Title: Watershed Riparian Forest Buffer Specialist

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec III

Hiring Range: $44,192.00-$48,000.00 with state benefits

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location: Augusta Forestry Center

Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking to hire a Bay Watershed Specialist for our Shenandoah District in the Central Region. Bay Watershed Specialists spend most of their time outdoors providing professional advice and assistance to private landowners, non-profit groups, partner agencies, and localities regarding the establishment and management of riparian forested buffers.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by a Conservation Reserve Program Chesapeake Bay Riparian Initiative Grant for the period of July 16, 2025 - July 16, 2030. The availability of funding is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and annually thereafter. Employment is contingent on the continued availability of grant or non-general funds.

Duties include, but are not limited to:
-Identifying and engaging landowners to implement riparian buffer projects
-Implementing actions in the Virginia Riparian Buffer Action Plan to establish new buffers and conserve existing buffers
-Providing technical assistance and training to natural resource personnel regarding forest buffer establishment and maintenance
-Making timely and appropriate silvicultural recommendations regarding riparian area restoration and management
-Establishing cooperative partnerships with other government and non-government agencies and organizations
-Monitoring and tracking project successes and failures and responding accordingly

Location: This position will be focused on providing agency services in Augusta, Highland, and Rockingham (south of Harrisonburg) Counties, including the City of Harrisonburg, within DOF's Shenandoah District.

This position is 100% mobile. However, there is a designated DOF office located in Crimora that can be used as needed. A take home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer will be provided.

Within 6 months of hire, the chosen candidate must reside within Augusta, Highland, and Rockingham (south of Harrisonburg) Counties.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of forest health issues and concerns, forested watershed management practices, and the principles and practices of forest management; experience in writing forest management plans; ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written formats; ability to establish or 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 different types of forested and rough terrain on foot in all types of weather; 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 Sytems, GPS units, and digital mapping 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.

Must be able to obtain Virginia Pesticide Applicators License within 12 months of employment. 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.