This new exciting position is to serve within the Forestland Conservation Division as the primary leader in watershed management and ecology. This position will lead and integrate agency actions related to the improvement of the nation’s 2 largest estuaries, the Chesapeake Bay and the Albemarle-Pamlico. The leader will develop watershed strategies and initiatives, implementation of Phase III of the Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) by expanding riparian forest buffers and urban tree canopy, and enhancing the forest’s ability to address climate change while also addressing Environmental Justice/Underserved Communities issues related to access to nature and urban heat islands. The Watershed Program Manager will develop a strategy to pursue credit in the WIP similar to the Agricultural Soil and Water Conservation Plans, and will seek to ensure that the plans developed for rural and urban forestland owners (Pre-harvest Plans, Urban Forest Management Plans and Forest Stewardship Management Plans) receive appropriate credit for the water quality benefits provided in accordance with WIP goals. The position will also develop, and deliver on innovative conservation and watershed protection programs that identify impaired watersheds and then prioritize actions to improve upon the overall health and management of the watershed that results in improved water quality and quantity of the Commonwealth’s public water supply, forest resources and market development. This program leader will work closely with the Assistant State Forester, other members of the Forestland Conservation Division and regional staff to ensure positive impacts are achieved by emphasizing linkages between multiple values and objectives. These include innovative solutions to reduce stormwater runoff, develop ecosystem service markets, address coastal resiliency, and build the connection between forestland conservation practices, drinking water and human health. The leader will have the potential for supervising up to four positions focused on outreach to increase project implementation of watershed health practices as well as conservation easement stewardship.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate studies in forestry, natural resources, ecology, hydrology or biology; ability to make effective oral presentations on technical matters while acting as lead on meetings or events; must have demonstrated experience to work independently; experience in collaboration with diverse partners; successful program management experience; ability to organize multiple priorities for tracking and reporting; demonstrated and successful strategic management experience; demonstrated and successful project management experience; demonstrated and successful supervisory experience; understanding of Virginia’s regulatory and permitting process, local govt. planning; understanding of silviculture practices to include harvesting regimes, prescribed fire and water quality BMP’s; able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods; bend, stoop, and reach to file and to lift up to 40 pounds to chest level; and able to negotiate different types of forested terrain through logging debris, heavy brush, and in other adverse terrain.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in forestry, natural resources, forest hydrology, business administration or strategic development;
5+ years of supervisory experience for a geographically disperse workforce;
5+ years of experience working with or in state, federal and local government roles or regulatory guidance.
Hiring Range $55,000-$80,000 DOE w/benefits