Field Forester, Private Lands Restoration (VA)

American Forests Partnership; Marion (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with 5% employer match

Paid vacation and holidays

Disability, life, and AD&D insurance

Technology stipend

Job summary

American Forests is seeking a Restoration Forester, Private Lands (VA) to manage hardwood forests on private lands in southwest Virginia, collaborating with NRCS, DOF, and TNC to deliver cost-share programs and Appalachian hardwood silviculture.

The role includes fieldwork, mapping, data collection, and coordination with landowners and partners to restore healthy and resilient forests in the Southeast.

Qualifications

• Certified Forester (CF) or Candidate Certified Forester (CCF), or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in applied forest management, including marking silvicultural treatments and preparing forest management plans.
• Knowledge of Appalachian hardwood management and oak silviculture.
• Proficient with ArcGIS Pro and field data collection devices; strong organization and collaboration.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead private forest landowner outreach through workshops, tours, and demonstration events.
• Develop and implement forest inventories with sampling design and data analysis.
• Use FVS and other decision-support tools for silvicultural prescriptions.
• Prepare forest management plans aligned with NRCS and DOF cost-share programs.
• Assist landowners with NRCS and DOF cost-share enrollment and contracts.

Skills

Field forestry

ArcGIS Pro

Data collection (tablets)

Organizational skills

Communication & collaboration

Driving & physical ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)

Job description

American Forests is seeking a Restoration Forester, Private Lands (VA) to manage hardwood forests on private lands in southwest Virginia, collaborating with NRCS, DOF, and TNC to deliver cost-share programs and Appalachian hardwood silviculture.

The role includes fieldwork, mapping, data collection, and coordination with landowners and partners to restore healthy and resilient forests in the Southeast.