What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forest Technician-Dan River District position at Department of Forestry?
- 5114523
- Halifax, Virginia, United States
- Mecklenburg, Virginia, United States
- Pittsylvania, Virginia, United States
- Department of Forestry
- Applied Sciences and Natural Resources
- Full-Time (Salaried)
- Closing at: Nov 18 2026 - 23:55 EST
- Department of Forestry
Title: Forest Technician-Dan River District
State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec II
Hiring Range: $37,000.00-$50,000.00
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Department of Forestry
Location: Central Office Mecklenberg
Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Inspecting logging jobs for compliance with Virginia's Silvicultural Water Quality Law.
- Assisting loggers, timber buyers, and forestry professionals with pre-harvest planning and providing Best Management Practices (BMP) recommendations.
- Preventing and suppressing wildland fires, enforcing Virginia's forest fire laws
- Ensuring wildland firefighting equipment is maintained and ready to respond to wildland fires or other emergencies.
- GPS & GIS mapping
- Coordinating with local governments and fire departments
- Educating the public about the benefits of trees and forests
- Special projects including state forest or state lands management.
- Maintaining DOF facilities, vehicles, and equipment, including regular equipment exercise.
Location: This position will be focused on providing agency services in Mecklenburg County. This position is part of the Dan River District, which includes the counties of Halifax, Mecklenburg, and Pittsylvania, and the city of Danville.
This position is 100% mobile. However, there is a designated DOF office located in Boydton that can be used as needed. A take home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer will be provided.
Within 6 months of hire, the chosen candidate must reside in Mecklenburg County or within 30 minutes of the Boydton office and within the district.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates for this position should have knowledge or experience with technical or professional forestry, logging, or natural resource management related work. Candidates must be able to work independently in a team-oriented atmosphere, exhibit ability to multi-task, have demonstrated initiative in previous jobs, and communicate effectively in English. Other minimum qualifications:
- Knowledge of Virginia's forestry laws and best management practices (silvicultural BMPs).
- Able to identify common Virginia tree species.
- Demonstrated communication skills, organization skills, and public speaking experience.
- Experience using Geographic information systems (GIS), GPS units, and/or digital mapping tools.
- Experience with common forestry tools.
- Experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software such as Excel.
Additional Considerations
- Holds a valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B)
- Experience with heavy equipment operations (bulldozer or related tracked equipment).
- Completion of basic wildland firefighting courses (NWCG: S-130, S-190, L-180; FEMA: ICS-100) and fire experience (prescribed burn or wildfire).
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.
Must be able to obtain a Virginia Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B) within six months of employment. Training provided as needed. As a responder on wildfires, must be 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. The test 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.
The Virginia Department of Forestry is an Emergency Response agency, as such, all employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations; this may include nights, weekends or holidays as the need arises.
Contact Information
Name: Kristina Estep
Phone: 434-529-7244
Email: kristina.estep@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.
Salary : $37,000 - $50,000