Forest Technician-Dan River District
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Forestry is hiring a Forest Technician for the Dan River District in the Central Region, with work focused primarily in Mecklenburg County. Forest Technicians spend most of their time outdoors inspecting timber harvests, responding to wildfires, and providing technical forestry assistance to landowners, loggers, and forestry professionals. The position is 100% mobile. A designated Department of Forestry office in Boydton is available for use as needed. A take-home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer will be provided. Within six months of hire, the employee must reside in Mecklenburg County or within 30 minutes of the Boydton office and within the district. The position requires work in rugged terrain and varied weather, including smoky environments and remote locations. The employee must be willing and able to travel around the state and stay overnight occasionally. As a wildfire responder, the employee must be willing and able to be on call during spring and fall fire seasons. All employees may be required to support emergency situations, including nights, weekends, or holidays. The employee must pass an annual moderate physical fitness test: walking two miles in 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack. The selected candidate must obtain a Virginia Commercial Driver’s License (Class A or B) within six months of employment; training is provided as needed. Employment is contingent on passing a criminal background check and drug test.
Requirements
- Ability to negotiate forested, rough, and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather; climb on and off equipment; and work in smoky environments.
- Willingness and ability to work independently in remote locations, travel around the state, and stay overnight occasionally.
- Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one before starting with the agency.
- Knowledge or experience in technical or professional forestry, logging, or natural resource management-related work.
- Ability to work independently in a team-oriented atmosphere, multitask, demonstrate initiative, and communicate effectively in English.
- Knowledge of Virginia forestry laws and silvicultural Best Management Practices.
- Ability to identify common Virginia tree species.
- Demonstrated communication and organizational skills and public speaking experience.
- Experience using GIS, GPS units, and/or digital mapping tools.
- Experience with common forestry tools.
- Experience using a PC and Microsoft Office software such as Excel.
- Ability to obtain a Virginia Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B) within six months of employment.
- Willingness and ability to be on call during spring and fall fire seasons.
- Ability to pass the annual moderate physical fitness test required by federal wildland firefighting guidelines: walk two miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug test.
- Within six months of hire, reside in Mecklenburg County or within 30 minutes of the Boydton office and within the district.
Nice To Haves
- Valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B).
- Experience operating heavy equipment, such as a bulldozer or related tracked equipment.
- Completion of basic wildland firefighting courses (NWCG S-130, S-190, L-180; FEMA ICS-100) and prescribed-burn or wildfire experience.
Responsibilities
- Inspect logging jobs for compliance with Virginia's Silvicultural Water Quality Law.
- Assist loggers, timber buyers, and forestry professionals with pre-harvest planning and provide Best Management Practices recommendations.
- Prevent and suppress wildland fires and enforce Virginia's forest fire laws.
- Ensure wildland firefighting equipment is maintained and ready to respond to wildland fires or other emergencies.
- Perform GPS and GIS mapping.
- Coordinate with local governments and fire departments.
- Educate the public about the benefits of trees and forests.
- Work on special projects, including state forest or state lands management.
- Maintain Department of Forestry facilities, vehicles, and equipment, including regular equipment exercise.
- Provide agency services primarily in Mecklenburg County and, as needed, support district and statewide emergency response activities.
Benefits
- A take-home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer are provided.
- Training for obtaining a Virginia Commercial Driver's License is provided as needed.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
