Area Forester-Headwaters District

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Wise (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Forestry seeks an Area Forester for the Headwaters District in the Western Region. This is a permanent position with residency requirements; incumbents must reside within Wise or Scott County within six months of hire.

You will report to the District Forester and support natural resources programs. Duties include delivering professional forestry services, guiding land use decisions, and coordinating with agencies and communities to protect forests and water quality.

Qualifications

• Knowledge in silviculture, forest measurements, wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, urban and community forestry.
• Ability to work independently and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, planners, cooperators, and the public.
• Public speaking, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional assistance in natural resources management and protection; land use planning; conserving the land base; and community forestry.
• Lead in forest health, watershed and riparian forest management, and fire prevention/suppression efforts.
• Coordinate with partner agencies, local government, private sector, and nonprofits to inform local decision-making.

Skills

Silviculture

Forest measurements

Wildfire suppression

Prescribed burning

Urban & community forestry

Watershed protection

Forest health

Public speaking

Written communication

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

PC & Microsoft Office

GIS mapping

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Area Forester-Headwaters District

State Role Title:Natural Resource Spec III

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

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location:Western Office Abingdon

Agency Website:www.dof.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking to fill an area forester position in our Headwaters District in the Western Region. This is a permanent position with residency requirements. Incumbent must live within Wise or Scott County within six months of hire. This position reports to the District Forester.

Duties: Incumbent 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. Also, 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; and 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; ability to work independently; excellent organizational skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel from various state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public; public speaking skills and experience; demonstrated excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skill; valid driver's license; ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot; ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion; and experience with and ability to use PC and Microsoft Office software required.

Additional Considerations

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

Contact Information

Name: Kristina Estep

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.