State Forest Forester

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking local Foresters to assist in the management of the 19,513-acre Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. This position will serve as a scientific forestry expert with duties to include, but not limited to:

• Analyze, determine, and implement scientifically sound multi-use forest management practices to enhance the health, use, and socioeconomic benefits provided by our State Forests.
• Provide forest & conservation education and outreach.
• Seek opportunities to increase passive recreational opportunities within a working forest landscape on the State Forest.
• Coordinate and develop relationships with partner groups, local government, and citizen groups to help facilitate active forest management.
• Provide timber cruising assistance to DOF partners, on their properties, and on State-Owned land properties.
• Field work includes: forest inventory and cruising, writing of forest management plans, silvicultural treatments, timber sale administration, infrastructure maintenance, GIS use & data management, public relations, and other duties as assigned.
• Perform wildland firefighting and prescribed burn responsibilities.
• Meet budget deadlines.
• Drive / operate a wide variety of equipment including transports, heavy equipment, small equipment, and work in smokey environments at times.
• Develop budgets in coordination with the State Forest Superintendent.
• Investigate methods to help fund projects and activities on the State Forest.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in technical and professional forestry work including forest inventory.
• Familiarity with development of forest management plans.
• Experience and/or training identifying native and invasive tree species common to Virginia.
• Knowledge of Virginia's Forestry laws and Best Management practices for water quality.
• Familiarity with using GIS and GPS software and hardware.
• Ability to work independently to achieve results.
• Ability to negotiate different types of forest terrain on foot.
• Ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion.
• Knowledge of silviculture and operational forestry necessary to successfully develop and implement forestry practices.
• Ability to meet deadlines and interact effectively with timber buyers, the general public, and other DOF employees.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOF Incident Qualification Card and wildland firefight.

Additional Considerations

• SAF accredited B.S. or M.S. Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation / Management or a related degree with forest management coursework.
• Experience and/or training in wildland firefighting and/or prescribed burn management including Virginia Prescribed Burn Manager certification.