Title: State Lands Forester III

Application Deadline Date: 07/20/2026

Req ID: 55206

Department: Forests Parks & Recreation

Location:

Barre, VT, US

Position Type: Permanent

Schedule Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: $29.15

Maximum Salary: $45.58

Overview

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is excited to recruit for a State Lands Forester in the Barre 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 and land stewardship projects in the central region of Vermont, consisting of 103,000 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.

The State Lands Forester will focus on all aspects of forest resource management in the district. The successful candidate will conduct forest resource inventory, assessment and management, including timber sale preparation and administration; implement forest road maintenance and rehabilitation projects; and conduct invasive plant management, timber stand improvement, and habitat management projects. This position will also contribute to long-range management planning and recreation project planning and management in the district as part of the State Lands Team. 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.

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 two years of hire at the Forestry Professional II level. Candidates must be willing to travel within the state and the position may require use of a personal vehicle. The successful candidate will also be expected to operate a chainsaw and obtain a Vermont Pesticide Applicator's License (Category 2). The position is based in FPR's Barre District office. Current State of Vermont Forester License is required for this position or eligibility for State of Vermont Forester Licensure within one year of hire and possession of State of Vermont Forester Licensure within 1.5 years of hire.

Who May Apply

This position, State Lands Forester III (Job Requisition #55206), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Level II: Job Requisition #55332

Level III: Job Requsition #55206

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jim.Duncan@vermont.gov
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are frequently performed in a field setting; involving exposure to all types of weather conditions. Strength and agility are needed in traversing steep and rough terrain. They may use a variety of hand tools, such as axes, saws, and shovels, and power equipment, such as chain saws. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required. Some work outside of regular working hours may be required. Strong and conflicting public opinions may be encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND four (4) years or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, or wildlife management, or an environmental field.
OR
Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND two (2) years or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, wildlife management or an environmental field.
OR
Master's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, biological or earth science, or wildlife management AND one (1) year or more of experience in forestry, natural resources management, biological or earth science, wildlife management, or an environmental field.
OR
One (1) year or more as Forestry Professional II with the State of Vermont.
OR
Licensed as forester by the State of Vermont.

Special Requirements

Some positions may require the ability to obtain a Vermont forester's license within 6 months of hiring.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Low cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.