Forest Technician-New River District

Job Duties

• Inspecting harvested tracts to ensure compliance with Virginia's Silvicultural Water Quality Law
• Enforcing the Forest Fire, Water Quality, and Seed Tree Laws
• Protecting forested land in accordance with the Department’s Fire Readiness Plan as a responder
• Using heavy equipment in fire suppression and other activities
• Providing fire suppression training to local part-time crews and cooperators
• Assisting with fire prevention programs
• Collecting field data
• Providing oversight to contractors and crews on tree planting projects
• Participating in special initiatives/projects as designated

Minimum Qualifications

• Natural resources and/or agricultural training / experience
• Basic wildland firefighting knowledge / experience
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to effectively and efficiently work with minimal supervision
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals
• Able to perform basic math functions
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to correctly complete basic reports
• 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
• Able to use a PC and Microsoft Office software

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge and working experience of Best Management Practices for forestry and logging
• Experience in heavy equipment maintenance and operation
• Extensive training and experience in wildland fire fighting with a current red card
• Experience and demonstrated experience in public speaking

Special Instructions

• You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully.
• Must be able to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License within twelve months of employment.
• As a responder for 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, prior to employment offer.
• The test consists of walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack.
• Selected candidate is required to be drug tested and pass a criminal background check.
• 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