State Lands Forester, NRS2/NRS1- In-Training

Salary
$37,476.00 – $56,844.00 Annually
Location
Multiple Locations – Western Washington, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Permanent
Department
Dept. of Natural Resources
Job Number
2018-03-6748+-02473
Closing
4/1/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An image without description

Service, Science, Sustainability

Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, our work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is done with the public’s interest in mind, which means transparency and public knowledge.  Our decisions are guided by sound science as we manage state trust lands, native ecosystems and natural resources. We support the vision of a sustainable future by protecting and managing the natural resources so future generations will have them.

DNR manages over 5 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. We generate revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. But managing lands is only half of our story. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

The DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $245 million and has over 1300 permanent employees with approximately 500 additional staff hired during the summer fire season.

We have some of the most talented people in the industry.  We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust.  We invite you to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.

Duties
State Lands Forester-Several Openings
NRS2/NRS1- In-Training
Recruitment # 2018-03-6748, 6918, 6747

SALARY RANGE:

NRS 2  $3,522 – $4,737 per month
NRS 1  $3,123 – $4,191 per month (this job opening may be filled with a NRS 1 In-Training)

TYPE OF POSITION:        

Permanent, Full-time.   This position is represented by the WPEA.
Important Note:   Once appointed to this position the incumbent will be required to pay union dues or other representation fees within the first 30 days of employment.

LOCATION:                         

Two positions in Tumwater, Washington
One position in Belfair, Washington

CLOSES:

1 April 2018
Note: Recruitment may be extended after 1 April depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

POSITION PROFILE:

This position performs professional level forest management under the direction of the Unit Manager. The position works independently and has regular interaction with Foresters, Forest Engineers, other Natural Resource Professionals as well as other agency representatives, business partners and the general public. The position has responsibilities that include timber sales layout, compliance and occasional silviculture duties.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Timber sale design, including stream type determination, identification of potentially sensitive areas, boundary location and marking, identifying appropriate harvest systems and locating roads to access landing locations.
  • Preparing documents, including SEPA, FPA and other permits, GIS maps, pre-cruise narratives, and contract documents
  • Contract administration on regeneration harvests, thinnings and salvage sales.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Natural Resource Specialist 2:

  • Working knowledge of general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis);
  • Working knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture;
  • Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs;
  • Ability to navigate using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, and chain;
  • Ability to inspect, instruct, and work with camp and contract crews to ensure silvicultural prescriptions are met;
  • Ability to traverse unit boundaries and accurately create a map;
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.

This level of knowledge and skill is demonstrated through the ability of the incumbent to work under the general guidance of the state lands district managers.  The supervisor typically reviews outcomes and provides advice or direction as needed.   Work performed is complex rather than routine.  Assignments normally involve making decisions and judgments within established precedents. This level of knowledge and skill is typically achieved with:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, which includes coursework in silviculture and mensuration OR  an Associate’s degree in forest management or related natural resource field; and one year of forestry experience at the entry level. Other natural resource related degrees or additional relevant, professional forestry experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Natural Resource Specialist 1 In-Training:

  • Basic knowledge of general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis);
  • Basic knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture;
  • Computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs;
  • Ability to navigate using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, and chain;
  • Ability to inspect, instruct, and work with camp and contract crews to ensure silvicultural prescriptions are met;
  • Ability to traverse unit boundaries and accurately create a map;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Forestry.
  • One year of professional forestry experience.
  • Knowledge of Policy for Sustainable Forests, Habitat Conservation Plan, and related agency policies;
  • Knowledge of Forest Practice Rules and SEPA process;
  • Experience using GPS and ArcGIS products;
  • Experience in young stand establishment and maintenance practices and treatments;
  • Experience with logging and forest road construction equipment;
  • Experience with the timber sales process and contract administration.


SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
Supplemental Information
WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to anyone who meets the required qualifications for this position.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)
  • You must submit the following:
    • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
    • Attach your Resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
    • The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
  • Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.
  • You may not reapply for this posting for 30 days.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring managers directly.

Note: Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record issued from all states in which they have held a license during the past 3 years.

Questions?  Please contact Ginger Jepson at (360) 802-7017 / ginger.jepson@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.  You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed. This announcement is published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, genetic information, military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1128.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
Do you have a basic knowledge of general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis)?

  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have a basic knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture?

  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have a valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience?

  • Yes
  • No
04
Positions are available in two districts our Black Hills District (Tumwater Work Center) and our Hood Canal District (Belfair Work Center), please select your top location choice, or leave blank if no preference (this will not affect your application status).

  • Belfair
  • Tumwater
  • No Preference
05
Where did you originally hear about this job (i.e. friend, newspaper, careers.wa.gov, specific job board website)?

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact