Klickitat Unit Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

Full Job Description

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5011.00 - $6735.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 03/16/2026. 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 Southeast Region as the Klickitat Unit Forester.

Are you someone who loves the outdoors, is passionate about forestry, and wants to manage a productive, eastside forest for Washington State? If you love working outdoors, appreciate a remote natural environment, have great forest management skills, a working knowledge of timber harvesting methods and silviculture, and enjoy working independently as part of a high-functioning team, then this job might be for you. The Department of Natural Resources, Southeast Region, is looking for a Unit Forester to lead our Klickitat Unit.

Requirements

What we will trust you with: This position is responsible for forest management planning, pre-sales, silviculture, and contract administration in the Klickitat unit, including the following duties:

• Manage approximately 110,000 acres of State timberlands for timber, wildlife, and multiple-use objectives
• Act as the project manager in the implementation of the dynamic 5-year forest management plan for the Unit
• Responsible for all field operations in the Unit, including:
  • Manage the Unit staff to achieve an annual timber sale cut of approximately 6-10 million board feet and administer 3-4 timber sales
  • Prepare legal documents (FPA, SEPA, contracts, etc.) for timber sales
  • Complete unit-specific financial analysis to show the greatest return on investment for the trusts
  • In coordination with the Wildlife Biologist, ensure management activities comply with the agency’s HCP, maintaining habitat and other protections for wildlife
  • Coordinate with the road engineer to ensure all existing and newly constructed roads are maintained and built to Forest Practice Standards
  • Plan, schedule, budget, and oversee silvicultural activities, including site preparation, reforestation, pre-commercial thinning, vegetation management, and prescribed fire for the Unit
  • Coordinate with agency colleagues in Product Sales, Cultural Resources, Wildlife Biologist, Roads, Right of Ways, and Recreation
  • Complete surveys and data collection for scheduled activities
• Supervise one to two permanent professional staff, including hiring, training, mentoring, and disciplinary action
• Represent the DNR and develop good working relationships with private contractors, businesses, governmental officials, and the public when addressing complex, sensitive issues affecting the Unit

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry or related field AND two years professional forestry experience;
  OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry profession as applied to the Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of Northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation and weed control, reforestation and intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management, and basic principles of fisheries management).
• Knowledge of Forest Management objectives and timber management planning in practice, and as it relates to associated agency policies and rules.
• Experience in timber sales contract preparation and administration.
• Experience in logging and forest road construction equipment and use.
• Strong understanding of forest mensuration and survey tools such as GPS, laser measurement devices, compass, clinometer, and other forestry equipment.
• Strong understanding of software, including ArcGIS, cruising software, standard office (Word, Excel, etc.) programs, and mobile devices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Planning and assigning work, including setting performance standards and expectations, and evaluating and documenting performance.
• 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:

• Office 50%, Field 50%; Field work may be arduous and includes navigating steep and difficult terrain in all weather conditions.
• Travel may be required periodically as a function of this position.

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 in forest management, forest operations, or silviculture, and three years of professional forestry experience.
• Experience practicing forestry and silviculture tasks involved in the management of State trust lands.
• One year of supervisory experience with responsibility for assigning work, coaching, and evaluating the work product of other staff.
• Experience with timber marketing and financial appraisals.
• Experience utilizing forest growth and yield simulators.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Experience with Employee recruitment and selection.
• Knowledge of employee performance feedback, coaching, training, motivation, and employee development planning, including corrective action tools and strategies.
• Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent and non-permanent DNR employees.
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 Marla Bieker at marla.bieker@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 856-8476 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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