County Forester

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Located in the western part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Loudoun County is a dynamic community that experienced significant growth over the past few decades with changing development environments, ranging from transit-oriented development at our new Metrorail stations, to redevelopment of existing neighborhoods, to maintaining and fostering our vibrant rural economy in the western part of the county. These factors create a fast-paced, high-energy work environment. The Department of Building and Development prides itself on providing great customer service in an atmosphere where work-life balance and professional development are respected and encouraged. The Natural Resources Division serves as a regulatory expert in the areas of foresty, floodplain management, and natural resources, and ensures that protection of property and local waters during construction through permits that address land disturbance.

The Natural Resources Division in the Department of Building and Development is seeking candidates for a full-time position on the Natural Resources Team. The ideal candidate must have a knowledge of and understanding of arboriculture, urban forestry, and project management. Under the general direction of the Natural Resources Team Lead, the Arborist - County Forester reviews forest management plans, presents technical information, answers questions as a subject matter expert; creates and implements public outreach campaigns and events; assists the public with forestry related concerns, conducts field site visits to identify and evaluate critical environmental issues; and promotes, coordinates, and participates in tree planting projects.

Duties of the County Forester include:
* Reviews Forest Management Plans and minor development applications,
* Presents technical information and drafts amendments to the Board of Supervisors (BOS), Public Review Committee and Planning Commission regarding Loudoun's forest resources,
* Issues news articles, presentations, and public service announcements (PSAs) on environmental forestry initiatives and issues; supports and educates staff to help intercept problems in the plans review process,
* Conducts outreach activities and coordinates the County's Arbor Day activities,
* Develops training related to forestry,
* Responds to complaints and customer service inquiries related to forestry,
* Coordinates with leadership to develop Department policy pertaining to forestry issues, and
* Works with other groups and staff on revising current County codes. (Facility Standard Manual and Zoning Ordinance amendments).

The ideal candidate will demonstrate creative and strategic approaches to problem solving and the ability to work independently or on a team. The ideal candidate will be able to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing, to include preparing reports, giving presentations, and expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience. The candidate should have excellent research skills and the ability to use sound judgment to solve problems and issues with minimum supervision.

This position may be assigned to assist with special projects or initiatives and is eligible for telework per the Department's telework policy.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field; three (3) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Criminal and DMV background checks required. For DMV check, valid driver's license and good driving record required (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).

This position may require the candidate to work beyond the normal workday as required to attend Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, or other special meetings. In addition, this position may be required to complete field work and be present at development and construction sites.