Federal Lands Natural Resource Scientist (NRSci2) description image

Federal Lands Natural

Resource Scientist (NRSci2)

Salary: $53,964.00 – $72,552.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-1-8550-00454
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 01/10/2024
Closing Date: 02/07/2024
Category: Land Use / Natural Resources / Forestry / Sciences
 
 
 
Federal Lands Natural Resource Scientist (NRSci2) description image

Description

Federal Lands Natural Resource Scientist (NRSci2)
Recruitment #2024-1-8550
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position
Anticipated Non-permanent employment is April -September 2024
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered 
Salary: $4,497.00 – $6,046.00 Monthly 


Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/17/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for qualified candidates for the Federal Lands Natural Resource Scientist position. This position works statewide across National Forest System Lands and Bureau of Land Management Lands to develop, support, and execute short and long-term environmental planning projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Deliverables contribute to decisions on Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and Categorical Exclusions.

This position represents a unique opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary team that works closely with a variety of state, federal, and Tribal partners. Your role, while focused on providing wildlife resource support, also offers opportunities to work with other disciplines including archaeologists, geologists, and foresters. This position requires fieldwork that is state-wide and involves up to 60% travel. Duties likely include traversing steep and rugged terrain, many times in inclement weather and potentially carrying up to 40 pounds of equipment.

The federal government manages roughly 44 percent of Washington’s 22.4 million acres of forested land. Through our Federal Lands Section, using the Department’s Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), we aim to bring state capacity and resources to achieve our shared goals for maintaining and restoring the health of forest ecosystems on national forest lands.

 

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Performs interdisciplinary scientific field surveys, site protection plans, and report writing in support of projects to meet current NEPA standards.
  • Willingness to work independently, or as a part of a team, conducting field reconnaissance in remote locations, often with no cell phone service. Demonstrates the capacity to solve problems.
  • Ability to work safely in challenging, rough terrain. Responsible for maintaining field equipment and may be required to carry up to 40 lbs.
  • Records field conditions, takes detailed notes and fills out data forms in designated project unit boundaries in support of NEPA decisions for forest restoration and wildfire resilience activities.
  • Records and organizes data pertaining to Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species in accordance with federal agency standards.
  • Works alongside a variety of resource specialists including fish and wildlife biologists, geologists, archaeologists, and forestry interdisciplinary team members.
  • Communicates orally and in writing to provide formal and informal briefings to technical experts. Helps communicate technical reports to the public in lay terms.
  • Engage at the interagency level with partners to discuss project-related requests, address barriers, and recommend solutions.
  • Coordinate closely with partner planning managers and specialists in activities conducted by the Federal Lands Environmental Planning Program.  Regularly engage in field, virtual, or in-person meetings to ensure projects meet or exceed expectations and requirements.
  • Performs assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources
    OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience collecting and analyzing natural resource scientific data progressively working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, or related field qualifies.
  • Experience in ArcGIS and Microsoft Office Suites software.
  • Experience in data entry and management.
  • Ability to navigate and hike rugged terrain and work in adverse weather conditions, sometimes independently and in remote locations.
  • Demonstrated history of positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative interaction with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Work is performed in an office setting or other meeting locations and field environments. Fieldwork may require walking over steep and rugged terrain and in inclement weather.
  • Requires travel for meetings, fieldwork, and visits estimated up to 60% of the time. This requires travel to regions, national forests, and other locations statewide. Interstate travel may be required at times.
  • 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:
  • Bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, or related field.
    AND Three years of professional research work experience including fieldwork dedicated to environmental planning and analysis, biological sciences, land use, urban, or environmental planning.
  • Knowledge of field research methods and scientific report writing with an emphasis on a forested environment, preferably in the Northwestern United States required to conduct resource management on federal, state, and/or private lands.
  • Competency using GIS systems and ability to read/ create/ display spatial information in ArcGIS.
  • Knowledge of federal policies and procedures implemented under the USFS and other federal agencies, including the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA), the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S. Farm Bill), and other federal policies typically associated with implementation and planning of federal projects.
  • Ability to:
    • Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities;
    • Develop work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions;
    • Maintain effective working relationships;
    • Provide a consistent message and a positive attitude about the program’s development and program projects;
    • Interpret federal policy and procedures;
    • Frequently communicate with Federal employees through their agency policies and procedures;
    • Address large groups and write effectively;
  • Work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position – If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past 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.).
  • 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 Levi Rose at levi.rose@dnr.wa.gov/(564) 669-4687or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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. 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.

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.

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