Forest Technician (Technologists & Technicians)

  Commonwealth of Virginia

  King William, Virginia, United States

We are recruiting for TWO positions. The first is in our Eastern Region, Capital Work Area, which covers the counties of Charles City, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King & Queen, King William and New Kent. The second position is in our Western Region, Mount Rogers Work Area, which covers the counties of Carroll, Floyd, Grayson, Pulaski, Smyth, Washington and Wythe. Within 6 months of hire, the successful candidates must reside within the limits of the Work Areas at locations approved by the Regional Foresters.

Incumbent performs paraprofessional technical forest management work in assigned work areas. Duties include: inspecting harvested tracts to ensure compliance with Water Quality laws; enforcing the Forest Fire, Water Quality and Seed Tree laws; protecting forested land in accordance with the Department’s Fire Readiness Plan as a responder; using heavy equipment in fire suppression and other activities; providing fire suppression training to cooperators; assisting with fire prevention programs; collecting field data; providing oversight to contractors and crews on tree planting projects; and participating in special initiatives/projects as designated.

Minimum Qualifications 
High School diploma or GED; and Associate’s Degree in Forestry or a related field or equivalent field experience required. Forest management and/or logging training and experience; effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to effectively and efficiently work with minimal supervision; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals; ability to perform basic math functions; strong organizational skills; ability to correctly complete basic reports; valid driver’s license; ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot; ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion; and experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software required.

Preferred Qualifications 
Knowledge of Best Management Practices for forestry and logging; experience in heavy equipment operation; training and experience in wildland fire fighting; and experience and skill in public speaking desired.

Special Requirements 
Must be able to obtain Commercial Driver’s License within twelve months of employment. As a responder for 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, prior to employment offer. The test consists of walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack. Selected candidate is required to be drug tested and pass a criminal background check.

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