Planning Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3
Recruitment #2021-05-7298
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 Olympic Region. We are recruiting for a full-time, permanent Planning Forester. One of the worlds most scenic places, Washington’s Olympic peninsula offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The climate is mild and diverse. Rainfall in the Straits district ranges from 17” to 90” and elevations range from sea level to 5200’. The Straits District is located on the Olympic Peninsula between the Strait and is a highly desirable region to work in.

Responsibilities:
The  Straits District Planning Forester:

• Identifies reviews, analyzes, and prioritizes units to consider for harvest within the Straits District by researching, collecting data, and field verifying information.
• Recommends a long term harvest / habitat development action plan for the district (5 year action plan).
• Assist the District Manager, Unit Coordinators, and Region Biologist in developing, implementing, and monitoring sensitive plant and animal management plans within the district. Serves as the district’s expert for Archeology, WOGHI, wetlands, stream typing, unstable slopes, and easement aquistion.
• Build and maintain local knowledge database utilizing existing DNR programs including ARC GIS and LRM.
• Assists the district Engineers and District Manager with the permitting, monitoring, and reporting of district Surface mining plans, road maintenance projects, noxious weed control, and other district wide projects.

Required Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of the forestry profession as applied to the Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of Northwest species, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, reforestation and intensive forest practices.
• Experience and ability to correctly use topographic maps, aerial photos, compass, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, and GPS equipment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
• Ability to think critically, analyze, and make decisions in a dynamic and sometimes stressful environment, and work both independently and as part of a team to reach agency and region goals.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS word, MS Excel, and ARC-GIS, with aptitude for learning new software as needed.
• Experience with timber sale layout.
• Experience with contract compliance.
• 3 years professional forestry experience.
• Experience implementing current forest management plans, Forest Practice rules, the Habitat Conservation Plan, Policy for Sustainable Forests and other policies, procedures, and statutes applicable to natural resource management.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel. A commute will be required to reach most job sites and trainings. The use of an assigned vehicle will be the primary mode of travel. However, the use of specialty vehicles and pool vehicle will be used when specific tasks or efficiency dictates
• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry or closely related field.
• Four years of professional forestry field experience involving the design and layout of timber sales, forest roads, administration of timber sale contracts; or professional cruising.

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 Port Angeles. For more information on this area visit, https://www.visitportangeles.com/.

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.

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Questions?  Please contact Brian Turner at 360-708-3075, Brian.tuner@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov