Forester 3

West Virginia; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia seeks a trainee forester to support forest management across Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties under direct supervision. Responsibilities include fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression; training wardens and patrollers; assisting landowners with stewardship plans and inspections; and coordinating with agencies on forest protection.

A professional license or progress toward licensure is required, along with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in forestry per SAF
• Three years of forestry experience
• Licensure in forestry or forestry technician; valid driver's license
• Must pass physical exam within six months and annual follow-ups

Responsibilities

• Manage forest resources in Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties.
• Fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression activities.
• Recruits, trains, and checks equipping of forest fire wardens, patrollers, and firefighters.
• Assist landowners with technical advice and stewardship plans; check reports of insect and disease.
• Conduct spot checks and investigations of logging operations and logger training; assist logger compliance with sediment control act.

Education

Associate degree in a Forest Technology program recognized by the SAF

Bachelor's degree in a forestry program accredited by the SAF

Job description

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 Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties. 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 investigation on logging operation, helps in logger training, and in logger assistance regarding the logging sediment control act. Assists landowners by providing technical advice and assistance, prepares stewardship plans, and checks reports of insect and disease. Help other agencies and employees as required. Performs other duties as requested. As a condition of employment, an 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 when discovered.

Training:

• Associate degree in a Forest Technology program recognized by the Society of American Foresters OR a Bachelor's degree in a forestry program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

Experience:

• Three years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time paid experience in the field of forestry.

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.