The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is excited to recruit for a State Lands Forester in the Rutland District of the Division of Forests. The Division manages a wide variety of public lands and serves to protect and enhance forestland, natural resources, and outdoor recreation throughout Vermont. This is an exciting opportunity to implement forest management and recreation projects in the ecologically diverse southwestern region of Vermont overseeing 40,000 acres of public land as part of a close-knit, collaborative and interdisciplinary team of resource professionals.

The State Lands Forester will be involved in all aspects of state lands management as part of a team of resource professionals with the chance to grow in many areas. This will include forest management, recreation management, wildlife habitat management, planning, and related duties.

There will be a particular focus on forest-based recreation in this position, which will have primary responsibility for maintaining and improving the District’s dispersed recreational resources with duties in assessment, planning, and recreation project development, as well as working with partners. The State Lands Forester also conducts forest resource inventory, assessment and management, including timber sale preparation and administration; implements forest road maintenance and rehabilitation projects; and conducts invasive plant management, timber stand improvement, and habitat management projects. This position will develop and oversee contracts and may provide day to day direction to seasonal staff as part of implementing these responsibilities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate applicable and transferrable knowledge or skills in forestry, forest management, forest ecology, forest-based recreation, GIS, effective communication, project management and developing strong working relationships.

Candidates must be willing to travel within the state and the position may require use of a personal vehicle. FPR currently operates in a hybrid working environment, supporting remote work and may include days in which all staff are in the office. Permission to participate in telework is applied for on an individual basis. The position is based in FPR’s Rutland District office.

 The successful candidate will be required to obtain a Vermont Foresters License within six months of hire at the Forestry Professional III level, and within three years of hire at the Forestry Professional II level.

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and its service to the public. This ongoing commitment is integral to our mission and our dedication to sustainable management of Vermont’s Forests and promotion pf public access to and use of these resources.