Small Forest Landowner Regulation Assistance Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3
Recruitment #2021-12-7995
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.
Location: Pacific Cascade Region, Castle Rock.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you someone who loves the outdoors, and is passionate about becoming a natural resource forester working for Washington State? If you love working in the outdoors, appreciate a remote natural environment, enjoy providing assistance to the public, and have good practical forestry skills with a proven ability for working as part of a team, then this is the job for you.

Duties

Responsibilities:
The selected candidate is a natural resources forestry professional with the title of Small Forest Landowner Regulation Assistance Forester. The primary role of the Regulation Assistance Forester is to provide guidance and expert technical assistance to help small forest landowners in preparing to conduct forest practices activities on their forestland. The position will help landowners understand and apply the Forest Practices Rules and Board Manual guidance, prepare Forest Practices Applications, landowner alternate plans, long-term applications, alternate plan templates, 20- acre exempt harvest activities, and other forest practices. The Regulation Assistance Forester will also perform non-regulatory forest road surveys to assess the condition of small forest landowner roads.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in forestry, or related field; OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
  • At least two years of operational field experience in forest management in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Current working knowledge of WA Forest Practices Rules and Forest Practices Board Manual guidance.
  • Demonstrated successful professional experience in general forest management activities such as forest road design and construction, timber management planning, silvicultural techniques, reforestation methods, and timber harvest boundaries.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including teaching or public presentation experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other agencies and organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to use basic forestry tools (measuring tools and hand tools).
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with little supervision.
  • Highly motivated toward accomplishing set goals.
  • Has the acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard of the general public, external stakeholders, and other governmental agencies.
  • Works well independently and effectively manages multiple tasks at different stages.
  • Work is performed in a combination of office, field, and classroom settings. With approval from the Appointing Authority, tele-working for a portion of work time is an option. Ability to walk over steep, uneven terrain under a variety of weather conditions year-round is required.
  • Frequent travel over a multi-county area is required, including occasional overnight travel. The ability to drive significant distances in a variety of weather conditions, year-round, is required. Night time travel 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.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
  • All employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Vaccination status will be verified at the time an offer of employment is made. An accommodation may be available for individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, based on the essential functions of this position.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated successful experience providing technical forestry assistance and educational programs to small forest landowners.
  • Previous experience working with small forest landowners.
  • Working knowledge of Small Forest Landowner Office Capital programs.
  • Demonstrated successful experience providing technical forestry assistance and educational outreach to non-industrial small forest landowners.

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.

Additional Information:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.
 
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!

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.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

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

Questions? Please contact Todd Olson at 360-742-6825, todd.olson@dnr.wa.gov or 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.