Federal Lands Natural Resource Scientist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,632.00 - $6,227.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 02/11/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for qualified candidates for the Federal Lands Natural Resource Scientist position. This position works statewide across National Forest System Lands and Bureau of Land Management Lands to develop, support, and execute short and long-term environmental planning projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) pertaining to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Deliverables contribute to decisions on Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and Categorical Exclusions.

This position represents a unique opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary team that works closely with a variety of state, federal, and Tribal partners. Your role, while primarily focused on providing wildlife and fisheries resource support, also offers opportunities to work with other disciplines, including archaeologists, geologists, and foresters.

This position requires fieldwork that is state-wide and involves up to 75% travel. Duties likely include traversing steep and rugged terrain, many times in inclement weather, and potentially carrying up to 40 pounds of equipment.

The federal government manages roughly 44 percent of Washington’s 22.4 million acres of forested land. Through our Federal Lands Section, using the Department’s Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), we aim to bring state capacity and resources to achieve our shared goals for maintaining and restoring the health of forest ecosystems on national forest lands.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Performs fish and wildlife field surveys and report writing in support of projects to meet ESA and NEPA standards.
• Willingness to work independently, or as a part of a team, conducting field reconnaissance in remote locations, often with no cell phone service. Demonstrates the capacity to solve problems.
• Participate on interdisciplinary teams to evaluate the impact of agency or non-agency activities on federal lands. This may include supporting/performing interdisciplinary scientific field surveys.
• Ability to work safely in challenging, rough terrain, adverse weather, and in swift-moving water. Responsible for maintaining field equipment and may be required to carry up to 40lbs.
• Support planning and executing administrative studies and surveys. Activities include the preparation of maps, surveys, ESA historic and sensitive data, and reports. Prevent or mitigate impacts associated with land management.
• Records field conditions, taking detailed notes, and filling out data forms in designated project unit boundaries in support of NEPA decisions for forest restoration and wildfire resilience activities.
• Records and organizes data on Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species in accordance with federal and state agency standards.
• Works alongside a variety of resource specialists, including fish and wildlife biologists, geologists, archaeologists, and forestry interdisciplinary team members.
• Communicates orally and in writing to provide formal and informal briefings to technical experts. Helps communicate technical reports to the public in lay terms.
• Engage at the interagency level with partners to discuss project-related requests, address barriers, and recommend solutions.
• Coordinate closely with partner planning managers and specialists in activities conducted by the Federal Lands Environmental Planning Program. Regularly engage in field, virtual, or in-person meetings to ensure projects meet or exceed expectations and requirements.
• Provide exceptional customer service when engaging with internal and external partners. Demonstrate mutual respect between agencies through professional and punctual response times.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience in collecting and analyzing natural resource scientific data.
• Experience with GIS and Microsoft Office Suites, field recording software/ applications (Field maps, Avenza Maps, etc.).
• Experience in data entry and management.
• History of positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative interaction with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
• 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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Work is performed in an office setting or other meeting locations and field environments. Field work will require walking over steep and rugged terrain and in inclement weather.
• Position requires travel for meetings, fieldwork, and visits, estimated at up to 70% of the time. This requires travel to regions, national forests, and other locations statewide. Interstate travel may be required at times.

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:
• Bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Wildlife, Fisheries, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, or related field;
  AND, three years of professional work experience, including fieldwork dedicated to environmental planning and analysis, biological sciences, land use, and urban or environmental planning.
• Knowledge of current field research methods and scientific report writing with an emphasis in a forested environment, preferably in the northwestern United States, aids in conducting resource management on federal, state, and/or private lands.
• Competency using GIS systems and the ability to read, create, and display spatial information in ArcPro.

Knowledge of federal policies and procedures implemented under the USFS and other federal agencies, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S.

Farm Bill), and other federal policies associated with the implementation and planning of federal projects.

• Ability to:
  • Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities
  • Develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions
  • Maintain effective working relationships with government officials
  • Provide a consistent message and a positive attitude about the program’s development and program projects
  • Interpret federal policy and procedures
  • Frequently communicate with federal employees through their agencies' policies and procedures
  • Address large groups and write effectively
  • Work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks
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.).
• 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 Ellen Norton at Ellen.Norton@dnr.wa.gov / (564) 669-4302, 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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