Title: Assistant Tree Improvement Forester State Role Title: Natural Resource Specialist III Hiring Range: $50,000.00-$65,000.00 Pay Band: 4 Agency: Department of Forestry Location: Eastern Office New Kent Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties The Assistant Tree Improvement Forester will share duties and responsibilities for the Tree Improvement Program with the current Tree Improvement Forester. The main function of this position will be to learn the management and procedures of the Tree Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP focuses on the development of breeding strategies used to genetically improve tree characteristics that are important to Virginia landowners. Within this role there are two main areas of emphasis: research and orchard operations. The TIP provides both the expertise in genetic selections and the actual production of seeds for VDOF nurseries. The research tasks will include collaboration with the Tree Improvement Cooperative, experimental design set up and execution, data collection and management, utilization of scientific tools and equipment and the ability to present findings to a range of audiences. The orchard operation tasks will include the management and safety of support staff, orchard tree selections, establishment and maintenance of orchards, and seed collection and processing coordination. High levels of collaboration will be necessary across VDOF including interactions with the nurseries, state forests, and research program. This role will require occasional travel for meetings and conferences and work in all weather conditions. Minimum Qualifications * Knowledge of forestry in Virginia, tree genetics, orchard management, and experimental design set-up * Experience working with collaborators, organizing contractors to accomplish tasks, and independently completing projects * Ability to compile plans for orchard establishment and maintenance * Ability to communicate effectively in writing, prepare reports and proposals, track and administer budgets * Ability to communicate effectively orally in the English language both in person and on the telephone. Ability in public speaking before audiences of all sizes * Ability to work and engage with a wide variety of existing and new partners, groups, agencies, and organizations. * Willingness to take on new professional and technical methods and equipment as they become available * Ability to contribute to orchard tree selections and further tree improvement decisions with regard to collected data and updated literature * Ability to make effective oral presentations on technical subjects and teach field personnel. * Demonstrated skills with computers, Microsoft Office suite including email, Word, Excel * Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods; bend, stoop, and reach to file, sort literature, etc.; and work with interruptions. * Ability to identify, evaluate, and solve problems. * Ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain, including difficult and adverse terrain on foot; lift up to 25 pounds to chest level * During periods of emergency response, incumbent may have abnormal/ longer work periods and/or highly stressful situations may occur. Regular and reliable attendance required. * Virginia Driver's License. Virginia Certified Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain Additional Considerations * Extensive understanding of tree genetics and seed orchard management * GIS abilities * Knowledge of business operations of seed orchards * Experience managing seed orchards, grafting, and pollinating * Experience managing staff * Experience working on heavy machinery 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. Contact Information Name: Kristina Clore Phone: 434-529-7244 Email: kristina.clore@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.