Title: Watershed Stewardship Specialist-Western Region

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec III

Hiring Range: $55,000.00-$65,000.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location: Western Office Salem

Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a Watershed Stewardship Specialist to implement watershed management efforts and VDOF conservation easement stewardship. This position will serve within the Western Region, reporting to the Deputy Regional Forester and working in close partnership with the agency's Office of Working Lands. The successful candidate will: coordinate and promote regional watershed conservation/protection initiatives including implementation of Phase Ill of VDOF's Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), assist in building new watershed programs, promote Chesapeake Bay restoration strategies and work to maintain and build new partnerships for VDOF with individuals, non-profits, government entities, etc. Focused duties will include establishing riparian forest buffers, afforestation projects and increasing urban tree canopy. These efforts will work in concert to improve water quantity and quality throughout the Commonwealth.

In addition to this position's watershed management responsibilities, this position will assist VDOF Conservation Easement Staff in annual field monitoring of the agency's conservation easements. In conjunction with the Forestland Conservation Coordinator, the position will be jointly responsible for coordinating visits with easement landowners, documenting changes to easement properties, and providing landowners with support and information related to VDOF programs.

This position will support agency emergency response activities by participating in wildfire suppression and support roles such as dispatching, and incident management team activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience or training in forest management practices, watershed management or related natural resources fields. Experience with or training in land stewardship/management, conservation easements, experience or training related to urban forestry and riparian buffer establishment. Knowledge of Virginia's Best Management Practices for Water Quality; experience/training using GPS units, strong communication skills, including experience compiling and submitting detailed reports; demonstrated experience working with diverse audiences, including landowners, community partners. etc.; experience in community and/or landowner outreach. Proficient with using a PC and Microsoft Office software. Ability to support fire and other emergency response activities as needed; able to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot; able to work overtime as required; able to bend, stoop, and reach to pull out files, etc.; able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather; able to work in environments with varying noise and light levels; and regular and reliable attendance required.

Additional Considerations

3+ years of experience in forestry, watershed management or a related field. Working knowledge of GIS based mapping systems, ARC GIS/ESRI etc. Demonstrated experience working with conservation easements.

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 Class B Commercial Drivers License within 12 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, 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.