Invasive Species Specialist

Title: Invasive Species Specialist

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec III

Hiring Range: $44,192.00-$52,000.00 with state benefits

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Department of Forestry

Location: Charlottesville, Nat Resrcs Dr

Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position will support the Virginia Department of Forestry’s invasive species initiatives in central and western Virginia. The invasive species specialist will work to mitigate the impact of invasive species in support of the objectives outlined in the Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan.

Duties include: monitoring activities to survey forests for non-native species, coordinating treatment on public land, producing educational material, providing assistance to communities and forest landowners, and working to support/develop Virginia PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) organizations. The invasive species specialist will work with other state agencies, federal partners, and non-profit and community groups to plan and implement projects that will reduce the negative impact of invasive species in Virginia’s forests.

Location: This position will serve Central and Western Virginia. DOF offices are located in Salem, VA and Charlottesville, VA.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by federal grants.

Minimum Qualifications

-Coursework in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Weed Science, or a related field
-Knowledge of invasive species ecology and management
-Ability to identify major non-native species in Virginia
-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 negotiate different types of forested terrain, including difficult and adverse terrain on foot; lift up to 25 pounds to chest level
-Ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion
-a valid driver’s license

Additional Considerations

Must obtain a Virginia pesticide applicator (or registered technician) permit within 6 months of hire.
Must pass moderate work capacity test (two mile walk in 30 minutes with 25-pound pack)

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.