Title: Water Quality Engineer

State Role Title: Enviromental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $60,000.00-$80,000.00 DOE with state benefits

Pay Band: 5

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 Water Quality Engineer to lead the agency's silvicultural water quality program in Eastern Virginia.
This position provides consistent enforcement of the Silvicultural Water Quality Law and implementation of the agency's silvicultural water quality program.
Duties include:
• Supervising the DOF Eastern region's two Water Quality Specialist positions;
• Providing training, guidance, and technical assistance to DOF field staff on forestry related water quality law compliance;
• Providing technical assistance and training to the forestry community to implement water quality protection practices on logging operations;
• Serving as a conference officer under the Administrative Process Act;
• Developing pre-harvest plans and other site specific recommendations for timber harvests;
• Auditing harvested sites for implementation of silvicultural best management practices;
• Promoting Forestry Best Management Practices and managing regional logger BMP cost share program;
• Leading regional timber theft program;
• Assisting with emergency response functions and wildfire suppression.

The successful candidate must live within the DOF Eastern Region within 6 months of hire.
This field position is home based and part of the agency's mobile workforce. State vehicle is provided.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of scientific principles and application of silvicultural Best Management Practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of forest management.
• Knowledge of timber harvesting systems used in Eastern Virginia.
•Demonstrated knowledge of Virginia forestry laws and the Chesapeake Bay Act
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English in both oral and written formats.
• Experience developing and leading trainings and educational events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with cooperating agencies, the private sector, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently and in remote locations.
• Ability to negotiate forested and rough terrain on foot in all types of weather. Able to climb onto and around heavy equipment and safely negotiate logging sites.
• Experience using Geographic information systems, GPS units, and digital mapping tools.
• Experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office products.
• Possession of valid Virginia Driver’s License or equivalent.

Additional Considerations

• Completion of S-130 (firefighter training) and S-190 (introduction to wildland fire behavior) courses.
• Experience developing pre-harvest plans and prescribing BMP recommendations on harvest sites.
• Experience supervising and training 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.

Successful candidate must live within the DOF Eastern Region within 6 months of hire.
Must be able to obtain Virginia Commercial Drivers License within twelve 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 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: 434-529-7244

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.