For more information, please follow this link: 2022 Internship, SPS Region – Forest Management Intern | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)

Exempt, Full-time to Part-time (minimum 16 hours and up to 40 hours/week) Flexible start date with a 3-6 month duration.

Sophomore and under: $15/hour
Junior: $16/hour
Senior: $17/hour
Graduate students: up to $20/hour

  1. 1 year Master $18/hour
  2. 2 year Master $19/hour
  3. Higher $20/hour

*DNR provides housing in some locations or a $500/month housing stipend if free housing is not available.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our South Puget Sound Region. Are you a student who enjoys spending time outdoors, and is passionate about the sustainable management of forest resources? Do you want real, “boots on the ground” experience working for a leader in responsible forestry? The South Puget Sound Region of Washington DNR is seeking a summer intern who is eager to get out in the woods and be immersed in all things related to current forest management in the Puget Sound area. This unique educational opportunity will provide invaluable experience in the many disciplines within forestry; timber sale design & layout, wildlife habitat management, silviculture, contract administration, GIS, geology, road engineering, and cultural resources.  You will be in the field daily helping facilitate the management objectives of State Trust Lands under DNR’s Habitat Conservation Plan and Policy for Sustainable Forests.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist foresters, biologist, silviculturist and engineers with the following:
    • Stand origin assessments
    • Harvest unit layout and design
    • Locate and classify streams and wetlands in accordance with appropriate HCP or forest practices requirements utilizing field observations, LIDAR, and consultation with biologist and/or forest practices
    • Collect data for timber sale boundaries, streams, wetlands, leave trees, roads, etc. utilizing GPS
    • Planning and designing forest roads
    • Meet with specialists regarding fish streams, wetlands, wildlife habitat, unstable slopes, cultural and historic resources.
    • Reforestation activities including vegetation management and plantation tending
    • Foster good working relations with community and adjacent landowners by being transparent about our DNR operations.
    • Complete necessary permitting and paperwork utilizing applicable software and knowledge of standards, rules and regulations to create a timber sale document packet that complies with all procedures, policies, and state and federal regulations
    • Compliance of road building and timber harvesting contract.

Required Qualifications: 

  • A full-time student (12+ credits/quarter) majoring in Forest Management or related field and will be returning to school in a following quarter/semester. OR a graduate student.
  • Physically able to work alone or as part of a team in undeveloped, remote or back-county landscapes and terrain in all weather conditions.
  • 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 will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
  • 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
  • All employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Vaccination status will be verified at the time an offer of employment is made. An accommodation may be available for individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, based on the essential functions of this position.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Desired course work includes:
    • Forest Ecology
    • Forest Operations or Harvest Systems
    • Dendrology
    • Field Mensuration
    • Silviculture
    • Natural Resource Management
    • Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology
    • Plant Identification
    • General Biology
  • GPS/GIS Mapping
  • Beginning knowledge of theory, policy, principles, and practices of the Natural Resources.
  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office, Adobe, and ArcGIS skills
  • Basic written and oral communication skills
  • Candidates should have work or recreational experience driving on logging roads.

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 South Puget Sound Region. Possible counties include: King, Peirce or Thurston County.

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). 
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.
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 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.

Application Requirements:

  • 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. 
  • Attach a letter of interest describing your interest in this internship and what you expect to gain from this internship.
  • Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
  • Provide three to five professional or professor references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
  • Attach 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.

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

Questions?  Please contact Ginger Jepson at 360-802-7017, Ginger.jepson@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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.