Area Forester-New River District

Duties

• Provides professional assistance, as a scientific expert, in program delivery for the following areas: natural resources management and protection; land use planning; conserving the land base; community forestry; watershed and riparian forest management; conservation education; and forest health.
• Provides forest resource information to partner agencies, local government, private businesses, non-profit and conservation organizations, and citizen groups.
• Helps facilitate more informed decision-making regarding Virginia's natural resources at the local level.
• Provides leadership in the prevention and suppression of forest fires.
• Enforces the water quality, and fire laws.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge in silviculture, forest measurements, wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, urban & community forestry, watershed protection, and forest health.
• Able to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel from various state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public.
• Demonstrated excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.
• Able to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot.
• Able to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion.
• Experience with and ability to use PC and Microsoft Office software.

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge of GIS mapping and data base programs.
• Two years of professional forestry experience.

Special Instructions

• You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully.
• Must be able to obtain Commercial Driver's License and Commercial Pesticide Applicators Permit within twelve months of employment.
• As a first responder on wildfires, must be willing and able to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons.
• Must pass moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines.
• The test consists of walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack.
• Selected candidate is required to pass a criminal background check and a drug test.
• The Virginia Department of Forestry is an Emergency Response agency, as such, all employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations; this may include nights, weekends or holidays as the need arises.

Contact Information

Name: Kristina Estep
Phone: 434-529-7244
Email: kristina.estep@dof.virginia.gov