Title: Tree Improvement Technician

State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist I

Hiring Range: $18.00-$20.00 an hour

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location: New Kent Foresty Center

Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

A part-time Tree Improvement Technician will work with the Tree Improvement team to complete orchard and research work on the ground and some in the office. The TIP focuses on the development of breeding strategies used to genetically improve tree characteristics that are important to Virginia landowners. This role will involve working with heavy machinery for orchard management, coordination of pollination of pine trees at New Kent Forestry Center, and possible research operations (data collection, mowing, management of studies). The Tree Improvement Forester and Tree Improvement Technician will guide the work of this position. It will require work in all weather conditions and possible long days during the summer. This is a temporary position that will last from June to September.

Minimum Qualifications

-Some knowledge of forestry in Virginia and orchard or nursery management
-Ability to complete labor and operate heavy machinery for orchard establishment and maintenance
-Some skills with computers, Microsoft Office suite including email, Word, Excel
-Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods; bend, stoop and reach to file, sort literature, etc.; and work with interruptions.
-Ability to identify, evaluate, and solve problems
-Ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain, including difficult and adverse terrain on foot; lift up to 25 pounds to chest level
-Virginia Driver's License
-Virginia Certified Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain

Additional Considerations

-Knowledge of business operations of seed orchards
-Experience managing seed orchards, grafting, and pollinating
-Experience working on heavy machinery

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.

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.