Area Forester-Dan River District

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Mecklenburg, Virginia, VA

27d•$45,739 - $60,000

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forestry is hiring an Area Forester for the Dan River District in the Central Region. Area Foresters spend most of their time outdoors providing professional forestry advice and assistance to private landowners. The position implements the agency’s forest management program locally and reports to the District Forester. The role focuses on providing services in Mecklenburg County. The Dan River District includes Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg counties. Within six months of hire, the employee must reside in Mecklenburg County or within 30 minutes of the Boydton office within the district boundary. The position has a home-based duty location, with a designated DOF office in Victoria available as needed. A take-home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer will be provided. The work involves forested, rough, and muddy terrain in all weather conditions, as well as occasional overnight travel around the state. Foresters may respond to wildfires and must be willing and able to be on call during spring and fall fire seasons. Employees may also be required to support emergency situations, including at night, on weekends, or on holidays. The candidate must obtain a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within six months and a Commercial Driver’s License within 12 months of employment, and must have or be able to obtain a valid Virginia driver’s license before starting. A moderate physical fitness test, drug test, and criminal background check are required.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of tree species identification, silvics of Virginia native tree species, forest soils, and forest measurements/biometrics.
Knowledge or training in establishing riparian buffers and planting trees.
Experience or training identifying forest health issues and implementing integrated pest management strategies, and training or experience with pesticide use on forest land.
Demonstrated ability to develop scientific forest management plans.
Ability to use standard forester’s tools, including an increment borer, diameter tape, prism, and clinometer, to cruise timber stands.
Knowledge or training related to forest harvesting systems and Virginia’s Silvicultural Best Management Practices for Water Quality.
Ability to work independently, strong organizational skills, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software.
Ability to negotiate forested and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather, climb on and off equipment, work in smoky environments, and travel around the state with occasional overnight stays.
Valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain one before starting with the agency.
Ability to obtain a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within six months of employment and a Commercial Driver’s License within 12 months of employment.
Willingness and ability to be on call during spring and fall fire seasons.
Ability to pass a moderate physical fitness test: walk two miles in 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack.
Selected candidate must pass a drug test and criminal background check.
Must meet the residency requirement within six months of hire: reside in Mecklenburg County or within 30 minutes of the Boydton office within the district boundary.

Nice To Haves

Experience or training in wildland firefighting or prescribed burn management, including Virginia Prescribed Burn Manager certification.
Training or experience with Geographic Information Systems, GPS, online mapping tools, and basic forest surveying.
Experience or training in applied silviculture and forest management techniques.

Responsibilities

Provide professional forest management advice to forest landowners through technical assistance and forest management plan development.
Administer state and federal cost-share programs supporting forest management projects.
Assess and address forest health concerns.
Establish and manage riparian buffers to protect streams, waterbodies, and wetlands.
Educate the public and organizations about the benefits of trees and forests.
Prevent and suppress wildland fires, including enforcing Virginia’s fire laws.
Inspect logging jobs for compliance with Virginia’s Silvicultural Water Quality Law.
Implement the agency’s forest management program at the local level.
Provide support during emergency situations as required.