Workforce
Opportunities Abound
[team: what else do we want to say here?] There is a growing need for professionals who work in conservation and sustainable landscaping. If you have interest and/or experience in the areas below, this may be a good time to pursue education and a career in this area. Here are some of the jobs available in the field:
- Arborists and Foresters
- Engineers
- Green Infrastructure, Low Impact Development (LID), Stormwater Professionals
- Grounds Managers and other maintenance professionals
- Horticulturists
- Landscape architects and designers
- Integrated pest management (IPM) technicians or licensed pesticide applicators
- Landscape contractors and technicians
- Nutrient management (fertilizer) planners
- Soil and Environmental Scientists
- Urban Planners
- Other Related Professionals
Jump straight to a topic:
Job Opportunities
Appalachian Conservation Crew is Hiring for the Fall Season!
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) seeks applicants who are interested in fully committing to the program, who are willing to overcome any challenges, and those who will take advantage of the opportunities, skills and trainings that are offered throughout their term of service. ACC seeks those who will benefit from and contribute the most to the program; many positions require no previous experience. To view all of the open position, or to apply, visit: appalachiancc.org/open-positions
Trout Unlimited is Hiring a Seasonal Watershed Survey Technician!
Trout Unlimited’s Mid Atlantic Coldwater Habitat Program is looking to hire several entry-level, seasonal Watershed Survey Technician positions with negotiable spring/early summer 2023 start dates. Successful candidates will receive training and experience conducting watershed scale surveys of stream habitat and stream condition, stream crossings, road conditions, and other conditions affecting watershed conditions. This is a paid position with optional, shared crew housing available. For more information, or to apply, visit: recruiting.paylocity.com
The Thomas Jefferson SWCD is Hiring for Three Positions!
The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District is currently hiring for an Agriculture Administrative Assistant, an Agriculture Conservation Technician, and an Agriculture Engineering Specialist. If interested, fill out an employment application and send to agrecruitment@tjswcd.org.
Virginia Forestry and Wildlife Group is Hiring a Natural Resource Management Technician!
The technician will be part of a field management crew. Activities will include (but are not limited to) the implementation of natural resource management activities: primarily invasive species control (75%), prescribed fire, forest management, wildlife habitat establishment and maintenance, tree/shrub planting, field surveys and assessments and biodiversity restoration work. The position is field-based, so applicants should be physically fit and willing to work in a diversity of outdoor habitats and situations including mountainous terrain.
To apply send cover letter, resume, and references to jobs@vaforestwild.com For more information, visit: vaforestwild.com/jobs
Certifications
Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification
The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification is a new, voluntary credential system for professionals who design, install, and maintain sustainable landscapes.
The credential training and examination are based on a core set of standards in sustainable landscaping emphasizing stormwater best management practices and conservation landscaping with native plants to benefit the environment.
Since the program began in 2016, CBLP has certified 1,254 Level 1 professionals, and 139 Level 2 advanced design and installation professionals.
CBLP offers two levels of certification.
- Level 1 is a baseline credential in design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes, with emphasis on how to properly maintain stormwater best management practices.
- Level 2 is an advanced credential for professionals experienced in design and/or installation of conservation landscapes and green infrastructure. Participants in the Level 2 Intensive Seminar complete a residential design/implementation project which incorporates vegetation and soil protection, stormwater treatment train planning, and using natural communities as a reference for planting design.
Visit the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional website for complete information »
Registration is now open. REGISTER TODAY »
Virginia Master Naturalist
People who are curious about nature, enjoy the outdoors, and want to be a part of natural resource management and conservation in Virginia are perfect candidates to become Virginia Master Naturalists. Learn more »
Sustainable Landscape Design with Woody Plants – Cornell Certificate Program
This certificate program will familiarize you with woody plant identification, appropriate plant use, and design and landscape establishment in various human-impacted landscapes. By practicing site assessment and related planting design in various simulations, you will gain confidence in identifying and selecting landscape plants, evaluating soil, and creating new planting plans. Learn more »
Workshops & Training
CBLP Buffer Series!
- September 26: Buffer Basics (online)
- October 10: Site Assessment/Planning/ Implementation (Goochland, VA)
- October 12: Maintenance (State Farm, VA)
Chesapeake Watershed Forum, November 3-5, 2023
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s 18th Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum will be held in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and is a watershed-wide event reaching over 400 restoration and protection practitioners to inspire and empower local action towards clean water. The Alliance will share successful tools and techniques, offer lessons and learnings from on-the-ground work, build capacities of local organizations, foster partnerships, educate on new initiatives and emerging practices, network with others, and celebrate our successes.
For more information, visit the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay »
5th Annual Buffer Consortium Summit
Please join us for the fifth annual Buffer Summit and Celebration hosted by the Upper & Middle James Riparian Consortium! The Buffer Summit will be held in person on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. RSVP to save your spot »
Location: Pocahontas State Park – Powhatan Hall – 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832
Tentative Schedule:
10:00 – 10:30 am — Registration and Refreshments
10:30 am – 12:00 pm — Meeting
12:00 – 12:45 pm — Lunch
1:00 to 3:30 pm — Outdoor Activities
3:30 to 4:00 pm — Outdoor Gathering / Celebration
We will have an exciting line-up of speakers and networking sessions to engage with other Consortium members and partners working in the watershed. More details coming soon!
Please contact Philippa Belsches of Dialogue + Design at philippa@dialogueanddesign.com or 434-989-6874 with any questions!