Forester 1

State of West Virginia; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

State of West Virginia seeks a training-level forestry professional specializing in forest management and fire operations. Primary duties include managing forests in Roane and Jackson Counties, fire prevention and suppression, and coordinating forest wardens and responders.

The role involves training, technical assistance to landowners, stewardship planning, and processing inspections under regulatory acts. Qualification includes SAF-recognized forestry credentials and licensure readiness.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Forest Technology recognized by SAF or a Bachelor's in forestry program accredited by SAF.
• Must have a current license as a registered professional forester or forestry technician or in the process of obtaining licensure.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must take and pass a physical examination within six months of employment; annual follow-up exams.
• Must become Special Natural Resources Police Officer at earliest opportunity and maintain this commission.

Responsibilities

• Manage forest areas in Roane and Jackson Counties.
• Lead fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression activities.
• Deliver fire prevention messages to media, groups, schools, and individuals.
• Recruit, train, and check equipment of forest fire wardens, patrollers, and firefighters.
• Supervise forest fire suppression efforts and investigate fires.
• Conduct spot checks and investigations on logging operations; assist logger training and logger compliance with Sediment Control Act.
• Provide technical assistance and advice to landowners; prepare stewardship plans; review insect and disease reports.
• Assist other agencies and employees as needed; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Forest management

Fire prevention

Technical advising

Training supervision

Driver's license

Education

Associate degree in Forest Technology (SAF-recognized)

Bachelor's degree in Forestry (SAF-accredited)

Job description

Nature of Work

Under direct supervision, works at a training level with specialization in the performance of technical and field work. Primary responsibility will be forest management in the areas of Roane and Jackson County. Fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression; fire prevention message to media, groups, schools, and individuals; recruits, trains, and checks equipping of forest fire wardens, patrollers, and firefighters; supervises and directs forest fire suppression efforts and investigates forest fires. Conduct spot checks and complaint investigations on logging operations, help in logger training, and in logger assistance regarding the Logging Sediment Control Act. Assist landowners by providing technical assistance and advice, prepares stewardship plans, and checks reports of insect and disease. Help other agencies and employees as needed or required. Performs other duties as requested. As a condition of employment, and inquiry into job-related information will be completed, which may include, but is not limited to, criminal records, abuse registry records, driving records, employment history, and education and training. Failing to cooperate with this process, providing false or incomplete information, or discovery of disqualifying information will result in denial irrespective of then discovered.

Minimum Qualifications

• Training: Associate degree in a Forest Technology program recognized by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) or a Bachelor's degree in a forestry program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
• Special Requirement: Must have a current license as a registered professional forester or a registered forestry technician or in the process of obtaining professional licensure.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must take and pass a physical examination within in the first six months of employment and submit to annual follow-up examinations. Failure to pass the initial examination will result in termination of employment. Failure to pass a subsequent examination may result in reassignment.
• Positions must meet the qualifications for and become a Special Natural Resources Police Officer at the earliest opportunity following employment and maintain this commission throughout the period of employment in the position. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the State Forester.

State employment offers a variety of benefits.