State Forest Forester

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Appomattox, VA

11d•$44,192 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a local Forester to assist in the management of the 19,513-acre Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. This position will serve as a scientific forestry expert with duties to include, but not limited to analyze, determine and implement scientifically sound multi-use forest management practices to enhance the health, use, and socioeconomic benefits provided by our State Forests while also providing for forest & conservation education and outreach, and seeking opportunities to increase passive recreational opportunities within a working forest landscape on the State Forest. DOF State Forest lands are certified to both the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the American Tree Farm Standard (ATFS) so the position must be detailed oriented in the maintenance of records and adherence to the certification standards. Coordination and developing relationships with partner groups, local government, and citizen groups to help facilitate active forest management is an expectation of the position. Providing timber cruising assistance to DOF partners, on their properties, and on State-Owned land properties. Field work shall include; forest inventory and cruising, writing of forest management plans, silvicultural treatments, timber sale administration, infrastructure maintenance, GIS use & data management, public relations, and other duties as assigned. Wildland firefighting and prescribed burn responsibilities. Ability to meet budget deadlines a must. Ability to drive / operate a wide variety of equipment including transports, heavy equipment, small equipment, and work in smokey environments at times. The position is non-General funded with income earned from the active management of the State Forest assigned. Position requires interaction with other State Agencies at times such as the Department of Wildlife Resources in the management of wildlife habitat, and game management on the assigned state forest. Relationship building with cooperators in the area, such as the Nature Conservancy, and others, in assisting in the management of the forest occurs from time to time. As local manager, developing budgets in coordination with the State Forest Superintendent is an important aspect of the job involving prioritizing harvest levels based on State Forest Management Plan guidelines. Good problem-solving skills and investigating methods to help fund projects and activities on the State Forest is a must for the position.

Requirements

Experience in technical and professional forestry work.
Experience in forest inventory.
Familiarity with the development of forest management plans.
Experience and/or training identifying native and invasive tree species common to Virginia.
Knowledge of Virginia's Forestry laws and Best Management practices for water quality.
Familiarity with using GIS and GPS software and hardware.
Ability to work independently to achieve results.
Ability to negotiate different types of forest terrain on foot.
Ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion.
Knowledge of silviculture and operational forestry necessary to successfully develop and implement forestry practices.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to interact effectively with timber buyers, the general public, and other DOF employees.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DOF Incident Qualification Card and wildland firefight.
Ability to drive / operate a wide variety of equipment including transports, heavy equipment, small equipment.
Ability to work in smokey environments at times.
Ability to meet budget deadlines.
Ability to pass a moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines, which consists of walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Virginia commercial and ROW pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain within 12 months.
Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Nice To Haves

SAF accredited B.S. or M.S. Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation / Management or a related degree with forest management coursework.
Experience and/or training in wildland firefighting and/or prescribed burn management including Virginia Prescribed Burn Manager certification.

Responsibilities

Analyze, determine and implement scientifically sound multi-use forest management practices.
Enhance the health, use, and socioeconomic benefits provided by State Forests.
Provide forest & conservation education and outreach.
Seek opportunities to increase passive recreational opportunities within a working forest landscape.
Maintain records and adhere to certification standards (SFI and ATFS).
Coordinate and develop relationships with partner groups, local government, and citizen groups.
Provide timber cruising assistance to DOF partners and on State-Owned land properties.
Conduct forest inventory and cruising.
Write forest management plans.
Perform silvicultural treatments.
Administer timber sales.
Perform infrastructure maintenance.
Utilize GIS and manage data.
Engage in public relations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Undertake wildland firefighting and prescribed burn responsibilities.
Meet budget deadlines.
Drive and operate a wide variety of equipment including transports, heavy equipment, and small equipment.
Work in smokey environments at times.
Interact with other State Agencies such as the Department of Wildlife Resources.
Build relationships with cooperators such as the Nature Conservancy.
Develop budgets in coordination with the State Forest Superintendent.
Prioritize harvest levels based on State Forest Management Plan guidelines.
Investigate methods to help fund projects and activities on the State Forest.