Payments are made by the DFO on the basis of ACF’s recommendation.
Administrative Functions: The ACF usually sanctions leave of sub ordinate staff up to the level of deputy ranger. He is usually appointed enquiry officer for departmental enquiries against forest guards and Foresters. In case of disciplinary action against Deputy Range officer and Range officer the ACF is the Presenting officer. He has to write the ACR’s of staff from Forest guard to deputy range officer.
Technical Functions: An ACF has to supervise various works in the field such as marking of trees for felling, classification of logs to be sold by auction into various lots, examination of plantations, timber depots and nurseries.
Misc functions: An ACF has to conduct enquiries into various complaints. He also has to maintain a liaison with other departments. He may have to attend the meetings of the behalf of the DFO and other senior officers.
Facilities: An ACF is usually provided an official vehicle with a driver. For office work he has a clerk and a class four employee. He is provided official accommodation and one or two helpers.