Title: Forest Technician-Cumberland State Forest
State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist II
Hiring Range: $37,000.00-$45,000.00 DOE with state benefits
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Department of Forestry
Location: Cumberland SF
Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
This position will provide technical support and assistance to State Forest Managers in day-to-day activities in State Forest and on State-Owned Lands with a primary focus on forest management activities. Forest Technician will primarily be working on the Cumberland State Forest, but at times working on other State Forests and State-Owned Lands as needed.
This includes conducting surveys for timber sales, herbicide areas, property boundary line location & maintenance, and other forest habitat treatments under the direction of the State Forest Manager. The individual will also assist with the collection and analysis of GPS data to produce maps. Assist in the multiple-use objectives of the State Forest system by performing technical forestry and wildlife management activities, oversight of contractor performance and adherence to specifications, and maintenance of DOF infrastructure and equipment. The incumbent at times should be able operate a variety of equipment such as farm tractor, bushhog, bulldozer, motor grader, dump truck, skid steer, mini excavator, knuckle boom loader, lawn mower, UTV, chain saw, and a variety of other power tools and hand tools. The incumbent will also be responsible for the operation of the Cumberland Seedling Cold Storage facility, to include forklift operation, receiving and distribution of tree seedlings to planting contractors, and maintaining inventory reports.
Minimum Qualifications
Able to work independently outside, in all weather conditions, in rough and uneven terrain, and in remote locations. Experience and skills in farming, logging, and construction. Able to use a map to locate work areas and boundary lines. Experience with and ability to use a Personal Computer, Microsoft Office software, and Geographic Information System software.
Additional Considerations
Experience in technical or professional natural resource work, including forest inventory; experience using professional grade Global Positioning System (GPS) units and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping programs, completion of S-130 (basic firefighter) and S-190 (introduction to fire behavior); experience with heavy equipment operation. Ability to operate and maintain multiple types of equipment including farm tractors, bushhog, bulldozer, boom ax, skid steer, mini excavator, knuckle boom loader, mower, forklift, chain saw, power tools, and hand tools.
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.
Expected to frequently travel to and possibly stay overnight at alternate work locations statewide. Must obtain Commercial Driver's License (Class A with air brakes endorsement) and Virginia Pesticide Applicators License within 12 months of employment. Obtain UTV operator, forklift operator, chainsaw operator, and prescribed burn manager certifications within 12 months. Must pass moderate physical fitness test annually per federal guidelines. The test consists of walking 2 miles carrying a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes. Be on call and respond to wildfire and other emergencies per the VDOF Emergency Response and Readiness Plan. Selected candidate is required to pass a criminal background check and a drug test.
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.