State of Washington · 3 days ago
Natural Areas Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
The State of Washington's Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Natural Areas Forester to support conservation land management efforts. This role involves designing and leading forest restoration projects and assessing conditions on Natural Area Preserves to meet ecological objectives.
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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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
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.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.
Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.