Wildfire and Forest Health Administrator, Natural Resources Technician 3
Recruitment #2021-04-7233
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Southeast Region. Are you looking for an opportunity to contribute to the greatest forest health project in Washington? Are you interested in rewarding private landowners for taking the time to improve their property’s forest health? We are looking for a self-motivated and personable individual to fill the Landowner Assistance Administrator in our Southeast Region.

DNR’s cost share program provides financial assistance to private landowners interested in reducing their wildfire risk and improving their forest health. As a Landowner Assistance Administrator, you will be responsible for tracking and reporting the grant funds that the program receives, as well as administer the contracts and cost share applications. Other common responsibilities include acting as the initial primary contact for phone calls coming from outreach materials, maintaining and updating Landowner Assistance website, and assisting Landowner Assistance staff with planning and coordinating meetings and events.

Responsibilities:

• Tracking region Landowner Assistance expenditures, including cost share obligations/payments to landowners and contractors, staff time and travel associated with grant funding, invoices from service contracts and interagency agreements, and grant funded purchasing.
• Assisting Wildfire/Forest Health district managers with required grant reporting to the USDA Forest Service.
• Reviewing and approving received cost share application packets, and approving appropriate dollar amounts per application.
• Maintaining positive working relationships with private landowners, cooperators, and internal customers.

Required Qualifications: 

• Two years of office experience involving customer service.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using a computer and computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Experience utilizing and tracking multiple data sets provided by multiple parties.
• Knowledge of data analysis, numerical and descriptive.
• Experience interpreting and explaining complex processes and requirements to the general public.
• Experience managing multiple deadlines and prioritizing those deadlines to meet mandated timeframes.
• Experience reading and interpreting legal descriptions and maps, topography, water types, aerial photos, and maps.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• An Associate’s degree in natural resource, or business studies and two years of technical experience in land management.
• Proficiency with ESRI Arc GIS and related mapping software.
• Knowledge of Washington State Forest Praces rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of DNR landowner assistance programs (LOA), and small forest landowner (SFLO) programs.

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 Ellensburg. For more information on this area visit, https://ci.ellensburg.wa.us/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• 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.

How to Apply: 
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.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions?  Please contact Wyatt Leighton at 509-925-0959, Wyatt.Leighton@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov