Watershed Stewardship Specialist-Central Region

Watershed Stewardship Specialist – Central Region

Title:

Watershed Stewardship Specialist – Central Region

Position:
Natural Resource Specialist III

Agency:
Department of Forestry, Charlottesville, VA. Pay: $55,000–$65,000. Pay Band: 4.

• Implement watershed management efforts and VDOF conservation easement stewardship.
• Coordinate and promote regional watershed conservation/protection initiatives including Phase III of VDOF’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP).
• Assist in building new watershed programs, promote Chesapeake Bay restoration strategies, and build partnerships with individuals, non‑profits, government entities, etc.
• Establish riparian forest buffers, afforestation projects, and increase urban tree canopy to improve water quantity and quality across the Commonwealth.
• Coordinate outreach, plan review, and implementation of the Riparian Forests for Landowners (RFFL) program throughout the Central Region.
• Assist VDOF Conservation Easement Staff in annual field monitoring of conservation easements; coordinate visits with easement landowners, document changes, and provide support and information related to VDOF programs.
• Support agency emergency response activities by participating in wildfire suppression and support roles such as dispatching and incident management team activities.

• Must be willing to serve as after‑hours and weekend dispatcher during Spring and Fall fire seasons on designated day(s) as needed.
• Must serve on the Central Region Incident Management Team (IMT).
• Must pass moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines (walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25‑lb pack).
• Selected candidate must pass a criminal background check and a drug test.

• Experience or training in forest management practices, watershed management, or related natural resources fields.
• Experience or training in land stewardship/management, conservation easements, urban forestry, and riparian buffer establishment.
• Knowledge of Virginia’s Best Management Practices for Water Quality.
• Experience with GPS units.
• Strong communication skills; experience compiling and submitting detailed reports.
• Proficient with PC and Microsoft Office software.
• Experience working with diverse audiences, including landowners and community partners.
• Ability to support fire and other emergency response activities as needed.
• Physical ability to negotiate forested terrain on foot; work outdoors in all weather; lift moderate loads; work overtime as required.

• 3+ years of experience in forestry, watershed management, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of GIS‑based mapping systems, ArcGIS/ESRI.
• Demonstrated experience working with conservation easements.

• Name:
  Kristina Clore
• Phone: 434‑529‑7244
• Email: kristina.cloreginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.

Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800‑552‑5019.

Note:

Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1 2022—February 29 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.