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Virginia Department of Forestry · 1 week ago

Forest Technician-Tidewater District

United States

Part-time

Remote

New Grad, Entry Level

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a motivated individual with an interest in forest management to join their Tidewater District team as a Forest Technician. This role involves working in the field with landowners, loggers, and local governments to support the agency's mission of protecting and enhancing Virginia's forests, including inspecting timber harvests and providing wildland fire training.

Environmental Services

Responsibilities

Inspect timber harvests to protect water quality

Prepare preharvest plans for landowners and loggers

Enforce Virginia forest fire, water quality, and seed tree laws

Act as a wildland firefighter using specially equipped bulldozers, UTVs, and other resources in wildland fire suppression

Provide wildland fire training to cooperators

Assist with fire prevention and mitigation programs

Maintain DOF firefighting equipment including pickup trucks, UTVs, and bulldozers

Organize, communicate with, and train part-time wildland firefighters working in the Tidewater District

Assist DOF area foresters with collection of field data and forest measurements

Conduct GPS/GIS mapping of tracts

Assist with district office, equipment, and yard maintenance work

Qualification

Heavy equipment operationsWildland firefighting coursesGPS/GIS mappingField data collectionIndependenceCommunicationTeamwork

Required

Ability to negotiate different types of forested, rough, and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather

Ability to climb on and off equipment

Ability to work in smoky environments

Willing and able to work independently in remote locations

Able to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion

Valid Virginia driver's license or the ability to obtain one before starting with the agency

Must be able to obtain a Virginia Commercial Drivers License (Class A or B) within six months of employment (training provided if necessary)

Willing and able to be on-call during Spring and Fall fire seasons

Must pass moderate physical fitness test annually, per Federal wildland firefighting guidelines, which 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

Preferred

Holds a valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B)

Experience with heavy equipment operations (such as a bulldozer)

Completion of basic wildland firefighting courses (NWCG: S-130, S-190, L-180; FEMA: ICS-100) and fire experience (prescribed burn or wildfire)

Benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Healthcare

State retirement plan

Company

Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) manages state forests, suppresses wildland fires, serves forest landowners, and ensures a sustainable, healthy forest resource for the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1914