Home-Based Field Forester, Tidewater District

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a Field Forester to serve the Tidewater District, focusing on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. You will deliver forestry assistance to landowners, develop management plans, and promote sustainable forest resources across the region.

This role requires strong knowledge of tree species, forest health, riparian BMPs, and the ability to work in woodlands. A state vehicle and mobile tools are provided; travel across the state is expected.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of tree species identification, silvics, soils, and forest measurements.
• Knowledge of riparian buffers and tree planting.
• Experience or training in forest health issues and pest management; pesticide use.
• Ability to develop scientific forest management plans.
• Ability to use standard forester tools including increment borer, diameter tape, prism, clinometer.
• Knowledge of harvesting systems and Virginia BMPs for water quality.

Responsibilities

• Assist forest landowners with management and management plans.
• Evaluate sites to provide scientific forest management guidance.
• Promote riparian buffer projects.
• Connect landowners to cost share programs for forest and wildlife habitat.
• Respond to forest health issues and provide management advice.
• Promote conservation of forest land and educate groups.
• Coordinate with local governments, state agencies, and cooperators.
• Prevent and inspect wildfires; oversee timber harvests; enforce water quality and fire laws.

Skills

Tree identification

Riparian buffers

Forest health

Scientific forest plans

Field measurement tools

BMP for water quality

Tools

Increment borer

Diameter tape

Prism

Clinometer

GPS / GIS

Job description

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a Field Forester to serve the Tidewater District, focusing on the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. You will deliver forestry assistance to landowners, develop management plans, and promote sustainable forest resources across the region.

This role requires strong knowledge of tree species, forest health, riparian BMPs, and the ability to work in woodlands. A state vehicle and mobile tools are provided; travel across the state is expected.