Area Forester-New River District
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking to fill an area forester position in our New River District in the Western Region. This is a permanent position with residency requirements. Incumbent must live within Grayson or Wythe County within six months of hire. This position reports to the District Forester. Incumbent provides professional assistance, as a scientific expert, in program delivery for the following areas: natural resources management and protection; land use planning; conserving the land base; community forestry; watershed and riparian forest management; conservation education; and forest health. Also, provides forest resource information to partner agencies, local government, private businesses, non-profit and conservation organizations, and citizen groups. Helps facilitate more informed decision-making regarding Virginia's natural resources at the local level; provides leadership in the prevention and suppression of forest fires; and enforces the water quality, and fire laws.
Requirements
- Knowledge in 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 personnel from various state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public.
- Public speaking skills and experience.
- Demonstrated excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot.
- Ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion.
- Experience with and ability to use PC and Microsoft Office software.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of GIS mapping and data base programs
- Two years of professional forestry experience
Responsibilities
- Provides professional assistance, as a scientific expert, in program delivery for natural resources management and protection; land use planning; conserving the land base; community forestry; watershed and riparian forest management; conservation education; and forest health.
- Provides forest resource information to partner agencies, local government, private businesses, non-profit and conservation organizations, and citizen groups.
- Facilitates more informed decision-making regarding Virginia's natural resources at the local level.
- Provides leadership in the prevention and suppression of forest fires.
- Enforces water quality and fire laws.
Benefits
- Residency requirements (must live within Grayson or Wythe County within six months of hire)
- Ability to obtain Commercial Driver's License and Commercial Pesticide Applicators Permit within twelve months of employment.
- Willing and able to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons.
- Must pass moderate physical fitness test (walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack).
- Selected candidate is required to pass a criminal background check and a drug test.
- Employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations; this may include nights, weekends or holidays as the need arises.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
