State Lands Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) description image

 

State Lands Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)

Salary: $48,024.00 – $64,476.00 Annually
Location: King County – Enumclaw, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Job Number: 2024-8-8577/8578-09339
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 08/14/2024
Closing Date: 08/25/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Category: Land Use / Natural Resources / Forestry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Lands Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)
Recruitment #2024-8-8577/8578
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position
Anticipated Non-permanent employment: 8/2024-6/2025
Location: South Puget Sound Region- Enumclaw, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,002.00 – $5,373.00 Monthly 
Positions with permanent duty stations in King County receive an additional 5% added to their monthly base salary. The salary listed in this announcement reflects the additional 5%.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our South Puget Sound Region. Are you someone who loves the outdoors, and is passionate about becoming a Forester working for Washington State? The DNR’s, South Puget Sound Region is looking for a Commercial Thinning Lead Forester to join our team. If you love working in the outdoors, appreciate a remote natural environment, have good forest management skills, a working knowledge of timber harvesting methods, and enjoy being a part of a high-functioning team, then this job might be for you.

As part of the state lands timber sales program, this position contributes towards the critical role of sustainable management of Trust forestland.

 

 

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Work within the South Puget Sound Region Commercial Thinning Project under the Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) and Riparian Thinning Proviso (PI 754).
  • Coordinate with Region and Division staff in the following areas:
    • Right-of-Way staff to ensure legal access to the project areas
    • Title and Records staff for records on the legal status of the project areas
    • Survey staff to ensure completion of surveys
    • Earth Sciences staff for geological assessments
    • Cultural Resources staff for completion of assessments
    • Product sales staff for completion of timber cruise and appraisal
    • Engineering staff for completion of road plans
    • Public Use and Recreation staff for public access assessments
    • And other programs and specialist staff as needed
    • Engineering staff and contractors on road construction and/or maintenance activities related to timber sales to ensure projects adhere to all rules and regulations
    • Private landowners/road easement holders on timber sale and road maintenance activities
    • Region Product Sales Staff on contract execution, billings, payments, and contract completion
    • Pre-sales staff on negotiating any design changes to an active timber sale contract design with the purchasers and/or operators
    • Proprietary lands specialist’s staff when problems arise during harvest or post-harvest to ensure management requirements have been satisfied
    • Coordinate with external stakeholders such as DNR Regulatory staff to ensure they are apprised of any ongoing issues and remediate these issues with coordination of said staff and any additional external stakeholders needed to ensure resolution.
  • Lead Variable Density Thinning (VDT) timber sale design, layout, and compliance to meet Riparian Forest Desired Future Conditions and NSO habitat enhancement objectives.
    • Utilization of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and video to demonstrate the progress of Thinning Proviso objectives.
    • Assist with the Next Best MoRF habitat survey. Assist with the development of high-quality NSO habitat projects.
    • Meet regularly with the assistant region biologist to determine how to help each other facilitate Thinning Proviso objectives.
    • Ensures necessary documents for billings, inspection reports, road construction compliance, and other associated documents adhere to contract specifications. Grants necessary approval as required by the contract.  
    • Analyzes proposed contract changes and makes recommendations to the supervisor. Recommends and takes corrective action to contract violations as authorized by supervisor and/or Region Manager.  
    • Ensures log and load accountability and quality.
    • Implements public use policy within the Unit as approved or directed by the department in cooperation with the public use forester. Identifies and reports illegal activities on state lands (trespass, vandalism, theft, etc.). Follows through with appropriate action and documentation. Assists with the Division to resolve priority trespass issues. Utilizes appropriate law enforcement and department personnel to protect Trust assets, curb illegal activities, and maintain the safety of staff and the public
  • Assists the project manager for the development and maintenance of the NSO habitat thinning forest management plan for timber harvest and silviculture activities in the South Puget Sound Region.
  • Represent the South Puget Sound Regions NSO commercial habitat thinning program in public/stakeholder collaboration.

 

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • An associate degree in forest management or related natural resource field;
    OR two years experience in forest management or related natural resource field; 
    OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
  • Knowledge of general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression,
    logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, and statistical analysis).
  • Knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
  • Experience with the following computer programs: MS Word, and MS Excel, and an aptitude for learning new software programs.
  • Experience in navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.
  • Demonstrates the ability to identify, resolve, or mitigate observed safety concerns.
  • 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.
  • Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and
    development of a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
  • Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • The position works from an assigned duty station (see above). A majority (70%) of the work is performed in isolated unimproved natural forestry settings. The individual must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • The position requires a large majority (70%) of time in the field and traveling between sites in the work unit. Occasional travel out of the work area 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.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in forestry, which includes coursework in silviculture and mensuration.
  • One year of professional forestry experience.
  • Knowledge of Policy for Sustainable Forests, Habitat Conservation Plan, and related agency policies.
  • Experience with inspecting, instructing, and working with camp and contract crews to ensure silvicultural prescriptions are met.
  • Knowledge of Forest Practice Rules and SEPA process.
  • Experience using GPS and ArcGIS to create maps.
  • Experience in young stand establishment and maintenance practices and treatments.
  • Experience with logging and forest road construction equipment.
  • Experience with the timber sales process and contract administration.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position – If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply! 

 

 

 

Supplemental Information

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.
Questions?  Please contact Austin Haworth at Austin.Haworth@dnr.wa.gov/360-552-8957 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
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. 
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
  • 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.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which 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
  • Statewide vanpool program
  • 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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 it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

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.

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