Area Forester-Five Forks District

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is seeking a field forester in the DOF Five Forks District, focused primarily in Brunswick County. DOF foresters provide professional forestry assistance and advice to Virginia's forest landowners to support the DOF mission of protecting and developing healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

• Assisting forest landowners with management of their forestland through technical assistance and forest management plans.
• Evaluating forestland and harvested sites to provide scientific forest management and regeneration guidance.
• Connecting private forest landowners to state and federal cost share programs that support forestry and wildlife habitat management projects.
• Promoting the establishment of new forested riparian buffers.
• Responding to and identifying forest health issues, including invasive pests and plants, and providing management advice to protect forest health.
• Conducting forestry related education and outreach to groups and individuals.
• Coordinating with local governments, state agencies, conservation groups, and citizen organizations.
• Preventing and suppressing wildfires.
• Protecting water quality by inspecting timber harvests and enforcing Virginia’s silvicultural water quality laws.

Location:

This forester position is part of the DOF Five Forks District focused on serving Amelia, Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Nottoway, and Prince George Counties. Work area office is in Dinwiddie County; however, this field position is home based and 100% mobile. State vehicle, laptop, mobile printer, and cell phone provided. Within 6 months of hire, the incumbent must live within Brunswick County or Greensville County, Virginia.

Additional requirements:

DOF foresters must have the ability to work independently, excellent organizational skills, effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public, demonstrated written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software. Candidates must have the ability to negotiate different types of forested and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather, climb on and off equipment, work in smoky environments, and be able to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion.

Candidates must have a valid Virginia driver’s license or the ability to obtain one before starting with the agency.

• Experience and/or training in wildland firefighting and/or prescribed burn management, including Virginia Prescribed Burn Manager certification.
• Training and/or experience with Geographic Information systems, GPS use, online mapping tools, and basic forest surveying.
• Experience in applied silviculture and forest management techniques.

Name:
Kristina Clore

Phone:

Email: kristina.cloreginia.gov

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.

This position may require emergency support during emergency situations, including nights, weekends, or holidays, as needed. Must pass a moderate physical fitness test per Federal guidelines (walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25‑pound pack). Must obtain a Commercial Driver's License and a Commercial Pesticide Applicators Permit within twelve months of employment (training provided). Must be willing to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons.

Selected candidate is required to pass a criminal background check and a drug test.