SALARY RANGE:

TYPE OF POSITION:       

LOCATION:                       

CLOSES:

POSITION PROFILE:

The Natural Areas Steward position is designed to fill work load peaks and assist Natural Areas staff on key projects.  This field-based position performs a variety of technical and scientific duties related to natural areas land management including ecological restoration, invasive species control, plant monitoring, botanical surveys, and public contact.

The Natural Areas Steward provides technical support by gathering and/or reviewing data and implementing natural areas projects; and may be responsible for contract compliance and project management with WCC work crews and volunteer crews. This position also writes reports, assists with grant documentation, and may assist with volunteer coordination.

Specific duties of this position include, but not limited to:

• Conduct small-scale herbicide applications and mechanical removal of invasive species.
• Inventory invasive species populations on natural areas.
• Collecting and cleaning native seed for restoration projects.
• Map sensitive plant locations and complete rare plant sighting forms.
• Coordinate volunteers to assist with various invasive species control and plant monitoring projects.

• Skill in plant identification, including the ability to use a dichotomous key (preferably Hitchcock & Cronquist’s ‘Flora of the Pacific Northwest’).
• A strong foundation in the principles of invasive species control and an understanding of how to choose the best method in various scenarios.
• Experience with implementation of invasive species control including application of commercial herbicides.
• A foundation in ecological principles, and an understanding of ecosystem processes – especially regarding ecosystems of eastern Washington.
• Knowledge of ecological field data collection techniques.
• Knowledge conducting rare plant surveys and plant monitoring techniques.
• Ability to keep records and take field notes.
• Experience using a GPS.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Ability and experience supervising volunteers to accomplish program goals.

This level of knowledge is typically achieved after earning:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, restoration ecology or closely related field.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A solid familiarity with the flora of eastern Washington.
• Experience collecting monitoring data.
• Experience conducting invasive species control work.
• Previous experience conducting seed collection for restoration projects and implementing restoration projects.
• A working knowledge of the invasive species present in eastern Washington.
• Experience using ArcGIS to create maps.

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Must be 18 years or older by date of hire.
• 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.
• A valid Pesticide Applicator license (with public operator status) is required within 30 days of hire.

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 Kevin Haydon at (509) 925-0911/ Kevin.Haydon@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.