Job Duties

This position will assist in the management of the Department's forest habitat management program on DWR Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This position works strategically to supervise a team to prioritize, develop, implement, and promote projects that support the goals of DWR’s EPA grant implementation. Duties will include coordination of a WMA forest habitat management plan, forest consultant contract coordination, development of forest management prescriptions, assist in prescribed burning, coordination of Best Management Practices and management of forest inventory data, cruising and marking timber. This position will manage up to three assistant foresters in their day-to-day activities.

KSA's and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work:
Demonstrated management expertise over a range of forest habitats and conditions involving multiple land management functions of specialties. Demonstrated knowledge of forest management practices that store carbon long term. Ability to design and implement forest habitat management projects under general guidance. Ability to make forest habitat management recommendations based upon training and science. Ability to adjust readily to new priorities. Able to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to interact diplomatically with staff and the public on issues affecting forest habitat management projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated management expertise over a range of forest habitats and conditions involving multiple land management functions of specialties. Demonstrated knowledge of forest management practices that store carbon long term. Ability to design and implement forest habitat management projects under general guidance. Ability to make forest habitat management recommendations based upon training and science. Ability to adjust readily to new priorities. Able to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to interact diplomatically with staff and the public on issues affecting forest habitat management projects.

Additional Considerations

• Experience and in-depth knowledge of forestry, wildlife science, biology, ecology, natural resource management or a related profession.
• Experience in meeting, developing, and implementing conservation planning goals.
• Motivated individual who is comfortable working independently under remote supervision.
• Experience with GIS software and data management is desirable.
• A commercial pesticide applicators license is also preferred. Must be able to obtain a commercial pesticide applicator's license within 1 year of employment.
• Possession of a VA Prescribed Burn Manger and S130-190 Wildland Firefighter with a moderate work capacity test (WCT) fitness test required within 1 year of employment
Considerable knowledge of managing staff and projects.
• Considerable knowledge of forest management practices and how they enhance carbon storage potential.
• Considerable knowledge of wildlife and habitat conservation and management practices or related field (biology, ecology, human dimensions of natural resources, etc.).
• Strong proficiency in writing and editing, particularly as it pertains to forestry.
• Proficiency in multi-tasking and managing large, multi-faceted projects, highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to routinely engage with partners.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas verbally or in writing as required to perform the job; understand and correctly interpret communications; actively participate in and contribute to group discussions; prepare clear and concise written communications; demonstrate effective verbal communications with staff and constituents.
• Ability and desire to work with a diversity of people including local, state, federal, and non-governmental resource professionals, non-profits, industry professionals and other community representatives, and citizens.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Special Instructions

“ Note: This is a Restricted Position with annual funding for five years from the date of hire. The position eligibility may be extended if additional funding is granted beyond that time frame, but this isn’t guaranteed.”