Responsibilities:

• Lead the South Puget Sound Regions biological assessments to identify NSO and riparian areas most receptive to habitat enhancement through commercial thinning and structure creation.
  • Coordinate with Unit Managers to identify commercial thinning opportunities in Spotted Owl Management Units (SOMUs).
  • Document thinning sales with an NSO or riparian habitat enhancement memo.
  • Utilize Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and video to demonstrate the progress of Thinning Proviso objectives.
  • Prepare written Thinning Proviso reports and data summaries documenting assessments and recommendations bi-annually.
• Provide consulting services to district and region staff related to the effects of forest land management activities on wildlife and wildlife habitats such as the creation of high-quality NSO habitat and the survey of next best Movement Roosting and Foraging (MoRF) habitat.
  • Designing treatments to accelerate suitable NSO habitat conditions in young stands and move previously thinned stands into functional MoRF habitat.
  • Work with region biologists and division scientists to design a survey to identify levels of habitat components in Next Best MoRF habitat.
  • Recruit and train DNR staff to execute the survey of existing stand conditions.
  • Facilitate the addition of missing habitat components such as downwood, snags, and nest boxes utilizing private contractors.  
  • Evaluate unique habitat features such as balds, talus, cliffs, and caves utilizing DNR’s HCP policies and procedures.
• Assist the commercial thinning lead, successfully recruit, organize, and facilitate the day-to-day work of project layout and management.
  • Help recruit, organize, and facilitate the day-to-day work of presales teams.
  • Assist in the preparation of timber sales documents such as mapping, SEPA, Forest Practice Applications, and Water Type Modifications to name a few.
  • Meet regularly with the commercial thinning lead to facilitate Thinning Proviso objectives.
  • Helping with timber sale layout, sale compliance, and other field work as needed.
• Thinning treatments must be operationally feasible with the objective of accelerating attaining a specific HCP-defined riparian and/or NSO habitat condition. Each treatment will be modeled in the Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) program using collected stand data to demonstrate optimal thinning levels to obtain habitat objectives.
• Represent the South Puget Sound Region as the Thinning Proviso biologist in public/stakeholder collaboration

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND one year of professional experience in wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research
  OR a combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of wildlife management and wildlife habitat needs and associations.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations associated with wildlife and their habitats.
• Knowledge of scientific methodologies and research project design.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Experience in Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS Pro.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Work is typically an equal balance between field and office settings, though it varies greatly between seasons. The field portion of the position is work performed outdoors, alone, and in remote areas. The ability to perform arduous work while traversing steep, rugged terrain under a full spectrum of environmental conditions is necessary. The other portion of the position is performed in a typical office setting.
• Requires time in the field traveling alone between program activities and the work center. Overnight travel may be required 1-2 nights per month.
• 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. 

• Experience working collaboratively with special interest groups.
• Experience providing technical support to professional staff.
• Familiarity with Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) modeling software.

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.).
• 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.