State Lands Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)/NRS1 In-Training

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $3,811.00 - $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 2/2/26. 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 two exciting opportunities within our Pacific Cascade Region as a State Sales Forester.

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations. Management of trust assets is linked to decisions made during the presales, sales compliance, and silviculture functions of the Region team. The State Lands Forester position is a vital position that contributes to the success of meeting our goals and objectives both long and short term. This position provides professional forestry expertise on DNR uplands managed for current and future citizens of the state to 1) sustain long-term ecosystem and economic viability; and 2) foster resilient forest lands and the benefits derived from them. 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, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies, procedures, and guidelines. This position reports to a State Lands Unit Forester and must interact with agency staff, the general public and other state, county, and federal agencies to achieve success on their projects.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
Presales

• Develop harvest designs using professional experience, judgement, and knowledge of natural resource management fundamentals, as well as GIS, field observations, and maps.
• Research various elements of the timber sales paper plan utilizing field observations, GIS, preliminary cruising, growth model software, cable harvest analysis, and GPS equipment.
• Locate and classify streams and wetlands in accordance with appropriate HCP or forest practices requirements.
• Delineate timber sale boundaries that are operationally feasible and comply with policies, rules, and regulations.
• Collect data for timber sale boundaries, streams, wetlands, leave trees, roads, etc. utilizing GPS (Garmin, Trimble, iPad, etc.), DNR Garmin software, or hand traversing.
• Identify and layout road locations in a manner that produces practical and maintainable forest roads that comply with applicable policies, rules, and regulations.
• Assess and identify leave tree areas utilizing on the ground observations in combination with knowledge of the HCP,L&I regulations, Forest Practices rules, logging systems and consultation with biologists, geologists, silviculturist, and L&I consultants.
• Create standardized final map products utilizing GIS, local mapping protocols, and consultation with GIS specialists.
• Complete necessary permitting and paperwork utilizing applicable software and knowledge of standards, rules and regulations to create a timber sale document packet that complies with all procedures, policies, and state and federal regulations.
• Foster good working relations with community and adjacent landowners by being transparent about our operations.

Timber Sale Compliance

• Clearly communicate contractual requirements and sale processes to the public, purchasers, and internal stakeholders by utilizing professional communication skills including clearly written documents, meeting facilitation to internal and external stakeholders, and public outreach.
• Ensure environmental, social, political, contractual, and fiscal objectives are met by resolving disputes to the full extent utilizing an understanding of contractual obligations, clear written documentation and experience with prior compliance work.
• Technical Aspects of Timber Sale Compliance
• Provide trust beneficiaries with revenue by calculating payment securities and billing schedules utilizing a full understanding of fiscal principals associated with road construction and timber harvest.

Appraise and evaluate the application and implementation of rules and regulations governing harvest and operations associated with timber sales.

This will be achieved through site visits utilizing knowledge and experience with the objective of determining potential environmental and economic mitigation and/or compensation as needed.

Silviculture
• Evaluate current stand conditions and formulate a professional summary for the purpose of developing a long term management plan. This will be done in coordination with fellow professionals to develop prescriptions.
• Evaluate young stands using professional experience and knowledge of silviculture principles.

Qualifications

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-24 month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training) or Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2), depending on qualifications.

Required Qualifications:
Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training)
(Salary range: $3,811 - $5,117 per month):

• An associate’s degree in forest management or related natural resource field;
  OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis).
• Knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
• Computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.
• Knowledge of navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthophotos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.
• Experience using GPS devices.
• Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
• Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• 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
Natural Resource Specialist 2
(Salary range: $4,299 - $5,783 per month):

• An associate’s degree in forest management or related natural resource field AND one year of forestry experience at the entry level;
  OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
• Experience in general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis).
• Experience in basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.
• Experience in navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.
• Experience using GPS devices.
• Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment.
• Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• Being empowered to identify, resolve or mitigate observed safety concerns.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups
  both internal and external.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

Position is assigned to one of the Region’s duty stations. Significant amounts of work is performed alone in isolated unimproved forested environments.

Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Office work requires use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g.

desks, files, cabinets, computers, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, etc.) in a climate-controlled building.

• Position requires a significant amount of time in the field traveling alone between timber sale activities and work center. Travel out of town overnight is necessary to attend required trainings and meetings on an occasional basis.

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 which includes silviculture, mensuration and harvest systems. OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• One year of professional forestry experience.
• A WSDA Pesticide Applicators License.
• Knowledge of Policy for Sustainable Forests, Habitat Conservation Plan, and related agency policies.
• Knowledge of Forest Practice Rules and SEPA process.
• Experience in young stand establishment and maintenance practices and treatments.
• Experience with logging and forest road construction equipment.
• Experience with the timber sales process and contract administration.
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 Brian Poehlein at brian.poehlein@dnr.wa.gov/360.921.1813 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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