Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and United States Forest Service (USFS) are increasing the pace and scale of forest health treatments and restoration projects in Washington’s forests through the mutual benefits of the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). The authority allows for a variety of projects including mechanical treatments, prescribed fire, aquatic restoration, planning, surveys, monitoring, timber sales, road decommissioning, habitat restoration, and more.

In Washington, the GNA can provide opportunities to:

• Reduce hazardous fuels that contribute to increased wildfire risks to state, federal, and private resources and human life.
• Increase Washington forests’ resiliency by reducing insects and disease.
• Strengthen broad, mutually-beneficial federal and state partnerships to increase coordination and planning opportunities.
• Increase economic opportunities for communities near natural resources and forests.

The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) was authorized permanently by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill to allow state agencies to enter into agreements with the USFS and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The GNA authorizes the State to act as a trusted agent of the federal government to accomplish a variety of forest, range, and watershed restoration services on the National Forest System (NFS) with the additional benefit of utilizing state mechanisms to implement projects.

This 18 month non-permanent position reports to the Colville Unit Forester and is critical to implementation of restoration projects on the Colville National Forest. This position will assist the Federal Lands Section in implementing a dynamic 5-year forest restoration and management plan for commercial timber harvest and non-commercial restoration activities on the Colville National Forest and other federal lands.

This position will work side by side with other dedicated Foresters and consult with a variety of program specialists (Wildlife Biologists, Silviculturists, Hydrologists, etc.) to ensure quality projects and Section deliverables are achieved. In coordination with other Unit staff and other Section staff, completes project design and layout with input and support of USFS, BLM, and other agency specialists.

Coordinates and/or conducts compliance activities within assigned projects, making adjustments where necessary to cover high work-load times, leave, or other issues.  Ensures lead agency objectives are met.  Works to resolve sensitive resource issues with a variety of partners.  Develops and fosters collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to find creative and innovative solutions.

What we will trust you with:

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:

Desirable Qualifications:

The Location

One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located Colville, where the small town atmosphere allows one to stretch their arms while still having the opportunity to be in the more urban setting of Spokane in a little over an hour. Your area of work will range from the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains in Central Washington to the Selkirk Mountains along the Idaho border in Northeastern Washington. This unique place in the Northwestern United States gives a huge variety of ecotypes and is an exciting area to practice forestry in. If you are interested in year-round outdoor activities this area will not disappoint; there are numerous world-class fisheries, abundant hiking and off-road opportunities, hunting for large and small game and skiing and snowmobiling; everywhere you turn there are public lands to entice your interests.

At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. 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.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.  At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

What makes DNR a great place to work?

• Transitioning to a modern work environment
• Mobile work
• Infants at work program
• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Process

To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

• You must attach the following:
  • A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
  • A resume including the names of three to five professional references

Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

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 manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions?  Please contact Nichole Guglielmino at (509) 675-8597, Nichole.guglielmino@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained 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) 902-1139.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.