Public Lands Wildlife Forester- Southwest Virginia
Assistant Hardwood Silviculturist
Location: Norton, VA
Supervisors: Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
Region: Southern Appalachians
Starting Date: January 1, 2022
Term of Position: January 2022 to January 2024, with a possibility of position extension.
Background and Primary Duties:
Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is North America’s foremost conservation
organization dedicated to creating healthy forests, abundant wildlife, and promoting a conservation
ethic. Together with the American Woodcock Society (AWS), established in 2014, RGS & AWS work
with landowners and government agencies to develop critical wildlife habitat utilizing scientific
management practices.
The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) in partnership with the
George Washington and Jefferson (GW-Jeff) National Forests are looking for a motivated individual
to work effectively with the GW-Jeff across three Ranger Districts, the Clinch Ranger District, the
Eastern Divide Ranger District, and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The Southwest
Virginia (SW-VA) Public Lands Wildlife Forester will function as an Assistant Hardwood
Silviculturist on the GW-Jeff, providing silvicultural planning support and on-the-ground field
forestry capacity across all three Ranger Districts.
The position will coordinate vegetation management project planning, design, implementation, and
monitoring on National Forest lands. Active forest management efforts will be implemented to
achieve timber, silviculture, and wildlife objectives from the Jefferson National Forest’s Forest Plan.
In particular, the position will focus on restoring forest structure, composition, and age-class
diversity to assist the recovery of at-risk wildlife identified in the Forest Plan, including species
identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need from the Virginia State Wildlife Action Plan,
while also promoting forest health and timber production objectives.
Increasing the availability of structural and age-class diversity is an important conservation action
necessary for reversing the decline of multiple at-risk wildlife species in the region, including ruffed
grouse, American woodcock, golden-winged warbler, and cerulean warbler. Our objective is to
reverse downward population trends through sustainable forest management by implementing
silvicultural practices that are in line with Best Management Practices for forest wildlife in the
Appalachian region.
This position will also function as a liaison between RGS & AWS, the GW-Jeff, and the new state-
wide Virginia Hardwood Forest Habitat Initiative. The position will represent RGS & AWS and the
GW-Jeff in regular meetings and collaborative efforts.
Qualifications:
• A passion for forestry and wildlife conservation.
• In-depth understanding of forest management including forest operations, silviculture,
forest product markets, and environmental regulation. Ability to assess wildlife habitat and
make connections between forest management and wildlife habitat needs.
• Technical expertise in field forestry, including preparing silvicultural treatments, forest
inventory, timber marking, boundary layout, and GPS data collection. Experience in fire
ecology and management is a plus.
• Experience in long-term forest management planning, including growth and yield modeling,
database management, and the utilization of decision support software (e.g., ExamsPC, FVS
and REGEN3).
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills, networking skills, well organized, and
ability to engage with a diversity of collaborators. Experience managing complex projects
under deadlines.
• Knowledge of USDA Forest Service processes, regulations, policies, and directives (e.g.,
NFMA and NEPA). Previous experience working with the Forest Service or another federal
land management agency is preferred.
• Ability to use Excel, ArcGIS, Google Maps, and other computer mapping systems to identify
and delineate project boundaries.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout southwest Virginia and perform
arduous field work on steep terrain and a variety of weather conditions.
• A degree in forestry or closely related field, with 3+ years of experience and/or a graduate
degree in natural resource management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results and meet deadlines.
Applicant must be self-motivated, responsible and have ability to solve problems.
• The position will be required to participate in specific training programs to use partner
facilities and equipment. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
Position Summary:
The SW-VA Public Lands Wildlife Forester’s main duties will include working with RGS & AWS
staff and USDA Forest Service staff, as well as local partners such as the Virginia Department of
Forestry, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, conservation
nonprofits, consulting foresters, procurement foresters, timber purchasers, and other contractors
to:
• Implement active forest management that achieves Objectives from the Jefferson National
Forest’s Forest Plan and benefits healthy forests and abundant wildlife.
• Assist with silvicultural planning and project development for vegetation management
projects on the GW-Jeff, including prescription writing, mapping, vegetative modeling,
implementing common stand exams, and performing old growth surveys.
• Lead the administration of noncommercial treatments and commercial timber harvests to
achieve desired forest conditions, including preparing bid announcements, selecting
contractors, forest road maintenance, and performing site inspections and evaluations.
• Coordinate RGS & AWS’ Stewardship Agreements with the GW-Jeff National Forests,
including the Timberdoodle Stewardship Project on the Clinch Ranger District.
• Assist with monitoring efforts, including the potential to assist with wildlife monitoring
(e.g., ruffed grouse drummer surveys).
• Lead volunteer efforts with RGS & AWS members and the public, including monitoring
efforts, information or interpretive programs, and habitat workdays.
• Communicate the importance of active forest management to RGS & AWS members and the
public during field trips, presentations, blog posts, and local media pitches.
• Maintain a database to track performance, achievements, and outcomes.
• Write and submit regular summaries, and interim and annual reports to RGS & AWS and
partners.
The SW-VA Public Lands Wildlife Forester will be based out of the USDA Forest Service Clinch
Ranger District Office in Norton, VA. The Forester is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS &
AWS in its work. The Forester will be supervised by RGS & AWS’ Southern Appalachian Forest
Conservation Director in partnership with the GW-Jeff. There will be a 60-day probationary period.
COVID-19 Update:
RGS & AWS has organizational policies in place regarding COVID-19. We are following
recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other local guidance as applicable.
We are closely tracking the continued uncertainty regarding the Delta Variant.
The USDA Forest Service continues to emphasize maximizing telework due to the threat of COVID-
19 and the Delta Variant. As such, the Forester may need to perform office work remotely and
attend regular virtual meetings.
Compensation:
The salary is $50,000 per year plus benefits, health insurance, and retirement options. A vehicle will
be available for the Forester. A purchasing card for business and travel expenses, computer, printer,
cell phone, office supplies will be provided. Training and support as needed to excel.
nickb@ruffedgrousesociety.org by 11:59pm on November 12, 2021. If you have any questions,
please contact Nick at 412-719-0625.