1 - Job Title To Be Created

About the Role

The Restoration Forester, Private Lands (VA) is a full-time, field-based position focused on managing hardwood forests on private (family-owned) lands in southwest Virginia. In partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), the Forester will provide technical and financial assistance to landowners through cost-share programs. The position will also collaborate with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to assist with forest management needs at their Clinch Valley program lands.

Responsibilities

• Landowner Engagement & Forest Management Planning (40%):
  • Lead and participate in education and outreach activities for private forest landowners.
  • Develop and implement forest inventories, including sampling design, field data collection, and analysis.
  • Utilize tools like USDA Forest Service’s Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) to inform silvicultural prescriptions.
  • Prepare forest management plans aligned with NRCS and DOF cost-share programs.
  • Assist landowners with enrollment in cost-share programs and contract development.
• Practice Implementation & Field Work (40%):
  • Design and layout forest management practices for hardwood species.
  • Provide landowners with contractor lists, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with technical standards.
  • Implement post-treatment monitoring and adaptive management.
  • Facilitate prescribed burn plan development and preparation.
• Partner Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement (10%):
  • Coordinate with NRCS, DOF, private companies, contractors, and nonprofits.
  • Participate in regional meetings, trainings, and initiatives related to hardwood management.
  • Develop outreach materials promoting hardwood management practices.
• Data Management & Reporting (5%):
  • Maintain field records, practice maps, GIS data, and landowner files.
  • Support reporting requirements for NRCS, DOF, and American Forests.
• Other Duties (5%):
  • Assist with in-person meetings, conferences, and events.
  • Conduct public presentations and lead site visits.

Qualifications

• Certified Forester (CF) or Candidate Certified Forester (CCF) from SAF, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, or related field.
• At least 2 years of applied forest management experience, including marking silvicultural treatments and preparing management plans.
• Knowledge of Appalachian hardwood management and oak silviculture.
• Proficiency in field data collection tools and ArcGIS Pro.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied conditions and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health and wellness resources, including an Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible spending accounts and disability, life, and AD&D insurance.
• Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and parental bonding leave.
• 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match.
• Technology stipend and pet benefits.

Working Conditions

Based on-site at an NRCS field office in Marion, VA. Work is primarily outdoors (80%) with exposure to varied weather conditions. Administrative tasks are performed remotely or at partner facilities (20%). Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices are required. A rental vehicle is provided for travel.

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply.