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SalaryTitle: Forest Techician-Capital District
State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist II
Hiring Range: Starting at $33,000.00 +DOE with state benefits
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Department of Forestry
Location: Eastern Office New Kent
Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is seeking a highly motivated individual with a passion for forest management and working outdoors to join our Capital District team as a Forest Technician. This Forest Technician will work with the Capital Team primarily in New Kent, Charles City, James City, and King William counties.
Forest Technicians spend the majority of their time in the field working with landowners, loggers, fire departments, and local governments to support our agency mission of protecting, conserving, and enhancing Virginia's forests.
Forest Technicians inspect timber harvests to protect water quality, prepare preharvest plans for landowners and loggers, and enforce Virginia forest fire, water quality, and seed tree laws. To protect forests from wildfire, forest technicians are wildland firefighters, using specially equipped bulldozers and other resources in wildland fire suppression. Technicians also provide wildland fire training to cooperators, assist with fire prevention and mitigation programs, and maintain DOF firefighting equipment including pickup trucks, UTVs, and bulldozers.
Forest Technicians assist DOF Area Foresters and Community Foresters within the district with collection of field data and forest measurements, monitoring tree planting projects, GPS/GIS mapping of tracts, and with other projects across the district. This Forest Technician assists the team with district office, equipment, and yard maintenance work. Forest Technicians can also be designated to participate in special initiatives/projects such as assisting with state forest management.
This Forest Technician is part of the DOF’s Capital District serving the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King William, New Kent, Powhatan, and York, and the cities of Colonial Heights, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Petersburg, Poquoson, Richmond, and Williamsburg. Capital District offices are located in Providence Forge and Aylett.
This position is primarily field based and is eligible for 100% telework. DOF will issue a state cellphone, laptop computer, and take-home vehicle for work use.
Within 6 months of hire, the incumbent must establish residence in New Kent, Charles City, James City, King William, or within a reasonable driving distance as agreed upon by the Regional Forester.
All Virginia state employee benefits are provided including paid holidays and vacation, healthcare, and a state retirement plan. For more information visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates for this position should have knowledge or experience with technical or professional forestry, logging, or natural resource management related work. Candidates must be able to work independently in a team-oriented atmosphere, exhibit ability to multi-task, and communicate effectively. Other minimum qualifications:
- Knowledge of Virginia's forestry laws and best management practices (silvicultural BMPs).
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
- Communication skills and public speaking experience.
- Experience using Geographic information systems (GIS), GPS units, and digital mapping tools.
- Experience with common forestry tools.
- Experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software.
Additional Considerations
- Holds a valid Commercial Driver License (Class A or B)
- Experience with heavy equipment operations (such as a bulldozer).
- Completion of basic wildland firefighting courses (NWCG: S-130, S-190, L-180; FEMA: ICS-100) and fire experience (prescribed burn or wildfire).
Special Instructions
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 (Class A or B) within six 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 annually, per Federal wildland firefighting 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.
Contact Information
Name: Kristina Clore
Phone: 434-529-5244
Email:
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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
