nder 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 $187 million and has over 1200 permanent employees with approximately 300 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.
 
Natural Resource Scientist 1
Assistant Natural Areas Ecologist
 
Recruitment # 2015-01-6971-00034
 
 
 
SALARY RANGE:            $2,920 – $3,819 per month
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:                      Olympia, Washington
CLOSES:                          OPEN UNTIL FILLED – First review  January  20, 2015
Note: It is to your advantage to submit your materials sooner than later.  This recruitment will close at any time after January 20, 2015 without prior notice.

 
 Duties:
POSITION PROFILE:
 
The Assistant Natural Areas Ecologist assists in the conservation of rare species and sensitive ecosystems on natural area preserves and natural resources conservation areas managed by the Washington State Natural Areas Program. This program’s mission is to conserve biodiversity, maintain and restore healthy ecosystems, strengthen pubic appreciation of nature, and foster partnerships to help care for natural areas. The program is among the largest conservation land managing entities in Washington State, caring for over 151,000 acres of land in 91 natural areas statewide.
The Assistant Natural Areas Ecologist is an important part of the natural areas team, assisting in the ecological management of natural areas in western Washington that host a wide variety of conservation targets including rare species of plants, butterflies, and birds, old growth forests, prairies and oak woodlands, freshwater wetlands, estuaries, and Puget Sound islands. Under the supervision and technical direction of the Natural Areas Program Ecologist, this position primarily focuses on the design and implementationof ecological restoration and invasive species control projects, and also participates in monitoring, ecologicalresearch, and site-specificmanagement planning on western Washington natural areas.
The Assistant Natural Areas Ecologist collaborates frequently with other natural areas program staff, as well as partner organizations and agencies, and directs work crews including program technicians, volunteers, and inmate crews.  In addition to this position and the Natural Areas Program Ecologist, the statewide natural areas team includes a program manager, eight full-time or part-time regional natural areas managers, an assistant ecologist for eastern Washington, and several full-time and seasonal technicians.

 
 Qualifications:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 
  • A Bachelor’s Degree with a major study in “conservation biology,” such as restoration ecology,wetlands ecology, range ecology, applied botany, applied ecology, plant ecology, or animalecology, or a closely related field; and two years of full-time professional scientific work experience in the field of conservation biology,including ecological management, research,and monitoring; or ecological restoration; or providing scientific expertise to maintain species, communities, and ecological processes on natural areas. (A Master’s degree will substitute for all work experience, provided the major field of study was in one or more of thespecialty fields above.)
  • Knowledge of ecosystem function and skill in plant identification;
  • Knowledge and experience with implementation of restoration and invasive species control practices;
  • Knowledge and skills in ecological field data collection and analysis techniques;
  • Familiarity with computer spreadsheet or database programs;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication;
Position also requires the demonstrated ability to:
  •  Respond to site management controversies in a constructive, helpful manner;
  •  Be responsive to the priorities and needs of the region natural areas staff;
  •  Successfully work with individuals of varying levels of scientific understanding and technical skills;
  •  Be diplomatic in addressing disputes or mediating differences of opinion.
  
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
 
  • Experience with designing ecological experiments and sampling protocols.
  • Experience working with GIS-based desktop computer applications.
  • Experience using GPS units for field mapping.
  • Knowledge of the geography of Washington State.
  • Experience interacting with the public on environmental education activities.

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested or back-country landscapes and terrains;
  • A valid driver’s license is required. 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 possess certification as Pesticide Applicator within six (6)  months of employment.
WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to anyone who meets the required qualifications for this position.

 
 Supplemental Information:
APPLICATION PROCESS
  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov.
  • Carefully review your application materials before submitting.
  • You may not reapply for this posting for 30 days.
For more information and how to apply, please CLICK ON THE APPLY BUTTON ABOVE and 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. Please indicate in your letter of interest how you learned of this opportunity.
  • 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.
Questions? Please contact David Wilderman at (360) 902-1556/david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.