The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one (1) full time project permanent Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) position located in the Wildlife Program, Lands Division. The duty stations will be in North Central Washington on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area, Okanogan County, Washington.
DUTIES:
This position serves as a silviculturist. Primary duties include:
 In collaboration with other forest health specialists plans and implements assessments of contemporary forest health as related to historic conditions using conventional and innovative data collection and mapping techniques, e.g., stem mapping, soils mapping, aspect mapping, historic fire extent and return intervals, etc.
 Develop plans and prescriptions in consultation with other forest specialists to improve forest health to a long term sustainable condition based on ecosystem processes.
 Establish transects and/or plots, e.g., photo plots, stand exam plots, etc., and protocol to monitor long term forest health conditions.
 Establish transects with protocol, in collaboration with wildlife specialists, for long term monitoring of wildlife response, in particular ponderosa pine obligate species, to forest management.
 Complete and submit Forest Practice Applications in collaboration with DNR Forest Practices Foresters to implement forest health improvement and wildlife habitat improvement projects.
 Prepares treatment units including locating boundaries, flagging units, selecting and flagging equipment travel routes, selecting landings, selecting decks, and marking trees with paint according to prescription.
 Advises and supervises contractors implementing mechanical and hand thinning prescriptions of contract provisions.
 Develops and prepares Requests for Quotes and Qualifications (RFQQ) for contractors to conduct mechanical and hand thinning.
 Inspects thinning operations to enforce contract provisions and assure objectives are met.
 Identifies the need for and prepares Hydraulic Project Applications (HPAs).
 Gathers data and assembles reports regarding forest health and provides advice and assistance to Wildlife Area Manager and others as needed on issues regarding forest health and management.
 Work closely with fuels and fire management specialists in planning and preparing fuels treatment and prescribed burn projects.
 Other duties as assigned – Assist with prescribed burns, identify weeds and notify other staff of species and location, coordinate work with other staff to maximize land management efforts.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The successful candidate must be willing and able to:
 Work in all weather conditions including extreme heat or snow and sometimes over difficult terrain and surfaces up to 75% of the time.
 Work hours outside of the regular 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday work hours including evenings and weekends.
 Transport equipment weighing up to 40 pounds over uneven broken terrain.
 Travel up to 5% of the time including occasional overnight trips.
 Safely operate motor vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATV’s.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
 Four (4) year BS in forestry, forest resource conservation or silviculture;
 6 months experience in assessing historic stand conditions;6 months experience developing stem map plots and conducting stem maps;
 Coursework in forest ecology;
 At least one class and coursework in ecological restoration; excellent writing skills as demonstrated by papers, proposals or reports written – at least 2 samples.
 Must be proficient in ESRI ArcGIS software.
Preferred
 MS degree in forestry or silviculture;
 1 year of lead experience assessing historic stand conditions;
 1 year experience in forest ecosystem restoration both academically (coursework) and practically (on the job or volunteer);
 Strong background with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in dry forest ecosystem restoration.
 Proficient in use of computer, statistical software, sampling design and Microsoft Office software including MSword, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and ESRI ArcGIS.
Competencies
Well qualified applicants will demonstrate competencies in the following areas:
 Comprehending directions both orally and in writing.
 Ability to work effectively work individually or as a team toward a common goal.
 Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
 Write clear and concise reports.
 Needs little supervision, self motivated.
 Takes personal responsibility for quality and timeliness of work.
 Understands principles and has working knowledge of forest management and dry forest restoration.
 Is competent with tools and techniques used in forest management and assessing historic forest conditions.
 Demonstrated knowledge and skills in collecting, assimilating and interpreting historic stand forest structure and condition.
 ESRI ArcGIS software knowledge and experience.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:
A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
A current resume (please make it succinct)
Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
Please note: Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. E-mailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail. You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process. In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.