SPS Region Management Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 6 (NRS6)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $6,735.00 - $9,065.00 Monthly
Please note: In addition to the salary range advertised, the incumbent will receive an additional 5% King County duty station pay.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/3/26. 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 South Puget Sound Region as our SPS Region Management Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 6 (NRS6).
Are you an experienced leader who can provide strategic direction at the Region program level and have a passion for managing professional natural resources staff and multiple projects? Do you enjoy the challenge of bringing together diverse perspectives for a common goal? Do you enjoy helping others grow and reach their full potential working in forest management, land management, and natural resource conservation? Well, this may be your dream job! DNR is looking for a leader with good people skills and a strong background in forest land management.

The Management Forester leads the State Uplands Units in timber harvest pre-sales and post sales program. This position manages the work unit's scheduled projects under the guidance and direction of the Assistant Region Manager for State Lands, Product Sales and Leasing Division, and applicable laws, policy, procedures, and plans.

This position works under the guidance of the Habitat Conservation Plan, the Forest Practice Rules, the Policy for Sustainable Forests, the Sustainable Harvest, the Endangered Species Act, applicable laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies, procedures, and guidelines. This position must interact with agency staff, the general public and other state, county, and federal agencies on a routine basis.

This position is responsible for managing the successful processing of upland product sales, cruising and inventory in South Puget Sound Region. Responsibilities include: coordinating and communicating with the Unit staff, District Manager and State Lands Assistant that implement the various programs; coordinating and communicating with the region biologist, geologist and hydrologist that provide technical assistance and recommendations for the program; representing the Department’s interests to private operators, business, governmental officials, and the public where there are complex, sensitive issues, providing input and recommending actions; and is responsible for the direct supervision of 4 professional staff. In addition, this position is accountable for 2 second-line supervision of staff. This position is also responsible for managing and achieving the timber sales volume deliverable in SPS Region and ensuring the quarterly targets are achieved for the timber sales volume.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

Plan, lead, organize and manage the workload performed by staff in the product sales section to ensure all deliverables are met, while being respectful of the environmental, economic, and social authorizing environments in which we operate.

Ensure all activities are compliant with all laws and regulations and all agency policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Ensure staff resource allocations are appropriately managed as budgeted and to accomplish deliverables and assignments. Key deliverables are processing the district timber sales packets and achieving region quarterly volume targets as timber sales volume is delivered by the Districts.

Work with Districts and Division staff to schedule and coordinate timber sales to achieve quarterly volume and value target deliverables.

Work with Districts and Division staff to achieve our overall Region volume deliverable - both for trust distribution and overall volume.

Provide input involving policy decisions on state lands forest management. Provide recommendations regarding issues involving state lands management.

Act as the key liaison between the region and programs responsible.

Work to collaboratively share staff, resources and ideas between the Product Sale group, engineering and the three state lands districts, recognizing there are no hard functional lines and collaborative work is essential to achieve the deliverables as a region.

Work to resolve sensitive resource issues with a variety of partners.

Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external partners, including tribal partners, hostile and aggressive neighbors, county governments, other state agencies, and local constituents to find creative and innovative solutions, solve issues and minimize litigious action against the Department.

Represent the Department’s interests when interacting with private operators, purchasers, businesses, governmental officials, and the public where there is involvement in sensitive, complex issues in the Region or Agency.

Represent the Department to external partners and groups and various other special interest and neighborhood groups.

Position participants as a member of the South Puget the Region Management team. Participates in discussions and decisions on implementation of program direction, goals, and deliverables, and ensuring adequate resources are available to carry them out.

Provides support to the region, divisions, and Attorney General's office in the preparation and settlement of legal issues involving the department.

This includes gathering information, preparing statements and interrogatories, testifying before boards and courts, and if necessary, actively participating in settlement negotiations with all parties involved.

Represents the department's interest through all forms of communications with other state agencies and boards, federal agencies, and county and city boards. Attends agency hearings and to be prepared to address the department's interests in front of the public.

Provides leadership in building and maintaining relationships with groups that hold a stake in how trust lands are managed within the work units.

Meets with such groups to listen and gather information relevant to a pending action, and then synthesizes comments, if appropriate, into a final proposal.

Strengthen employees’ success through timely evaluations and professional development opportunities. Provide developmental opportunities and training that will enhance district staff personal and professional growth in preparation for their professional career goals.

Mentor staff and provide a positive working environment where people are respected and valued professionally.

Maintain and develop positive and effective supervisory relationships, with direct reports and staff, including responding appropriately to disciplinary situations, representing and supporting staff to resolve conflicts, and handling routine personnel issues.

Make decisions for balancing career development with production obligations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related natural sciences field, and 5 years of relevant experience;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of forest management objectives, timber management planning and silvicultural principles.
• Knowledge of Washington SEPA process, Forest Practices rules, laws and practices and associated agency policies.
• Knowledge of logging and forest road construction practices and technology.

• Ability to develop programs, timelines, and track accomplishments.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to clearly articulate expectations, develop and mentor staff, and ensure accountability.
• 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:

• This position works in the office and occasional field visits. Position will occasionally drive on remote forest roads, traversing adverse terrain, weather, and active equipment on timber harvest operations.
• Occasional travel to Olympia and statewide happens several times a year.

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:
• Current knowledge of forest practice statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, agency practices and general forest management theory (such as forest fire prevention and suppression techniques, forest health Issues, silviculture; logging and forest road construction equipment and use: hazardous fuels reduction techniques, and public relations).
• Knowledge of agency business practices, particularly related to forest practices.
• Knowledge of agency policies, practices and procedures.
• Experience making public presentations.
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 Brandon Mohler at brandon.mohler@dnr.wa.gov/360-918-1115 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.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress