Forest Health Specialist

Title: Forest Health Specialist

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec. III

Hiring Range: $44,000.00-$52,000.00 DOE

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location: Charlottesville, Nat Resrcs Dr

Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking a well-organized and motivated individual to support the agency’s Forest Health Program under the supervision of the Forest Health Program Manager. This position will work to implement the goals of DOF’s Forest Health Program which includes forest health monitoring, data collection and reporting, landowner assistance, and outreach and education. Duties include: conducting field surveys for major forest insect and disease damage agents; monitoring other forest health issues of high concern including non-native invasive plants and issues associated with meteorological events; providing outreach and assistance to landowners, foresters, and other stakeholders with forest health related problems or concerns; utilizing GIS to assemble data and generate outbreak maps from ground and aerial surveys; and implementing treatment and cost-share programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Coursework in Forestry, Plant Pathology, Natural Resource Management, Entomology, Ecology, or Environmental Science
• Knowledge of and skill in basic identification, biology and management of major forest insect pests, pathogens and non-native invasive plants
• Basic knowledge of dendrology, forest ecology, silviculture, and forest sampling techniques
• Proficiency using ArcGIS and Microsoft Office software
• Demonstrated effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to negotiate and work in different types of forested terrain on foot under a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to travel in a small airplane to conduct aerial surveys of major forest damage
• Ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion
• A valid driver’s license

Additional Considerations

• Advanced coursework and relevant experience in the areas of forest entomology and/or forest pathology.
• Experience applying pesticides.

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 obtain a Virginia pesticide applicator (or registered technician) permit within 6 months of hire.
• Must pass moderate work capacity test (two mile walk in 30 minutes with 25 pound pack)
  

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.