Natural Areas Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/27/26. 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 a Natural Areas Forester.

This position supports DNR in fulfilling its mission to protect the health of Washington’s natural heritage found throughout the state through conservation land management. The natural areas program protects some of the rarest plants and plant communities found in Washington. Under general direction of the Southeast Natural Areas Manager, this position utilizes scientific knowledge and professional experience to design, plan and lead forest restoration projects throughout eastern Washington. This position will assess current conditions on Natural Area Preserves and Natural Resource Conservations Areas in southeast and northeast region and determine best forest treatments to meet ecological objectives.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

This position will design and implement forest restoration activities to benefit the natural heritage features on natural areas and natural resource conservation areas.

Apply professional knowledge to inform management practices for maintaining natural areas in the best ecological condition possible.

Ensures contractual obligations are understood by contractors and compliance staff and have reasonable and achievable results.

Produces professional documentation that complies with all state and federal regulations and completes all necessary project permitting and paperwork including: Forest Practice Applications (FPA), State Environmental Policy Act checklists (SEPA), and HCP checklists.

Monitors the effectiveness of forest treatments to determine success in achieving goals of the project while minimizing impacts to the site.

Facilitates consultation/coordination with resource specialists to evaluate and implement mitigation of project concerns in conjunction with HCP guidance, internal and external policy, interdisciplinary team meetings, and professional knowledge and experience to ensure regulatory, environmental, Departmental social and political objectives are met.

Lead technicians, intern, WCC work crews and volunteers during restoration projects, as needed. Conduct on-the-ground forest health activities including non-native plant control, reseeding, replanting, pruning and slashing of small trees, pile burning, etc.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in forestry (or a closely related field) AND 2 years of forestry experience;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with forest measuring and survey tools such as GPS, laser measurement devices, compass, clinometer, and other forestry equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficient in the use of ArcGIS, cruising software, standard Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) programs and mobile devices.
• 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:

Position’s assigned duty station is Dallesport, WA. Work is performed both in the field (up to 80%) and in the office (up to 20%) with some travel to remote locations.

Field visits require the physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested, or back-country landscapes and terrains and the ability to traverse uneven terrain.

Travel throughout eastern Washington may be required. Occasional overnight trips will be necessary at least once a month with approval.

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 forestry, or a closely related field.
• Experience in forest management objectives and timber management planning in practice, and as it relates to associated agency policies and rules.
• Experience with contract preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of fire ecology of Eastern Washington forested landscapes, fuels management techniques, and prescribed fire planning.

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 transfers 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 Keyna Bugner at keyna.bugner@dnr.wa.gov/509-607-1851or 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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