Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

This position serves as entry level or lead forester working with a team of foresters under the supervision of a unit Manager. The chosen candidate will work independently part of the time, but has regular interaction with other foresters, forest crew supervisors, other natural resource professionals as well as other agency/organization members, stakeholders and the public. Primary responsibilities will be Silviculture related with occasional timber sales duties.   Perform as the lead forester on silviculture contracts within the unit.  Effectively manage silviculture activities (herbicide treatments, hand slashing, pre-commercial thinning, tree planting, etc.) within the district.  Ensure forest surveys are scheduled and completed effectively and efficiently, ensure silviculture activities are scheduled and completed effectively and efficiently by planning activities and inspecting the work of camp and/or contract crews.  Effectively maintain DNR’s database system.

What we will trust you with:

• Valuing others
• Creating a positive and safe work environment.
• Teaching others
• Personal accountability
• Compassionate communication
• Inspiring others
• Commitment to excellence

Who are we looking for?

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS2 In-Training) candidate has:

• 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 mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
• 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, navigate using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• 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. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Natural Resource Specialist 2 candidates will meet the NRS 1 required qualifications in addition to the qualifications below:

• 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).
• Knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
• Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment by promoting safety as the most important consideration in all tasks and activities and fostering an environment where all employees want to contribute to a culture of safety
• Being empowered to identify, resolve or mitigate observed safety concerns
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a WSDA Pesticide Applicators License.

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.

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.

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 in Tumwater which is a suburb of Olympia, the state capitol.

Why work for DNR?

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 Dave Gufler at (360) 520-1510 dave.gufler@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.