Description

Natural Resource Specialist 2/NRS1 In-Training, Forester
Recruitment #2023-1-3887
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: South Puget Sound Region- Shelton, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have some exciting opportunities within our South Puget Sound Region. Are you interested in a rewarding career in Washington State managing the state’s forests for multiple objectives? We are seeking a Forester (Natural Resource Specialist 1 in training or Natural Resource Specialist 2) to help manage State Trust Lands to achieve the Agency’s mission and goals by implementing ecologically sound forest management to meet trust obligations. The State Lands Forester works under the guidance of the Habitat Conservation Plan, Forest Practices Rules, the Policy for Sustainable Forests, the Sustainable Harvest Calculation, the Endangered Species Act, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and agency policy, procedures, and guidelines to accomplish the Agency’s objectives. This position works in the Hoodsport Unit which contains approximately 40,000 acres of DNR Trust Lands located in the Hoodsport State Forest within Mason County.

Duties

Responsibilities:
This position serves as an entry level or lead forester working with a forest engineer under the supervision of the Hoodsport Unit Manager. The chosen candidate will work independently and as part of a team, with regular interaction with other foresters, forest engineers, other natural resource professionals, as well as other agency/organization members, stakeholders, and the public. The positions responsibilities are split between timber sale layout and compliance. During timber sale layout the successful candidate will be responsible for the field design of timber sale proposals, including reconnaissance, harvest unit design and implementation, initial road location, and selection of harvest methods. Work includes completion of presales documentation packets containing maps created using ArcGIS, informational reports, and environmental documents. The successful candidate will also eventually serve as a contract administrator for timber sales and road plan contracts. Contract administration duties include working to ensure all road and timber sale contract requirements and payments are met, and ensuring all harvest and road building activities comply with applicable policies and laws. The candidate may respond to public and other agency requests relative to State Lands management within their respective unit in the Hood Canal District.

Qualifications

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-24 month training plan that may be extended to a maximum of 36 months. 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 2 or Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training), depending on qualifications.

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1 In-Training) required qualifications
(Salary range: $3,558-$4,777 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 navigating using maps, aerial photos, compass, orthos, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and chain.
• Experience using GPS devices.
• Dedication to 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.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a WSDA Pesticide Applicators License
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Natural Resource Specialist 2 required qualifications
(Salary range: $4,013-$5,399 per month):

• All required qualifications listed above for the Natural Resources Specialist 1.
• One year of forestry experience at the entry level,
• 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.
• Being empowered to identify, resolve or mitigate observed safety concerns

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to cover reasonable distances per day in the field on moderate to very difficult terrain. Must be willing to work alone and in remote terrain and in all weather conditions. A majority (70%) of the work is performed in isolated unimproved natural forestry settings.
• The incumbent in this position may be required to travel. A majority (70%) of time in the field and traveling between sites in the work unit. Occasional travel out of the work area is required
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. 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.
• Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to complete their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (be fully vaccinated against COVID-19) or be approved for a medical or religious exemption and accommodation as a condition of employment. Please note, any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status or having an approved medical or religious exemption and accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved exemption and accommodation. “Fully vaccinated” means the following: An employee is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson &Johnson(J&J)/Janssen) authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA or listed for emergency use, or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, which includes coursework in silviculture and mensuration.
• One year of professional forestry experience.
• Knowledge of Policy for Sustainable Forests, Habitat Conservation Plan, and related agency policies.
• Experience with inspecting, instructing, and working with camp and contract crews to ensure silvicultural prescriptions are met.
• 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.

Supplemental Information

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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.
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 those 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 benefit package that 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.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted via email from 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.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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 prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The 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 of disability, persons over 40years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

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Questions? Please contact Jeremy Homer at 360-520-1409, Jeremy.Homer@dnr.wa.govor e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.