2025 Natural Areas & Wildlife Intern, Southeast Region - Exempt description image

2025 Natural Areas & Wildlife Intern, Southeast Region – Exempt

Salary: $17.00 – $22.00 Hourly
Location: Kittitas County – Ellensburg, WA
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: 2025-1-9334-00517
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 02/11/2025
Closing Date: 03/03/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Category: Environmental Services / Agriculture / Land Use / Natural Resources / Marketing / Grounds & Landscaping / Internship / Forestry / Sciences / Green-Collar/Environmental / Geographic Information Systems
 
 
 
 
 
2025  Natural Areas & Wildlife Intern, Southeast Region – Exempt
Recruitment #2025-1-9334
Exempt, Full-time to Part-time (Minimum 16 hours and up to 40 hrs/week), Flexible start date with 3-6 month duration.
Anticipated employment is May-September, 2025
Location: Southeast Region – Ellensburg, WA.  – Location flexibility may be considered to include Yakima and Klickitat Counties.

Salary: 
Sophomore and below: $17.00/hr.
Junior: $18.00/hr.
Senior: $19.00/hr.
Graduate Students: up to $22.00/hr.
1-year Graduate program $20.00/hr.
2-year Graduate program $21.00/hr.
Higher $22.00/hr.
 
*Housing stipend of up to $1,000/mo. may be available

Join something GREAT and make a difference!
This unique position will work with two different, but related, programs at DNR including the Southeast Region Biologist and the Southeast Region Natural Areas Program. Biologists in the DNR Forest Resources Program support region staff by providing consultation on land management activities as they relate to wildlife habitat and work with region staff to improve habitat conservation. The wildlife portion of the internship will work directly with the region biologist monitoring goshawk nest sites across the region and conducting Northern spotted owl surveys. In the Southeast region, the Natural Areas Program is responsible for over 15,000 acres across 16 sites that support rare and sensitive plants, animals, and high-quality native ecosystems. For the Natural Areas portion of the position, the intern will assist staff in forest surveys, invasive species management, and collection of data for rare species population tracking.

 

Duties

Responsibilities:
The internship program is designed to give students educational and hands-on field experience in a variety of duties that will include:

  • Collect forest plot data to assess forest stand condition and inform future management actions
  • Invasive species control
  • Inventory and mapping of invasive species and rare plants
  • Create maps using the ArcGIS program and data management  
  • Conduct surveys for species of concern
  • Review and quality check results of bioacoustics monitoring data

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • A current student in an undergraduate or graduate program majoring in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. 
  • A licensed driver with two years of driving experience. Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.
  • At least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
  • Maintain high standards for safety
  • Maintain high standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct
  • Contributes to a work environment that embraces diversity and brings together the strengths and perspectives of diverse groups.
  • Conveys a clear desire and ability to learn new concepts and skills.
  • Shows the ability to turn learned conceptions into practical application.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • The assigned duty station may be a district work center, region headquarters office, or the Natural Resouces Building. There is also a large component of work done in a forested, open field, or other rugged outdoor setting that may include working around tower climbing operations or active timber logging operations
  • Daily traveling to project locations should be expected as fieldwork is a regular expectation of this position. Overnight travel will be required occasionally when working throughout the region
  • 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. 
Desired Qualifications:
Additional qualifications or characteristics that may enhance the effectiveness in performing the job, but that are not required.
Desired coursework includes:
  • General Biology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Field Survey Techniques
  • Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Plant Identification
  • GPS/GIS Mapping
  • Knowledge in plant identification, including the ability to use a dichotomous key.
  • Knowledge of standard survey field methods.
  • Experience using GPS equipment for mapping and data collection.
  • Ability to multi-task, independently prioritize work, and complete deliverables on time and in scope.
  • Strong written and oral communication and collaboration skills.
  • Patient, objective, and engaging with the public.
  • Basic computer skills including MS Office, Adobe, and ArcGIS.
  • Candidates should have work or recreational experience driving on logging (dirt or gravel) roads. 
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position – If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

 

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

  • Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
  • Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
  • Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
  • References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– 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.
Questions?  Please contact Keyna Bugner at Keyna.Bugner@dnr.wa.gov or (509 ) 907-1851 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
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. 
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
  • 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.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which 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 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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 it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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.

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

 

Employer
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact