Natural Areas Specialist- Klickitat District, Natural Resource Specialist 1
Recruitment #2022-5-6482
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.
Location: Southeast Region-Klickitat County.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Do you imagine yourself in a career where you can have a direct impact on the ecological well-being of Washington state? Are you interested in leading volunteers in an outdoor environment, to protect and grow native species of the Pacific Northwest? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is looking for a Natural Areas Specialist to work in Klickitat County.

As a Natural Areas Specialist, you get to work as a part of DNR’s Natural Areas Program. This program oversees the conservation and restoration of both Natural Area Preserves and Natural Resources Conservation Areas. These lands represent the finest natural, undisturbed ecosystems in state ownership, often protecting rare or vulnerable plant and animal species. The Natural Areas Specialist will keep habitats and ecosystems healthy through science-based management and restoration. You also get to strengthen public appreciation of nature by promoting environmental education, exploration and scientific research on natural areas. This is an incredible opportunity for someone who is passionate about ecological conservation and preservation.

Responsibilities:

• Managing restoration projects in forest, wetland, and grassland systems.
• Implementing invasive species control and surveys on Washington Natural Areas.
• Leading volunteers in restoration and monitoring projects.
• Conducting botanical surveys.
• Using ArcGIS to capture treatment information and plant locations.
• Advocate for agency goals and mission during education and outreach events.
• Building positive and lasting relationships with agency partners, cooperators, and the general public.

Required Qualifications: 

• An Associate’s degree with a major study in ecology, restoration ecology, forest ecology, natural resource management or a closely related field or 2 years of relative experience.
• One year of full-time work experience in the field of conservation biology or ecological restoration.
• Skill in plant identification, including the ability to use a dichotomous key (preferably Hitchcock & Cronquist’s ‘Flora of the Pacific Northwest’).
• Experience with invasive species control including application of commercial herbicides, and an understanding of how to choose the best method in various scenarios.
• A foundation in ecological principles, and an understanding of ecosystem processes – especially regarding ecosystems of eastern Washington.
• Knowledge of ecological field data collection techniques.
• Ability to keep records and take field notes.
• Experience using a GIS-based computer applications and familiarity with computer
  spreadsheet or database programs.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• A valid Pesticide Applicator license is required (with public operator status) within 30 days of employment.
• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence
• Work performed is field work (70%) with some travel to remote locations. Field visits require the physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested, or back-country landscapes and terrains and the ability to traverse uneven terrain. Ability to mix and apply herbicides without supervision is required.
• Travel throughout eastern Washington will be required. Occasional overnight trips will be necessary.
• Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position is based in an office/fieldwork setting and requires in-person attendance/interactions with no option for full-time telework. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. No start date will be approved until you verify your status.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a major study in botany, plant ecology, restoration ecology, forest ecology, or a closely related field or 4 years of relative experience.
• Solid familiarity with the flora of eastern Washington and a working knowledge of the invasive species present in eastern Washington.
• Previous experience conducting restoration projects in eastern Washington forest, wetland, shrub steppe and grassland.
• Previous experience managing restoration projects and complying contracts.
• Previous experience applying for grants.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) with an emphasis in conservation biology.
• Ability and experience in supervising volunteers to accomplish program goals.
• Previous experience with forest thinning treatments
  including forest plots, layout, or implementation.