District Forester-Dan River District

DHRM•Halifax, VA

17h•Remote

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking to hire a District Forester for our Dan River District in the Central Region, which encompasses Mecklenburg, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties including the City of Danville. This position reports to the Deputy Regional Forester and leads staff in a multi-county district to accomplish the DOF's mission and strategic goals. The District Forester leads and supervises a staff of foresters and technicians in the Dan River District and provides direction, oversight, and work planning in program delivery for the following areas: forest management, fire suppression, forestland conservation, urban & community forestry, watershed management, conservation education, forest health, and enforcement of water quality and fire laws. The position represents the agency in local forestry related issues, mentors and trains staff members, evaluates and provides feedback to staff on an on-going basis, develops annual work profiles and performance evaluations for assigned employees, and manages assigned staff to efficiently and effectively deliver agency services. The District Forester is also responsible for ensuring maintenance needs are met for any agency facilities located in their assigned district, which includes soliciting private vendors to perform needed repairs, manage office cleaning and yard maintenance contracts, and working with regional staff on the procurement of services related to facility maintenance needs. The position will be responsible for providing incident leadership, support, and occasional direct suppression as it relates to wildland fire response. Location: This position is part of the Dan River District, covering Mecklenburg, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties including the City of Danville. Within 6 months of hire, the chosen candidate must reside in either Mecklenburg, Halifax, or Pittsylvania Counties or the City of Danville. This position is classified as having a home-based duty location. A take home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer will be provided.

Requirements

Knowledge of effective supervisory techniques and practices.
Knowledge of Virginia's forestry laws, regulations and best management practices.
Demonstrated knowledge of silviculture and forest ecology.
Experience managing and suppressing wildland fires.
Experience in technical and professional forestry work.
Formal training or equivalent experience in forest management, watershed management, natural resource conservation, forest health, or urban and community forestry.
Ability to work independently.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public.
Demonstrated excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software.
Ability to negotiate different types of forested and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather.
Ability to climb on and off equipment.
Ability to work in smoky environments.
Must be able to obtain a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License within 6 months of employment.
Must be able to obtain Commercial Driver’s License within 12 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 be drug tested and pass a criminal background check.
Employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations; this may include nights, weekends or holidays as the need arises.

Nice To Haves

Leadership training or experience
Experience working for a state forestry agency

Responsibilities

Leads and supervises a staff of foresters and technicians in the Dan River District.
Provides direction, oversight, and work planning in program delivery for forest management, fire suppression, forestland conservation, urban & community forestry, watershed management, conservation education, forest health, and enforcement of water quality and fire laws.
Represents the agency in local forestry related issues.
Mentors and trains staff members.
Evaluates and provides feedback to staff on an on-going basis.
Develops annual work profiles and performance evaluations for assigned employees.
Manages assigned staff to efficiently and effectively deliver agency services.
Ensures maintenance needs are met for any agency facilities located in their assigned district, including soliciting private vendors, managing office cleaning and yard maintenance contracts, and working with regional staff on procurement of services related to facility maintenance.
Provides incident leadership, support, and occasional direct suppression as it relates to wildland fire response.