Field Forester — Southern Rivers District (Remote)

Department-of-Forestr; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking an Area Forester for our Southern Rivers District, Central Region. This role focuses on providing professional forestry guidance, implementing the agency's management program, and reporting to the District Forester.

You will work in the woods and in the district, employing field and office duties to support landowners, with a home-based location and a Virginia office as needed. A take-home vehicle and equipment are provided.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of tree species identification, silvics of Virginia native tree species, forest soils, forest measurements/biometrics.
• Knowledge and/or training on establishing riparian buffers and planting trees.
• Experience or training in identifying forest health issues and implementing integrated pest management strategies, training or experience with pesticide use on forest land.
• Demonstrated ability to develop scientific forest management plans.
• Ability to use standard forester's tools including increment borer, diameter tape, prism, & clinometer to cruise stands of timber.
• Knowledge or training related to forest harvesting systems and Virginia’s Silvicultural Best Management Practices for Water Quality.

Responsibilities

• Providing professional forest management advice to forest landowners through technical assistance and forest management plan development.
• Administering state and federal cost-share programs to support forest management projects.
• Assessing and addressing forest health concerns.
• Establishing and managing riparian buffers to protect streams, waterbodies, and wetlands.
• Educating the general public and organizations of the benefits of trees and forests.
• Preventing and suppressing wildland fires, including enforcing Virginia's fire laws.
• Inspecting logging jobs for compliance with Virginia's Silvicultural Water Quality Law.

Skills

Tree species identification

Riparian buffers

Forest health issues

Develop forest management plans

Forester tools

Harvesting systems & BMPs

Tools

Increment borer

Diameter tape

Prism

Clinometer

GIS / GPS / online mapping tools

Job description

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking an Area Forester for our Southern Rivers District, Central Region. This role focuses on providing professional forestry guidance, implementing the agency's management program, and reporting to the District Forester.

You will work in the woods and in the district, employing field and office duties to support landowners, with a home-based location and a Virginia office as needed. A take-home vehicle and equipment are provided.