Title: District Forester-New River District
State Role Title: Natural Resource Manager II
Hiring Range: $65,000.00-$80,000.00
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Department of Forestry
Location: Western Office MSF
Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is seeking an experienced forester for a District Forester position in DOF's Western Region. Counties within the district include: Grayson, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Pulaski, Floyd, Patrick, Henry and Franklin.
This District Forester will supervise and manage field staff in the New River District while promoting the agency mission and strategic goals. This position will include a mix of office and field time, often working closely with VDOF staff to provide developmental guidance. VDOF District Foresters lead and supervise a staff of foresters, technicians, and specialists in a district and provide direction, oversight, and work planning in program delivery for the following areas: forest management, fire suppression, forestland conservation, urban & community forestry, conservation education, forest health, and enforcement of water quality and fire laws. The position represents the agency in local forestry related issues, mentors and trains staff members, evaluates and provides feedback to staff on an on-going basis, develops annual work profiles and performance evaluations for assigned employees, and manages assigned staff to efficiently and effectively deliver agency services. The District Forester is also responsible for ensuring maintenance needs are met for any agency facilities located in their assigned district, which includes soliciting private vendors to perform needed repairs, manage office cleaning and yard maintenance contracts, and working with regional staff on the procurement of services related to facility maintenance needs.
Within 6 months of hire, the chosen candidate must reside within the VDOF New River District and within an hour driving radius of the Matthew State Forest Galax office. Take home state vehicle is provided.
Minimum Qualifications
Leadership experience and desire to mentor new employees. Demonstrated presentation skills and ability to develop & lead successful training programs. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Training or equivalent experience in forest management, wildland fire, watershed management, natural resource conservation, forest health, and urban and community forestry; knowledge of effective leadership techniques and practices, knowledge of applicable policies and procedures, laws, and regulations; 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; excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; valid driver’s license; ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot; walk over and through logging debris, heavy brush, mud, swamps, and other adverse terrain; climb onto and around heavy equipment, ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion; and experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software required.
Additional Considerations
5 years + of technical forestry experience, leadership training or equivalent experience leading employees.
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.
As a responder on wildfires, must be willing and able to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons. Within one year of hire, must complete CDL training. 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.
Contact Information
Name: Kristina Clore
Phone: 434/529/7244
Email: kristina.clore@dof.virginia.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.