State Lands Forest Health Program Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 5 
Recruitment #2021-03-7896
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 Forest Resources Division. This position is responsible for managing the State Lands Forest Health Program.  While DNR has been conducting forest health treatments for over two decades, the agency has placed increased emphasis on this work since 2017 in response to the persistent threat of wildfire and other disturbance agents to forested landscapes across eastern Washington. This has resulted in increased capacity to fund and implement critical treatments that restore and maintain forest health conditions on DNR managed lands, while continuing to support management practices that meet DNR’s other trust land objectives.  This position will work with DNR staff from all levels of the organization, in a variety of areas including: policy, legislation, budget, scientific consultation, program coordination, operational support, training, and monitoring.  The majority of the work is office-based, but this person will conduct some field work as well. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a highly functioning program which provides a critical public service into the next decade.

Responsibilities:

• Develops forest health program goals and objectives that meet DNR Uplands commitments set forth in the Policy for Sustainable Forests, State Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), Uplands and agency-wide forest health strategies, as well as other agency direction;
• Coordinates meetings & decision making of the State Lands Forest Health (SL FH) Steering Committee;
• Advocates for & furthers SL FH program priorities to other agency programs and external stakeholders;
• Develops, allocates, and monitors various budgets to regions in coordination with the Uplands Budget Manager. This includes assessing workloads, pursuing additional funding, setting allotments, and monitoring outcomes.
• Sets biennial region deliverable targets for commercial and noncommercial forest health treatment activities (e.g., timber harvests, thinning, fuels management, reforestation, vegetation control, and prescribed fire), in coordination with regions and the SL FH Steering Committee;
• Provides program implementation guidance to regions via procedures, email correspondence, formal presentations, and personal communications;
• Coordinates between regions and divisions to accomplish program priorities. This position establishes timetables and manages input from region and division specialists through collaborative processes;
• Conducts analyses of current challenges and issues, develops strategies for consideration, and makes recommendations to improve program implementation;
• Identifies, researches, and pilots innovative treatment technologies (biochar, etc.), and new markets/technologies for wood products, to make treatments more cost-effective overall; and
• Writes formal/informal reports, responds to internal/external information requests, drafts letters, reviews legislation, and provides other information as needed.

Other duties include:

• Contributes to development of agency-wide policies, strategies, and implementation guidance documents for restoration treatments, prescribed fire, climate resilience, and other topics.
• Coordinates and leads workshops, trainings, and meetings with region specialists and program staff. Provides subject matter expertise and direction at these events.
• Provides consultation services to division and region staff, through remote and field review of proposed/completed activities, assessment of treatment prescriptions, and support of relevant State Lands planning efforts (e.g. Eastside Sustainable Harvest Calculation).
• Collaborates with region and division specialists to identify monitoring priorities, develop specific projects, and design data collection and analysis methods.
• Oversees, supervises, and conducts field monitoring data collection and field reviews of planned and completed forest health treatments.
• Reports on implementation effectiveness and makes recommendations to improve program outcomes.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelors, Master’s, or doctorate degree in forest management, silviculture, or related field.
• Minimum four years of professional experience in forest management, silviculture, or forestry research, including at least one year of experience as a senior level natural resource professional or higher.
• High level of proficiency in automated data processing/information technology, use of word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate including providing instruction to diverse audiences.
• Experience supervising or coordinating the work of other natural resource professionals.
• The incumbent in this position must obtain a Washington pesticide applicator’s license within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• 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:

• Master’s or doctorate degree in forest management, silviculture, forestry research, or related field.
• Experience monitoring and managing complex budgets.
• Experience developing and managing contracts (clauses, authorities, methods, etc.)
• Experience providing formal training.
• Experience managing and modifying a data base, and familiarity with forest management data.

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 based out of Olympia or may be based out of our Northeast or Southeast Regional Offices. For more information on DNR locations visit https://www.dnr.wa.gov/about/dnr-regions-and-districts.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, the incumbent is 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.
•  Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.

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 Calvin Ohlson-Kiehn at (360) 701-1452, Calvin.Ohlson-Kiehn@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov