Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you interested in playing a key role in successful reforestation of Washington’s forests? The Washington DNR Genetic Resources Program has an opportunity for someone to work in a joint role between the genetic testing and operational seed production teams. This position works not only within DNR, but with other large forestland owners as well, both to evaluate seed sources and to collect cones to supply operational seed needs.  We coordinate the implementation of a regional testing program, and you will have the opportunity to work at test sites across western Washington. We also operate a statewide cone collection and seed cleaning operation, where you will learn everything that goes into providing a reliable seed supply to support our forest nursery.  To be successful in this position, you need a good understanding of silviculture and stand establishment, as well as tree measurement tools and techniques. You need to be detail oriented and observant, and be comfortable working with a variety of other staff and contractors to achieve program objectives.  This job is an opportunity to learn a lot about operational reforestation in Washington’s working forests.

Responsibilities:

• Surveying for cone crops and monitoring their condition through the season
• Working with contractors to collect cones and deliver them to the seed plant
• Extracting and cleaning seed from the cones collected
• Making controlled pollinations program to create test seed
• Installing and maintaining test sites

Required Qualifications:

• Required to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s license within one year of employment.
• Required to live within a 20-mile driving distance of Meridian Seed Orchard to perform frost-protection duties in an effective manner. The address is 6425 Meridian Road SE, Olympia, WA.
• Required to have 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.
• Working knowledge of tree measurement tools and techniques.
• Working knowledge of forest stand establishment practices, including site preparation, planting and vegetation management.
• Ability to navigate alone in unfamiliar remote forest areas using maps, photos, GPS, or other navigational aids, and to work around active logging operations.
• Ability to learn to operate seed extraction and cleaning equipment, including working for extended periods in an industrial setting while maintaining a high level of precision and attention to detail.
• Ability to use computers and applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, ESRI Collector, and ArcGIS.
• Ability to perform detail-oriented tasks, such as forestry studies, under minimal supervision for long periods in adverse conditions with a low error rate.
• Ability to work with forestry and cone collection contractors to ensure proper execution of contract provisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to collaborate as part of a team.
• Creative approaches to problem solving.
• Continuous process improvement and awareness of tradeoffs in developing program efficiencies.
• Attention to detail and commitment to getting things right.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources including coursework in silviculture and ecology.
• Experience in cone survey and collection, with knowledge of seed physiology and development, affecting biological and climatic factors, and the relationship to seed quality and yield.
• Knowledge of tree seed cleaning and testing, including skill in operation of kiln, extraction equipment, dewingers, air separators, and screened separators.
• Familiarity with regional native tree species and their statewide distribution.
• Knowledge of cone and seed insects and their impacts on quality and yield.
• Familiarity with internal agency software applications such as Land Resource Manager (LRM), Reforestation Information Management System (RIMS), State Uplands Viewing Tool (SUVT).
• Experience with technical tree climbing.
• Experience in the independent operation and maintenance of industrial equipment.
• Experience managing crews performing forestry-related tasks.
• Prior experience with seed orchard management and forest genetics work

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 at DNR’s Seed Orchard for part of the year and at DNR’s Seed Plant for part of the year, in the Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater area, near the State Capitol and the South Puget Sound.

Why work for DNR?
At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.  At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

What makes DNR a great place to work?

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• 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.

Application Process
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.
Required Attachments:

• A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
• Your resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
• The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.

 
Questions?  Please contact Jeff DeBell at 360-789-1830, jeff.debell@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

This recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool. This recruitment may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for sixty (60) days.

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.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.