Area Forester-Tidewater District

Hiring range: $45,739.00-$60,000.00

About the role

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is seeking a field forester in Tidewater Virginia, focused primarily in Essex County. DOF foresters spend most of their time in the woods providing professional forestry assistance and advice to Virginia's forest landowners to support the DOF mission of protecting and developing healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

This forester position is part of the DOF Tidewater District focused on serving Essex County and will also support surrounding counties in the Tidewater District. Work area offices are in Bowling Green, Tappahannock, and Gloucester; however, this field position is 100% mobile. State vehicle, computer, and cell phone provided.

Within 6 months of hire, the incumbent must live within Essex County, Tappahannock, King & Queen County (Northwest of King & Queen Courthouse), southeast Caroline County, or Middlesex County (North of Saluda) or reasonable driving distance negotiable with the regional forester.

Responsibilities

• Assisting forest landowners with management of their forestland through technical assistance and forest management plans.
• Evaluating forestland and harvested sites to provide scientific forest management and regeneration guidance.
• Promoting and assisting with the development of riparian buffer projects.
• Connecting private forest landowners to state and federal cost share programs that support forest and wildlife habitat management projects.
• Responding to and identifying forest health issues, including invasive pests and plants, and providing management advice to protect & improve forest health.
• Promoting conservation of the forest land base to landowners and local governments.
• Delivering conservation education and outreach to groups and individuals.
• Coordinating with local governments, state agencies, conservation groups, and citizen organizations.
• Preventing and suppressing wildfires, inspecting timber harvests, and enforcing silvicultural water quality, timber theft, and wildland fire laws.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of tree species identification, silvics of Virginia native tree species, forest soils, & forest measurements/biometrics.
• Knowledge and/or training on establishing riparian buffers and planting trees.
• Experience or training in identifying forest health issues and implementing integrated pest management strategies, training or experience with pesticide use on forest land.
• Demonstrated ability to develop scientific forest management plans.
• Ability to use standard forester's tools including increment borer, diameter tape, prism, & clinometer to cruise stands of timber.
• Knowledge of/or training related to forest harvesting systems and Virginia’s Silvicultural Best Management Practices for Water Quality.
• Ability to work independently, excellent organizational skills, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public.
• Demonstrated excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to negotiate different types of forested and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather.
• Ability to climb on and off equipment, work in smoky environments, and travel around the state with occasional overnight stays.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license or the ability to obtain one before starting with the agency.
• Must be able to obtain Virginia Commercial Driver’s License and Commercial Pesticide Applicators Permit within twelve months of employment (training provided).
• Must be willing and able to be on-call during Spring and Fall fire seasons as a wildfire responder.
• Must pass moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines (walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack).
• Must pass a criminal background check and a drug test.

The Virginia Department of Forestry is an Emergency Response agency; all employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations, including nights, weekends, or holidays as the need arises.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or training in wildland firefighting and/or prescribed burn management including Virginia Prescribed Burn Manager certification.
• Training and/or experience with Geographic Information systems, online mapping tools, and basic forest surveying.
• Experience or training in applied silviculture and forest management techniques.