Forest Technician-Dan River District

DHRM • Halifax, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forestry is hiring a Forest Technician for the Dan River District in the Central Region, focused primarily on providing agency services in Mecklenburg County. Forest Technicians work mainly outdoors inspecting timber harvests, responding to wildfires, and providing technical forestry assistance to landowners, loggers, and forestry professionals. The position is 100% mobile, with a designated DOF office in Boydton available as needed. A take-home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer are provided. Within six months of hire, the selected candidate must reside in Mecklenburg County or within 30 minutes of the Boydton office and within the district.

The position includes forest harvest compliance inspections, wildfire prevention and suppression, forestry assistance and public education, mapping, and special projects involving state forests or lands. The role may require travel and occasional overnight stays. Wildfire responders must be willing and able to be on call during spring and fall fire seasons. As an emergency-response agency employee, the technician may be required to provide support during emergencies, including nights, weekends, or holidays. The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check, drug test, and annual moderate physical fitness test. The test requires walking two miles in 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack.

Requirements

• Be able to negotiate forested, rough, and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather.
• Be able to climb on and off equipment and work in smoky environments.
• Be willing and able to work independently in remote locations and travel around the state, including occasional overnight stays.
• Have a valid driver's license or be able to obtain one before starting.
• Have knowledge or experience in technical or professional forestry, logging, or natural resource management-related work.
• Be able to work independently in a team-oriented atmosphere, multitask, demonstrate initiative, and communicate effectively in English.
• Have knowledge of Virginia forestry laws and silvicultural Best Management Practices.
• Be able to identify common Virginia tree species.
• Demonstrate communication and organization skills and public speaking experience.
• Have experience with GIS, GPS units, and/or digital mapping tools.
• Have experience using common forestry tools.
• Have experience using a PC and Microsoft Office software such as Excel.
• Be able to obtain a Virginia Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B) within six months of employment; training is provided as needed.
• Be willing and able to be on call during spring and fall fire seasons.
• Pass an annual moderate physical fitness test: walk two miles in 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack.
• 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 recommend Best Management Practices.
• Prevent and suppress wildland fires and enforce Virginia's forest fire laws.
• Maintain wildland firefighting equipment and ensure it is ready for fires and 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 DOF facilities, vehicles, and equipment, including regular equipment exercise.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed