District Forester-Dan River District

About the role

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a District Forester for the Dan River District in the Central Region, covering Mecklenburg, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties, including the City of Danville. This position reports to the Deputy Regional Forester and leads a multi-county team to advance the agency’s mission and strategic goals. Within six months of hire, the selected candidate must reside in Mecklenburg, Halifax, or Pittsylvania Counties or the City of Danville. The role is classified as home-based, with a take-home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer provided.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise foresters and technicians in program delivery for forest management, fire suppression, forestland conservation, urban & community forestry, watershed management, conservation education, forest health, and enforcement of water quality and fire laws.
• Represent the agency in local forestry-related issues, mentor and train staff, and provide ongoing evaluations and feedback.
• Develop annual work profiles, performance evaluations, and manage staff to deliver agency services effectively.
• Ensure maintenance of agency facilities in the district, including soliciting vendor repairs, managing cleaning and yard maintenance contracts, and coordinating procurement of related services.
• Provide incident leadership, support, and occasional direct suppression during wildland fire response.

Requirements

• Knowledge of effective supervisory techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of Virginia’s forestry laws, regulations, and best management practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of silviculture and forest ecology.
• Experience managing and suppressing wildland fires.
• Experience in technical and professional forestry work.
• Formal training or equivalent experience in forest management, watershed management, natural resource conservation, forest health, or urban and community forestry.
• Ability to work independently with excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency using a PC and Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to negotiate rugged terrain on foot in all weather conditions, climb on and off equipment, and work in smoky environments.

Additional Considerations

• Leadership training or experience.
• Experience working for a state forestry agency.
• Must obtain a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within six months of employment.
• Must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within 12 months of employment.
• Willing and able to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons as a wildfire responder.
• Must pass a moderate physical fitness test per Federal guidelines (walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack).
• Subject to drug testing and criminal background check.
• May be required to provide support during emergency situations, including nights, weekends, or holidays.