Natural Resource Specialst III, Area Forester

~ We protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. ~

The Virginia Department of Forestry envisions a healthy, abundant, forest resource providing economic and environmental benefits to the Commonwealth on a sustained basis. We see a resource whose scenic beauty enhances natural surroundings and whose protected environment supports clean water and wildlife. We further see a diverse forest resource as a part of natural ecosystems. We envision the economic benefits of forest industry to be in balance with the environmental values of the resource.

We envision the Department as the most effective forestry agency in the nation and as a leader in managing and protecting the resource. We see an agency built on solid technology backed by strong ethics, one that is able to stay ahead of change and is quick to respond to citizens’ needs, and one that is a leader in providing forest resource information.

We see the Department responding to its employees’ needs through leadership characterized by open communication. We envision a focused, well-trained, creative workforce that is adaptive to change and that has the time and tools to provide exceptional forestry services to landowners, citizens and organizations.

We see employees who are knowledgeable, motivated, pro-active and enabled to make decisions. Finally, we envision a workforce whose professional, unbiased recommendations positively impact an informed public and whose efforts result in complete customer satisfaction.

Position Overview

This posting is for a wage position - limited to 1500 hours per year. Location: The Shenandoah Work Area serving the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren. Within 6 months of hire, the chosen candidate must live in Rockingham, Shenandoah or Page counties.

Responsibilities

• 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; urban and community forestry; watershed and riparian forest management; conservation education; and forest health.
• Also, provides forest resource information to sister agencies; local governments; 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 seed tree, water quality and fire laws.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Resources or a related degree.
• Experience in technical and professional forestry work; 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 skills.
• 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; and experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S. Degree in Forestry from a SAF-accredited college or university

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain Commercial Drivers License within 12 months and Commercial Pesticide Applicators Permit within 6 months of employment.
• As a 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.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To use the work title 'Forester', a B.S. Degree in Forestry from a SAF-accredited college or university is required; or you must meet the requirements of §10.1-1181.12 of the Code of Virginia. If the chosen candidate does not meet the above requirements, their work title will be Natural Resource Specialist.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume. 

Contact Information:

Please contact Rita Moore for questions regarding the position.