Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Service Forestry District Manager, serves as entomologist and pathologist for the eastern portion of Washington state.
• Serves as project leader for eastern Washington state insect and disease monitoring efforts.
• Propose, plan, and implement forest health monitoring research projects.
• Publish or present results of monitoring studies and research projects in various formats.
• Develop and provide forest health-related land management technical assistance, information, and recommendations.
• Provide education and training for state and private forest lands and the public in cooperation with the forest landowner assistance efforts of federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations.
• Identify forest insects and pathogens and execute forest health site consultations for public and private landowners and communities, improving their understanding of the ecological relationships affecting these insects and diseases, and providing them with state-of-the-art techniques and management options to achieve desired objectives.
• Seek opportunities for research collaboration with other DNR scientists, partner agencies, and universities, as well as funding sources.
• Serve as a technical and professional resource for educational programs.
• Write grant proposals and perform novel research projects in collaboration with federal, tribal, state, and university entities to enhance knowledge and ability to manage forest health issues in the eastern regions of Washington state.
• Serve as an essential member of the federal and state Aerial Detection Survey project via assistance with testing new technology and development of improved methods of aerial survey.
• Maintain close contact and coordination with Forest Resilience Division staff, in addition to other federal, state, and Canadian forest health professionals in the surrounding region.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science degree with major study in forestry AND three years of professional research work with major emphasis in forest entomology, forest pathology, forest protection, or forest health.
• Experience with the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and management techniques for tree-killing bark beetles and forest pests of eastern Washington.
• Ability to apply knowledge of forest insects and diseases and use standard forest mensuration techniques to assess forest conditions and determine the subsequent risk of insect and disease activity.
• Experience in forest management, silviculture, and forestry practices.
• Experience using MS Office computer programs.
• Experience providing forestry education.
• Experience scheduling and facilitating meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing with other employees, professional foresters, and the general public regarding forest health conditions and forest management options and techniques to address them.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Ability to obtain a valid Washington State Public Operator Pesticide License within six months of employment and have adequate continuing education and coursework to maintain a license.
• The work setting is approximately 50% field and 50% office. The incumbent is expected to traverse uneven terrain in all types of weather conditions.
• Requires a significant amount of time in the field traveling alone between program activities and work center.
• 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. 

• Master’s Degree in a natural resource field with a major emphasis in forest entomology, forest pathology, forest protection, or forest health.
• Experience regarding government operations.
• Ability to learn and communicate using DNR’s computer communication and FRIS inventory system.
• Familiarity with FVS (forest growth modeling program) and SVS (Stand Visualization System).
• Familiarity with ArcGIS software and GPS hardware.
• Ability to develop and apply forest insect and disease risk models to standard forest inventories.
• Understanding how the soil and plant communities vary in Northeastern Washington and contribute to tree health.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
• 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 it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts. If you have questions regarding attaching this document please contact dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. If you do not attach your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcript your application will not move forward in the application process. 
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at 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.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• 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 benefits 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.