Forestry Specialist

Job Summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a highly skilled Forestry Specialist to join our team in the James River District. As a key member of our forestry team, you will provide professional forestry advice and assistance to private landowners, implementing our forest management program at the local level.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and forest management plan development to forest landowners
• Administer state and federal cost-share programs to support forest management projects
• Assess and address forest health concerns
• Establish and manage riparian buffers to protect streams, waterbodies, and wetlands
• Educate the general public and organizations on the benefits of trees and forests
• Prevent and suppress wildland fires, including enforcing Virginia's fire laws
• Inspect logging jobs for compliance with Virginia's Silvicultural Water Quality Law

Location

This position will be focused on providing services in the James River District, which encompasses multiple counties in the Central Region.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of silviculture, forest measurements, wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, watershed protection, and forest health
• Experience in technical or professional natural resources work
• Ability to work independently and establish effective working relationships with personnel from various state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public
• Public speaking skills and experience
• 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
• Experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software

Additional Considerations

• Experience in technical or professional natural resource management work
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems, GPS units, and digital mapping tools