Responsibilities:

• Reforestation and Vegetation Management: Ensure effective reforestation and timely vegetation management, aiming for optimal survival rates, site occupancy, and tree growth.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, summarize, and analyze data related to young forest development to inform management decisions.
• Contract Development: Develop and manage high-quality silvicultural contracts by applying knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Communication and Outreach: Communicate contractual requirements to the public, contractors, and internal partners through written documents, meetings, and public outreach.
• Objective Achievement: Ensure that environmental, social, political, contractual, and fiscal objectives are met. Resolve disputes in accordance with contractual obligations and maintain documentation of resolutions.
• Partner Relations: Foster positive relationships with the community and adjacent landowners. Handle consultations and negotiations to address property line discrepancies, including public meetings, site visits, and communication.
• Safety and Best Practices: Promote a safe work environment and adhere to best management practices. Ensure proper use of herbicides, adherence to rules and regulations, Worker Protection Standards, and department safety protocols.

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-24 month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training) or Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2), depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications: 
Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training)  
(Salary range: $3,811 – $5,117 per month):

• Knowledge of all laws, policies, and practices related to the timber sales program.
• Knowledge of timber and land management planning and practices.
• Knowledge of silviculture contract preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry professional as applied to Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of Northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation and weed control, reforestation and intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management and basic principles of fisheries management.)
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills. 
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• One year of professional forestry experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ecological, silvicultural, and forest management principles. 
• Experience with current forest management plans and associated agency policies and rules. 
• Experience with silviculture contract preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry professional as applied to Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of Northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation and weed control, reforestation and intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management and basic principles of fisheries management.)
• Knowledge of current forest practices rules, forestry laws, and practices.
• Written and verbal communication.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills. 
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.

• This is a field forester position with approximately 60% of the work performed outdoors, alone, and in remote areas. The ability to perform arduous work while traversing steep, rugged terrain under a full spectrum of environmental conditions is necessary. Approximately 30% of the work involved is performed in a typical office setting. The remaining 10% is operating a motor vehicle.
• Travel outside the region for training sessions and wildland fire incidents is necessary, but not exceedingly different than the normal field and office settings described. The employee is eligible for per diem and lodging costs when in travel status, except when provided. 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 vehicles will be used when specific tasks or efficiency dictates. 
• Licensed as Herbicide Applicator or ability to obtain within six months of employment with Laws and Safety, R/W, and Agricultural weed endorsements.
• 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. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Forest Management or related field.
• 2 years as a Natural Resource Specialist 1 in the Department of Natural Resources.
• Familiarity with DNR HCP, Policy for Sustainable Forests, and other procedures and policies. 
• Familiarity with current software used in word processing, spreadsheets, and forestry applications. 
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with the use of herbicides in forest settings.

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.

• 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.

• 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.