Local Forestry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

District Forester-Dan River District
Job no: 5111365
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Halifax, Virginia, Mecklenburg, Virginia, Pittsylvania, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources
Title: District Forester-Dan River District
State Role Title: Natural Resource Manager II
Hiring Range: $67,000.00-$82,000.00
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Department of Forestry
Location: Central Office Mecklenberg
Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Forestry is seeking to hire a District Forester for our Dan River District in the Central Region, which encompasses Mecklenburg, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties including the City of Danville. This position reports to the Deputy Regional Forester and leads staff in a multi-county district to accomplish the DOF's mission and strategic goals.
The District Forester leads and supervises a staff of foresters and technicians in the Dan River District and provides direction, oversight, and work planning in program delivery for the following areas: forest management, fire suppression, forestland conservation, urban & community forestry, watershed management, conservation education, forest health, and enforcement of water quality and fire laws. The position represents the agency in local forestry related issues, mentors and trains staff members, evaluates and provides feedback to staff on an on-going basis, develops annual work profiles and performance evaluations for assigned employees, and manages assigned staff to efficiently and effectively deliver agency services. The District Forester is also responsible for ensuring maintenance needs are met for any agency facilities located in their assigned district, which includes soliciting private vendors to perform needed repairs, manage office cleaning and yard maintenance contracts, and working with regional staff on the procurement of services related to facility maintenance needs. The position will be responsible for providing incident leadership, support, and occasional direct suppression as it relates to wildland fire response.
Location: This position is part of the Dan River District, covering Mecklenburg, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties including the City of Danville.
Within 6 months of hire, the chosen candidate must reside in either Mecklenburg, Halifax, or Pittsylvania Counties or the City of Danville.
This position is classified as having a home-based duty location. A take home state-owned vehicle, laptop, smartphone, and mobile printer will be provided.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of effective supervisory techniques and practices; knowledge of Virginia's forestry laws, regulations and best management practices; demonstrated knowledge of sliviculture and forest ecology; experience managing and suppressing wildland fires; experience in technical and professional forestry work; formal training or equivalent experience in forest management, watershed management, natural resource conservation, forest health, or urban and community forestry.
Must have the ability to work independently, have excellent organizational skills, and have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public. Must have demonstrated excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, and have the ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software. Candidates must have the ability to negotiate different types of forested and rugged terrain on foot in all types of weather, the ability to climb on and off equipment, and the ability to work in smoky environments.
Additional Considerations
-Leadership training or experience
-Experience working for a state forestry agency
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 be able to obtain a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License within 6 months of employment. Must be able to obtain Commercial Driver's License within 12 months of employment. As a responder for wildfires, must be willing and able to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons. Must pass moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines. The test consists of walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack. Selected candidate is required to be drug tested and pass a criminal background check.
The Virginia Department of Forestry is an Emergency Response agency, as such, all employees may be required to provide support during emergency situations; this may include nights, weekends or holidays as the need arises.
Contact Information
Name: Kristina Estep
Phone: 434-529-7244
Email: kristina.estep@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.
Advertised: 28 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 11 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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