Title: Seasonal Firefighter-Central Region

State Role Title: Forestry Fire Fighter

Hiring Range: $20.60 an hour

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location: Charlottesville, Nat Resrcs Dr

Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Department of Forestry's (DOF) Central Region is seeking three Seasonal Firefighters to support agency wildfire suppression operations, provide assistance with initial attack, mop-up and rehabilitation operations. Seasonal Firefighters work a 40-hour work week, with overtime likely during periods of extended fire suppression operations. Weekly work schedules will be established by the assigned DOF district. During periods of no fire suppression activity, seasonal firefighters complete other agency tasks including wildfire hazard mitigation work, hardwood tree improvement, forest management activities, and DOF building and grounds improvement. Frequent overnight travel is expected.

This is a seasonal (temporary) position, will end as of April 30, 2026, and is limited to 1500 hours.

Location: this position is located within the DOF's Central Region and will be stationed out of the DOF office in Woodstock, Crimora, Charlottesville, Warrenton, Amherst, Buckingham, Rustburg, Chatham, Halifax, Boydton, or Victoria based upon where the successful candidate resides.

Minimum Qualifications

Must meet the requirements to be qualified as a DOF wildland firefighter, as a minimum. Possess or obtain an on the ground knowledge of the county/area assigned and an understanding of local issues and people. Ability to perform basic math functions and complete reports/records required. Ability to work in a team environment and to carry out fire suppression activities. Ability to communicate with people in the English language in person, over the telephone, and via two-way radio; negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot; be on-call; work overtime as required; walk over and through logging debris, heavy brush, and other adverse terrain; climb onto and around heavy equipment; carry up to 40 pounds over forested terrain under stressful circumstances; quickly and safely move over forested terrain during active fire situations; utilize wildland firefighting tools on forested terrain; work outdoors in all kinds of weather; drive a variety of vehicles including transports and heavy equipment; and work in smoky environments while fighting wildland fires. During periods of emergency response, incumbent has abnormal/longer periods and/or highly stressful situations will occur. Must possess a valid driver's license. May be required to assist the Agency or State Government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor. Regular and reliable attendance required. Proficiency using a PC and Microsoft Office software required. Must be willing and able to work additional hours, including nights and weekends, during wildland fires and other emergency situations; and be on-call as necessary to support agency emergency response needs. Must pass moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines. The test consists of walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack.

Additional Considerations

Current NWCG squad boss and/or faller qualification. Commercial driver's license with experience operating a DOF transport and tractor-plow unit.

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.

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.
A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required for the final candidate.

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.