Federal Lands Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 2
Recruitment #2021-05-7899
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 Forest Health and Resiliency Division/Federal Lands Program. Are you someone who loves the outdoors, and is passionate about implementing restoration work on our natural landscapes in Washington State? If you love working in the outdoors in the sunshine and in the rain, appreciate a remote natural environment, enjoy providing assistance to the public, can think creatively and have good practical forestry skills with a proven ability for working independently and as part of a small team, then this is the job for you.

The DNR’s Forest Health and Resiliency Division is seeking a motivated individual to join the Federal Lands Program, a team of expert restoration specialists focused on project implementation across National Forest Lands and Bureau of Land Management lands throughout Washington. As part of this Division and Program, you will work alongside a talented cadre of professional planners, scientists, and implementers providing service to state, private, and federal partners to increase the resiliency and health of Washington’s forests and urban landscapes.

In this position, you will be a part of a skilled team of specialists focused on increasing the pace and scale of federal restoration work, primarily in Southwest Washington, while supporting other program staff statewide. Working independently and as a team, this position works under the supervision and guidance of the Unit Restoration Specialist, focused on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You will complete a broad variety of tasks from non-commercial hazardous fuels projects to commercial (timber sale) project presales work and associated contract development and administration. Aquatic and terrestrial habitat work, as well as forest road projects focused on reducing impacts to resources are also part of the job.  Through extensive use of the Good Neighbor Authority, the Federal Lands Program works in coordination with department staff, federal partners, and other state and local partners to plan and effectively implement projects that bolster critical restoration needs in these forested landscapes.

Responsibilities:
Southwest Washington Restoration Project Implementation

• Assist in the planning and implementation of Federal restoration projects to insure the success of projects on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Ensure all aspects of implementation adhere to all applicable laws.
• Perform commercial and non-commercial restoration project layout including unit boundary establishment, road location and design, timber marking, and cruising.
• Develop commercial and non-commercial restoration project contracts and packets for public bid.
• Conduct compliance of restoration projects and coordinate with program managers and U.S. Forest Service specialists and contract officers.
• Prepare and review state legal documents (SEPA and timber sale contracts) and other internal Agency documents for contracted activities.
• Review, interpret, and implement federal laws related to environmental analyses, categorical exclusions, and environmental impact statements.
• Operate Global Positioning System (GPS) for mapping of project boundaries and road locations.
• Utilize other natural resource professionals’ expertise in planning management activities to help identify resource protection measures that may be required.
• Participate in tours of projects with other agencies, interest groups and neighbors.
• Coordinate with DNR division and region staff, and relevant federal offices within project areas to ensure needs for assigned projects are met.
• Assist other Federal Lands Program personnel with restoration projects statewide.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelors Degree in Forestry or other applicable natural resource field. 
  OR Associates Degree in Forestry or other applicable natural resource field AND 2 years of demonstrated applicable experience.
• At least 1 year of demonstrated experience applying theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry profession (i.e., fundamentals of: silviculture of northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation, weed control, reforestation, intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management, and basic principles of fisheries management.)
• Experience and competency in ArcGIS; Microsoft Office Suite.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• The incumbent will work remotely. The large majority (70%) of work is performed alone in isolated unimproved natural areas. Must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Driving on unimproved forest roads is required with this position and long travel on highways or state routes.  This position also may operate snow machines or other ATV style equipment.  Work is also conducted in an office setting where sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time may be required to accomplish work.
• The incumbent will be required to travel. This position requires a large majority (75%) of time in the field traveling alone between project activities and duty station. Overnight stays are expected when working on restoration projects outside of Southwest Washington or at the far distances from the positions duty station on the frequency of 1-3 nights per month, possibly more.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• 1-2 year of demonstrated contract compliance experience in the form of timber sales, pre-commercial thinning, fuels management, or other projects typical of forest management activities.
• Experience in logging road constructon and design.
• Prior experience implementing Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) project.
• A Working Knowledge of:
  • Environmental planning principles, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies and programs concerning all phases of State resource development.
  • Governmental administrative structure at local and State levels.
  • Environmental, social and other problems affecting development of local and State environmental resource programs.
  • NEPA process and requirements.
  • Methods and objectives of urban and natural resources planning.
• Ability to:
  • Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities.
  • Develop work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions.
  • Maintain an effective working relationships with governmental officials.
  • Provide a consistent message and provide a positive attitude about the program’s development and program projects.
  • Interpret federal policy and procedures.
  • Frequently communicate with federal employees through their agency policies and procedures.
  • Address large groups and write effectively.
  • Work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
• A demonstrated knowledge of federal policies and procedures implemented under the USFS and other federal agencies, including the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA), the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S. Farm Bill), and other federal policies typically associated with implementation and planning of federal projects.

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.

This position is a telework position. Agency assigned vehicles may be parked at either an approved duty station or other secure parking location within 75 miles of Randle, WA. You may work from home, DNR district and region offices, and Forest Service district offices. You must be available to report to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station in Randle, WA by the start of regularly assigned business hours.

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.
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.
• 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.

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Questions?  Please contact Sean Tran at 360-688-6035, sean.tran@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov