State Forest Forester

Position overview

The Virginia Department of Forestry is hiring a Forester to support management of the 19,513-acre Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest in Buckingham, Virginia. This role functions as a forestry specialist focused on applying science-based, multi-use forest management approaches that improve forest health, recreational access, conservation education, and broader community benefits within an active working forest.

This position is tied to the State Forest’s earned revenue operations and is not general-funded.

Key duties

The selected person will handle field and office work related to forest management, land stewardship, public interaction, and coordination with partners. Responsibilities include forest inventory, cruising, forest management plan development, silvicultural treatments, timber sale administration, infrastructure upkeep, GIS and data work, public relations, and other related assignments.

The job also includes support for wildland fire response and prescribed burning activities. The role requires ongoing recordkeeping and compliance with Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and American Tree Farm Standard (ATFS) certification expectations.

The forester will also work with partner organizations, local government, citizen groups, other state agencies such as the Department of Wildlife Resources, timber buyers, and other stakeholders to support active forest management, wildlife habitat work, and recreational or conservation objectives.

Management and planning

This position works as a local forest manager and helps develop budgets with the State Forest Superintendent. It involves setting priorities for harvesting and project work in line with State Forest Management Plan guidance, while also identifying ways to secure funding for forest projects and activities.

Work conditions and requirements

The role may involve driving and operating transports, heavy equipment, and small equipment, working in smoky environments, traveling within the state, staying overnight occasionally, and moving across different types of forest terrain on foot. The employee must be able to meet budget timelines, solve problems effectively, and work independently.

Minimum qualifications

Applicants should have experience in technical and professional forestry work, including forest inventory and some familiarity with forest management plan development. They should also know how to identify common native and invasive tree species in Virginia, understand Virginia forestry laws and best management practices for water quality, and be comfortable using GIS and GPS tools and equipment.

The position requires the ability to work independently, navigate uneven forest terrain, meet deadlines, communicate well with timber buyers, the public, and other Department of Forestry staff, and maintain eligibility for a Department of Forestry Incident Qualification Card and wildland firefighting duties.

Preferred qualifications

A SAF-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation/Management, or a related field with forest management coursework is preferred. Experience or training in wildland firefighting and/or prescribed burn work, including Virginia Prescribed Burn Manager certification, is also valued.

Licenses, tests, and other conditions

The candidate must have, or be able to obtain within 12 months, a Virginia commercial and right-of-way pesticide applicator license and a Commercial Driver’s License. The selected applicant must pass a moderate physical fitness test based on federal guidelines, which includes walking 2 miles in 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack.

Employment is subject to a criminal background check and drug screening. Because the Department of Forestry is an emergency response agency, employees may also be called on to support emergency operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays when needed.

Application and hiring note

Applicants should ensure their application and résumé are submitted successfully and then check their account status area for confirmation. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process if they have an applicable AHP letter from DARS or DBVI. Service-connected veterans are encouraged to provide the appropriate documentation, and a prior Certificate of Disability dated between April 1, 2022 and February 29, 2024 may still be used where applicable.

Contact

Kristina Estep
434-529-7244
kristina.estep@dof.virginia.gov