Area Forester-Headwaters District

Title: Area Forester-Headwaters District

State Role

Title:

Natural Resource Spec III

Hiring Range: $45,739.00-$60,000.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location: Western Office Abingdon

Agency Website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking to fill an area forester position in our Headwaters District in the Western Region. This is a permanent position with residency requirements. Incumbent must live within Wise or Scott County within six months of hire. This position reports to the District Forester.

Duties:
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; community forestry; watershed and riparian forest management; conservation education; and forest health. Also, provides forest resource information to partner agencies, local government, 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 water quality, and fire laws.

Knowledge in silviculture, forest measurements, wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, urban & community forestry, watershed protection, and forest health; 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 skill; 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 PC and Microsoft Office software required.

Knowledge of GIS mapping and data base programs. Two years of professional forestry experience.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Must be able to obtain Commercial Drivers License and Commercial Pesticide Applicators Permit within twelve months of employment. As a first 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.

The Virginia Department of Forestry is an Emergency Response agency, as such, all employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations; this may include nights, weekends or holidays as the need arises.

Name:
Kristina Estep

Phone:

Email: kristina.estepginia.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 .

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.

Advertised: 01 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 15 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time