Restoration Forester, Private Lands (VA)

Forest Stewards Guild; Marion (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Technology stipend

Pet benefits

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

American Forests in the Southeast region seeks a Forester to grow the Appalachian field office and program. The role requires strong field forestry skills and a drive to develop partnerships with agencies, private partners, contractors, and nonprofits in the Southeast.

The successful candidate will help coordinate opportunities, expand programs, and contribute toward American Forests’ Southeast vision, balancing fieldwork with project management and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Strong field forestry skills.
• Experience and interest in helping grow and manage programs and projects in the Southeast.

Responsibilities

• The Forester will collaborate with partners in the region, including USDA Forest Service, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, private companies, contractors, and nonprofit organizations.
• Coordinate with partners, identify new opportunities, and contribute toward American Forests’ vision for the Southeast.

Job description

November 2nd, 2026

Employer: American Forests

Status: Full-time, permanent

Application Deadline: 11/27/2026

This is a full-time, hourly non-exempt position. The budgeted hourly rate is between $25.64 and $33.33. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, and overall quality of life. We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health and wellness resources such as an Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, and disability, life, and AD&D insurance. To promote work-life balance, employees receive vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, parental bonding leave, bereavement leave, and military leave. Financial and retirement benefits include a 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match. Additional perks, such as a technology stipend and pet benefits, further enhance the overall employee experience.

As a part of the team, you will help grow American Forests’ Appalachian field office and program in the Southeast. The Forester will collaborate with other partners in the region, including USDA Forest Service, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, private companies, contractors, and nonprofit organizations. We are seeking a candidate with strong field forestry skills and experience but also experience and interest in helping grow and manage programs and projects in the Southeast. Ideally, we are seeking a candidate that can help coordinate with partners, identify new opportunities, and contribute towards American Forests’ vision for the Southeast.

We envision forest stewardship as a nationwide imperative.