See full job and application details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3165605/forest-practices-forester-natural-resource-specialist-3

Forest Practices Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3
Recruitment #2021-07-5215
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.
 
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Pacific Cascade Region. Are you someone who loves the outdoors, and is passionate about becoming a natural resource forester working for Washington State? If you love working in the outdoors, appreciate a remote natural environment, enjoy providing assistance to the public, and have good practical forestry skills with a proven ability for working as part of a small team, then this is the job for you. 
 
The DNR Pacific Cascade Region Forest Practices program is seeking a forester to join a team that administers the Forest Practices Act while working with large industrial and small forest landowners. You will be the on-the-ground Forester reviewing Forest Practices Applications/Notifications, water type modification forms, and other forest management activities on State, County and private forestlands within a management Unit. This position will work with a multi-agency and tribal interdisciplinary team, as well as Region and Division staff while ensuring all applicable rules of the Forest Practices Act are administered. You will also be part of a team of field foresters who use forestry skills to assist landowners through forest management activities during field reviews or by referring them to the Small Forest Landowners office for assistance programs.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Review and Approve, Condition or Disapprove Forest Practices Applications/Notifications (FPA/N’s). Forest Practices Foresters (FPFs) independently review FPA/N’s for completeness, and determine whether they can be accepted for review, based on established parameters. They independently solicit input from Timber, Fish, and Wildlife (TFW) cooperators, agency experts, and in some cases, the public. This includes facilitating TFW interdisciplinary (ID) teams in evaluating FPA/N’s and water type modification forms (WTMF) when needed. 
• Compliance of Forest Practices Activities. FPFs independently conduct compliance on FPA/N’s and unpermitted violations of the forest practices rules.
• Conducts on-site or consults with landowners for rule Interpretation, and Pre-Application reviews. FPFs provide information and consultation services regarding interpretations of the forest practices rules to forest landowners, other agencies, and the general public. FPFs will conduct pre-application site reviews or facilitate interdisciplinary TFW teams to educate potential applicants on interpretations of forest practices rules or jurisdictional requirements. Also, they provide information to small forest landowners regarding the Agency-Small Forest Landowners Office and stewardship programs related to Forest Practices rules.

Required Qualifications: 

• Associates Degree in Forestry or closely related Natural Resources field AND at least four (4) years of professional/technical experience in a Natural Resource position.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Customer service experience.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Computer skills involving managing office data and corresponding to multiple customers including staff, landowners, agencies, and Tribes.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• 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 may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• A Bachelor’s degree in forestry or closely related Natural Resource field AND at least two (2) years of professional experience in a Natural Resource position.

• Negotiating (on foot or by vehicle) in unfamiliar territory.
• Vehicle operation in adverse environmental conditions.
• Sustained vehicle operation for long periods of time (2-4+ hours).
• Sustained outdoor work (4-8+ hours) in adverse weather conditions.
• Working independently/setting appropriate work priorities.
• Traversing difficult terrain (steep, wet, and heavily forested) in inclement weather.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

Supplemental Information

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 Chehalis. For more information on this area visit, https://ci.castle-rock.wa.us/.
 
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). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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.
 
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.

How to Apply: 
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.
 
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.
 
Application Requirements:

• 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 with resume.
• 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 Supervisor Meg Wallmow at (360) 751-0764, Meg.Wallmow@dnr.wa.gov , or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov