Responsibilities:

• Working with Silviculture contractors, clearly communicate and implement contractual requirements, note and correct any deficiencies observed or recorded, and address any concerns expressed by the public, regulators, or stakeholders.  Utilize strong written and oral communication skills, people skills, meeting facilitation, and outreach to the public, co-workers, contractors, internal and external stakeholders, and regulators.
  
  
• Research, analyze, and recommend treatment options to ensure proper reforestation and timely vegetation management with acceptable survival, site occupancy, and maximum tree growth rates.  Data will be collected, summarized, and analyzed. Using professional experience, judgment, and knowledge of silvicultural prescriptions, plant biology, tree growth and physiology, site productivity, forest stand dynamics, and forest health, plan and execute proper plot and sample design and measurement techniques for the collection of accurate survey data, then interpret and make recommendations.   For pre-commercial thinnings, critical analysis will provide time-sensitive treatments for maintaining tree growth and development, which will allow for greater financial returns to the beneficiaries.
  
  
• Ensure environmental, social, political, and department objectives are met and any problems or complications are addressed.  Consult and coordinate with resource specialists using HCP guidance, internal and external policy requirements, field meetings, and professional knowledge and experience.  Contract clause disputes will be investigated and resolved through the knowledge of contractual obligations and written documentation will be clearly produced.
  
  
• Ensure all required survey data is properly entered by utilizing department databases, GIS, and spreadsheets.
  
  
• Produce quality silviculture contracts necessary for generating future revenue from Trust lands.  Design and assemble silviculture contracts using knowledge of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing silvicultural contracts and program deliverables.  Select appropriate treatments to be included in the contract to achieve the desired outcome.
  
  
• Ensure contractual obligations are understood by contractors and compliance staff and have reasonable and achievable results.  Ensure contract requirements are met during active silvicultural operations by field compliance visits and active communication with the contractor.  Utilize a strong working knowledge and in-depth understanding of silvicultural objectives and contract clauses.    
  
  
• Ensure a safe work environment and good working relationships with neighbors and stakeholders.  Use best management practices by employees and contractors, including proper use of herbicides, adherence to all rules and regulations, Worker Protection Standards, and department safety protocols.  
  
  
• Assess the need and benefits of herbicide applications to achieve stands with the highest growth rates and full occupancy of the site which will provide maximum financial return to the beneficiaries.  Ground or aerial herbicide contracts will be appraised and evaluated based on site conditions and recommended treatments will be tailored to site conditions and management objectives based on knowledge of Forest Practices Rules, regulations enforced by the Department of Agriculture, HCP, ground support equipment needs, application records, and neighbor communication protocols.
  
  
• Ensure the financial costs associated with contracts are fully accounted for, that treatments are effective, and future beneficiaries inherit well-managed lands.

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-24 month training plan that may be extended to a maximum of 36 months. 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 (NRS2 In- Training) or Natural Resource Specialist 2, depending on qualifications. 

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS2 In-Training) required qualifications (Salary range: $3,700 – $4,968 per month): 

• Associate’s degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or similar area of study and one year of experience in a natural resource field
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, and practices related to timber harvesting.
• Knowledge of timber and land management planning and practices.
• Knowledge of timber sale and silvicultural contracts.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• DNR Core Competencies: 
  • Personal Accountability 
  • Value Others 
  • Compassionate Communication 
  • Inspire Others 
  • Commitment to Excellence 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or similar area of study and one year of experience in a natural resource field
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Experience with timber sale boundary identification and marking, critical features identification and marking, and plot data gathering.
• Demonstrated 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, and regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• Knowledge of forest management principles, silvicultural prescriptions, and timber harvesting operations.
• Knowledge of the Washington Forest Practices Rules.
• Knowledge of timber harvesting systems (including cable systems) and forest road construction principles.
• Knowledge of timber sale and silvicultural contract administration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Approximately 75% of the time is spent in the field, and 25% in the office. Must be able to cover reasonable distances per day in the field on moderate to very difficult terrain. Must be willing to work alone and in remote terrain and in all weather conditions.
• Requires a significant amount of time in the field traveling alone between timber sale or silviculture activities and a work center. The incumbent in this position may be required to travel. Travel out of town overnight may be necessary to attend required trainings and meetings on an occasional basis.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a WSDA Pesticide Applicator License.
• 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. 

• Understanding of the theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry profession as applied to the 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).
• Experience with timber harvesting systems (including cable systems) and forest road construction principles.
• Experience with timber sale and silvicultural contract administration.
• The ability to use GIS software to create maps and manage data.
• Proven ability in office computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
• 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.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email from 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 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.