Area Forester-Headwaters District

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Scott, Virginia, Wise, Virginia, VA
•$45,739 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking to fill an area forester position in our Headwaters District in the Western Region. This is a permanent position with residency requirements. Incumbent must live within Wise or Scott County within six months of hire. This position reports to the District Forester. Duties: 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 skill.
  • 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 required.

Nice To Haves

  • Knowledge of GIS mapping and data base programs.
  • Two years of professional forestry experience.
  • Must be able to obtain Commercial Drivers License and Commercial Pesticide Applicators Permit within twelve months of employment.
  • As a first responder on wildfires, must be willing and able to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons.
  • Must pass moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines. The test consists of 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.
  • The Virginia Department of Forestry is an Emergency Response agency, as such, all employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations; this may include nights, weekends or holidays as the need arises.

Responsibilities

  • Provides professional assistance, as a scientific expert, in program delivery for natural resources management and protection.
  • Provides professional assistance in land use planning.
  • Provides professional assistance in conserving the land base.
  • Provides professional assistance in community forestry.
  • Provides professional assistance in watershed and riparian forest management.
  • Provides professional assistance in conservation education.
  • Provides professional assistance in 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.
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service