2026 OESF Research and Monitoring Intern

Full Job Description

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Salary:
$18.00-$20.00 - Undergraduate Junior or lower
$19.00-$21.00 - Undergraduate Senior
$20.00-$23.00 - Graduate Student

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after April 15. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Habitat Conservation Plan group in the Forest Resources Division. These internships will be involved in research and monitoring to help meet DNR’s commitments under the Endangered Species Act and will also work on the co-led DNR/University of Washington T3 Watershed Experiment on DNR’s Olympic Experimental State Forest. Interns will learn to conduct juvenile salmonid population estimates (using a backpack electrofisher), stream habitat surveys, water quality sampling, tree regeneration sampling, and riparian/upland forest stand surveys. The people selected for these positions will work under surpervion of DNR employees in 2-5 person crews. Work sites are remote and require strenuous hikes on steep slopes, often carrying heavy sampling equipment. Most work is completed rain or shine under a wide variety of weather conditions. These positions provide an excellent opportunity for current students, graduating seniors, or those accepted to graduate school to gain diverse experience on stream, forest, and fish sampling techniques, while also experiencing the beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. A shared housing option is available but not required. For additional information on our work, please visit our website at Research Program and Adaptive Management | Department of Natural Resources.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Works as part of a team to conduct physical and biological surveys of streams, riparian areas, uplands within the OESF.
• Implements field protocols for estimating juvenile salmonid abundance. Identifies salmonid species and weighs and measures juvenile salmonids. This data collection includes sampling of stream salmon population research and monitoring.
• Collects field and instream data on stream morphology, stream water temperature, riparian vegetation and microclimate.
• Collects forest measurement field data such as tree diameter, species identification, tree density, and understory vegetation data.
• Implements field monitoring protocols that must be adhered to, to ensure scientific consistency and confidence in measurements, results and conclusions. This includes both uplands an instream research installation sites. Conducts work under close supervision by agency scientists.
• Operates and maintains field instruments and equipment such as stream flow gauges, stream temperature sensors, audio recorders, wildlife cameras, field data tablets and backpack electro-fishers.
• Drives a vehicle on unimproved roads and navigates unmarked road systems, and hikes rugged terrain, and copes with variety of weather conditions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A currently enrolled Undergraduate or Graduate level student majoring in Forest Management, Forest Science, Silviculture, Fisheries, Environmental Studies, Ecology or related field.
• At least 18 years old at the time of hire.

Required Competencies:

• 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

Key Knowledge and Skills

• Maintains high standards for safety.
• Maintains high standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct.
• Conveys a clear desire and ability for learning new concepts and skills.
• Shows the ability to turn learned conceptions into practical application
• College level coursework in the natural sciences.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to work alone or as part of a team in undeveloped, remote, forested or back-county landscapes and terrain in all weather conditions while often carrying a heavy backpack and gear.
• Most work will be conducted in the OESF. On occasion, this position may travel to DNR headquarters in Olympia, WA.

A current valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.

Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).

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:
• Knowledge of environmental sampling and data gathering.
• Experience using Excel and GPS.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).

Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts. If you have questions regarding attaching this document, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

If you do not attach your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcript, your application will not move forward in the application process.

• 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 Kyle Martens at kyle.martens@dnr.wa.gov, (360)902-1272 or email 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
• A comprehensive benefits package 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 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 before 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 with 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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