The Virginia Department of Forestry has a brand new and exciting opportunity for a pathfinder to develop and guide Virginia’s Hardwood Forest Habitat Initiative.
This newly established position lays the foundation for a statewide hardwood habitat initiative. The incumbent drives all efforts associated with establishing a new program, its management, budgeting and its overall alignment with Virginia Department of Forestry programs, our regional support/partners and interagency agreements. The coordinator serves as the agency’s subject matter expert and state advocate on this matter; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders for program execution through a sustainable coordinating function.
In this role, the incumbent not only drives public education or relations efforts on the benefits of hardwood forests, but it also drives the implementation of a strategic plan with clear outcomes or expectations to advance the initiative starting on 2021 and beyond.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate studies in forestry from SAF accredited college. Knowledge of hardwood silviculture and forest management in Virginia; able to make effective oral presentations on technical matters while acting as lead on meetings or events; must have demonstrated experience to work independently; demonstrated ability to effectively implement and oversee projects involving multiple concurrent elements; experience in collaboration with diverse partners; successful program management experience; able to organize multiple priorities for tracking and reporting; demonstrated and successful strategic management experience; experience in planning, budget administration, partnership development and public relations; experience with implementing landowner incentive programs; skilled in Microsoft Office suite and electronic communications. Able to work in an office with many interruptions or for extended periods; bend, stoop, and reach to file and to lift up to 40 pounds to chest level. Able to negotiate different types of forested terrain through logging debris, heavy brush, and in other adverse terrain.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in natural resources or business administration;
Knowledge and experience in the management of Appalachian hardwood forests including implementing silvicultural practices such as thinning and prescribed burning;
Experience overseeing forestry contractors such as loggers and/or tree planters.
Hiring Range $55,000-$80,000 DOE w/benefits