Responsibilities:
The primary duties of the position are to provide guidance to Small Forest Landowner Office (SFLO) staff and small forest landowners related to the effects of forestland management activities on fish and wildlife, and fish and wildlife habitats. Using professional judgment, knowledge, and expertise, this position consults and provides technical assistance to help small forest landowners prepare to conduct forest practice activities on their forest land. This position will help them understand and apply the Forest Practices riparian rules and assist with the preparation of Forest Practices Applications (FPAs). This includes those with landowner alternate plans, long-term applications, alternate plan templates, and other forest practice-related issues.

Assist small forest landowners with water typing of their streams and wetland delineation and determining RMZ width associated with a Forest Practices Application. 

• This position guides small forest landowners regarding stream typing and wetlands identification. Provides onsite expertise to SFLO staff and landowners when determining stream typing and wetland delineation. 
• Assist in the determination of stream width and identification of bankfull width and the end of fish habitat.
• Determine the site class for the riparian management zone.
• Assist in the small forest landowner riparian management zone harvest options.
• Participate in discussions of small forest landowner Forest Practices Applications with other agency and non-agency personnel, including Regulation Assistance Foresters, Forest Practices Foresters, engineers, interested partners, and other biologists.

• Obtain electro-fishing Scientific Collection Permit from WDFW, NOAA/NMES, and USFWS.  
• Obtain a federal permit for electrofishing in waters containing bull trout.
• Determine when/where electro-fishing is appropriate (including lamprey surveys).

• Based on habitat assessments, determines if the recommendations for habitat change between fish waters (F and S Waters) and non-fish use waters (Np and NS Waters) are accurate;
• Conduct habitat assessments for unmapped waters. 

• Use visual methods to survey streams such as walking the stream bank and visually observing fish, snorkeling, feeding, and hook and line sampling to show presence at a particular site along a stream segment.
• Perform level A or level B fish barrier assessments according to WDFW’s Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual.

• Review scientific papers and reports, attend scientific conferences, and serve in scientific working groups to maintain technical proficiency.
• The position will fill in for staff assigned to fires, as needed.
• Attend SFLO, division meetings, and other formal training sessions periodically.  
• Deliver professionally designed presentations and instruct classes to the public, small forest landowners, industry professionals, NGOs, and cooperating agencies regarding forest practice rules, technical forestry, landowner assistance programs, and forestry-related technology.

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife management, natural resource science, or environmental science AND Three years of professional experience in fish management or fish research, wildlife management or wildlife research, or habitat management or habitat research;
  OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in fisheries biology/applied fisheries management and electrofishing techniques.
• Experience in wetland plant and soils identification and wetland delineation.
• Experience collecting data using a Global Positioning System (GPS) in a forest setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including teaching or public presentation experience.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other agencies and organizations.
• Knowledge of and ability to use GIS technologies, including preparing, viewing, and printing maps.
• Current working knowledge of WA Forest Practices Rules and Forest Practices Board Manual guidance.
• Working knowledge of forest management activities, including timber sales, road construction practices, and harvesting system techniques.
• Ability to collaborate and work with external partners, and other governmental agencies.
• Able to work independently and effectively manage multiple tasks at different stages.
• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Work is performed in a combination of office, field, and classroom settings. With approval from the Appointing Authority, teleworking for a portion of work time may be an option. The ability to walk over steep, uneven terrain under a variety of weather conditions year-round is required.
• Frequent normal duty day travel over a multi-county area is required, including rare overnight travel. The ability to drive significant distances in a variety of weather conditions, year-round, is required. Night-time travel is required.
• 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.

• Experience providing technical forestry assistance and educational programs to small forest landowners.
• Previous experience working with small forest landowners.
• Working knowledge of Small Forest Landowner Office Capital programs.
• Experience providing technical forestry assistance and educational outreach to non-industrial small forest landowners.
• College course or six (6) months experience in using ARC/INFO or ARG/GIS and in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  
  

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.