Salary: $44,400.00 – $67,380.00 Annually
Location: Mason County – Belfair, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Number: 2023-7-6747-09520
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Division: South Puget Sound
Opening Date: 07/24/2023
Closing Date: 8/23/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Are you interested in a rewarding career in Washington State managing the state’s forests for multiple objectives? We are seeking a Forester (Natural Resource Specialist 1 in training or Natural Resource Specialist 2) to help manage State Trust Lands to achieve the Agency’s mission and goals by implementing ecologically sound forest management to meet trust obligations. The State Lands Forester works under the guidance of the Habitat Conservation Plan, Forest Practices Rules, the Policy for Sustainable Forests, the Sustainable Harvest Calculation, the Endangered Species Act, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and agency policy, procedures, and guidelines to accomplish the Agency’s objectives. This position works in the Belfair Unit which contains approximately 40,000 acres of DNR Trust Lands located in the Tahuya and Green Mountain State Forest within Mason and Kitsap County.

Responsibilities
This position serves as an entry level or lead forester working with a forest engineer under the supervision of the Belfair Unit Manager. The chosen candidate will work independently and as part of a team, with regular interaction with other foresters, forest engineers, other natural resource professionals, as well as other agency/organization members, stakeholders, and the public. The positions responsibilities are split between timber sale layout and compliance. During timber sale layout the successful candidate will be responsible for the field design of timber sale proposals, including reconnaissance, harvest unit design and implementation, initial road location, and selection of harvest methods. Work includes completion of presales documentation packets containing maps created using ArcGIS, informational reports, and environmental documents. The successful candidate will also eventually serve as a contract administrator for timber sales and road plan contracts. Contract administration duties include working to ensure all road and timber sale contract requirements and payments are met, and ensuring all harvest and road building activities comply with applicable policies and laws. The candidate may respond to public and other agency requests relative to State Lands management within their respective unit in the Hood Canal District.  

Required Qualifications
This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-24 month training plan that may be extended to a maximum of 36 months. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as ? or ? (In-Training), depending on qualifications.

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS2 In-Training) required qualifications
(Salary range: $3,700 – $4,968 per month):

  • An Associate’s degree in forest management or related natural resource field;
    OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
  • 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.
  • Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.
  • Experience in navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.
  • Experience using GPS and ArcGis to create maps.
  • Complete, and receive Region manager approval of NRS1/NRS2 Forester Training Book.
  • DNR Core Competencies: 
    • Personal Accountability 
    • Value Others 
    • Compassionate Communication 
    • Inspire Others 
    • Commitment to Excellence

Natural Resource Specialist 2 required qualifications
(Salary range: $4,174-$5,615 per month):

  • An Associate’s degree in forest management or related natural resource field; and one year of forestry experience at the entry level,
    OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
  • Experience in 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).
  • Experience in basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
  • Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.
  • Experience in navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.
  • Experience using GPS and ArcGIS to create maps.
  • Required Competencies:
    • 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.
    • Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

  • A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. 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. 
  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
  • Have the ability to obtain and maintain a WSDA Pesticide Applicator License
  • This position works from an assigned duty station (see above). A majority (70%) of the work is performed in isolated unimproved natural forestry settings. The individual must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Office work requires use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g. desks, files, cabinets, computers, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.).
  • Requires large majority (70%) of time in the field and traveling between sites in the work unit. Occasional travel out of the work area is required.

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, which includes coursework in silviculture and mensuration.
  • One year of professional forestry experience.
  • Knowledge of Policy for Sustainable Forests, Habitat Conservation Plan, and related agency policies.
  • Experience with inspecting, instructing, and working with camp and contract crews to ensure silvicultural prescriptions are met.
  • 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.

Application Requirements

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. 
  • 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.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Complete all supplemental questions.
  • Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted via email from info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4134100/state-lands-forester-belfair-unit-nrs2-nrs1-in-training

An image without description