Jacob Rak

Forester & Photographer

Skills & Certifications

  • VA Sharp Logger
  • IQCS FFT2 & FAL3
  • CDL, Class-A w/ Tanker
  • Commerical Pesticide Applicator
  • Certified Tree Farm Inspector
  • Photography
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • ArcGIS Pro
  • Adobe Creative Cloud

Experience

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Regional Forester

Feb '26 - Present

Assist in the management of DWR Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Supervise a three person team to prioritize, develop, implement, and promote projects that support EPA grant implementation. Coordinate WMA forest management plans, consultant contracts, and development of silviculture prescriptions. Assist in prescribed burning, implementation of "Best Management Practices", and forest inventorying.

Besley & Rodgers, Inc.

Assistant for Forest Operations

Jun. '22 - Present

Advise President and Vice President on company silvicultural practices and forest operations. Draft long-term strategic silviculture plan and goals for forestland maintenance/acquisition, including diversification of species composition. Develop standardized methodology for determining status and condtion of forest roads

USDA Forest Service

Student Trainee - Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences

May '23 - Jan. '26

Help protect our nation's natural resources in the GW-Jefferson National Forest by applying big game repellent, releasing trees from vegetative competition, and monitoring the general health of forest stands. Supervise timber harvests on federal lands. Actively suppress wildlife and fire threats.

Education

West Virginia University

Aug. '24 - Dec. '26 — Forest Resources Management Bachelor's Degree Program

Mountain Gateway Community College

Jan. '22 - May '24 — Forest Management Technology Associate's Degree Program

Jacob Rak — jacob@jacobrak.com