Headwaters District Area Forester - Forest Health & Fire Lead

Virginia Department of Forestry; Wise (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking an Area Forester for the Headwaters District in the Western Region. This permanent position has residency requirements; the incumbent must live within Wise or Scott County within six months of hire and will report to the District Forester.

The role provides professional leadership in natural resources management, land use planning, and forest health, and involves coordinating with partner agencies, local government, and the public.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of silviculture, forest measurements, wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, urban & community forestry, watershed protection, and forest health.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public.
• Public speaking skills and experience.
• Demonstrated excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to navigate forested terrain on foot.
• Willingness to travel statewide and stay overnight.
• Experience with PC and Microsoft Office software.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional assistance in natural resources management and protection.
• Support land use planning, land conservation, community forestry, watershed and riparian management.
• Provide forest resource information to partner agencies, local government, private businesses and citizen groups.
• Support informed local decision-making on Virginia's natural resources; lead wildfire prevention and suppression; enforce laws.

Skills

Silviculture

Forest measurements

Wildfire suppression

Prescribed burning

Urban forestry

Watershed protection

Forest health

Independent work

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Communication

Driver's license

Terrain navigation

Travel willingness

Tools

GIS mapping

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking an Area Forester for the Headwaters District in the Western Region. This permanent position has residency requirements; the incumbent must live within Wise or Scott County within six months of hire and will report to the District Forester.

The role provides professional leadership in natural resources management, land use planning, and forest health, and involves coordinating with partner agencies, local government, and the public.