Deputy Regional Forester — Regional Forestry Leader

Department-of-Forestr; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Forestry in Virginia is seeking a Deputy Regional Forester to direct field operations and implement agency programs across the Eastern Region. The role oversees forest health, cost share programs, watershed protection, wildfire response, and regional safety initiatives.

Based in Providence Forge with limited telework, you will supervise four district foresters and three program specialists, and collaborate with state/local partners to advance DOF goals.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of silviculture, forest measurements, and management practices.
• Experience implementing state and federal cost share programs.
• Training in wildland fire suppression strategies and tactics.
• Proficiency with a PC, Teams, and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience supervising employees and applying supervisory techniques.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience developing and leading training programs.
• Experience building partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, and government partners.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by hire date.
• Ability to traverse difficult forest terrain on foot.

Responsibilities

• Manages and oversees region’s participation in agency programs including forest protection and management.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and customer needs to improve operations.
• Supervises three program specialists and four district foresters.
• Sets and tracks regional and district performance measures.
• Reviews and approves forest management plans.
• Leads the regional safety program and safety committee.
• Manages wildfire response preparedness, dispatch, and training.
• Supports regional hiring, onboarding, mentoring and training.
• Develops partnerships with state agencies, localities, and NGOs.

Skills

Silviculture

Forest measurements

Forest management plans

Excel

Supervisory techniques

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Partnership building

Driver's license

Field terrain navigation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry

Tools

Teams

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Department of Forestry in Virginia is seeking a Deputy Regional Forester to direct field operations and implement agency programs across the Eastern Region. The role oversees forest health, cost share programs, watershed protection, wildfire response, and regional safety initiatives.

Based in Providence Forge with limited telework, you will supervise four district foresters and three program specialists, and collaborate with state/local partners to advance DOF goals.