What are the responsibilities and job description for the Service Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3) position at State of Washington Dept. of Natural Resources?
Description
Service Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)
Recruitment #2025-2-A110
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Olympic Region - Port Angeles or Forks, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and consideredRecruitment #2025-2-A110
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Olympic Region - Port Angeles or Forks, WA
Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in DNR’s Forest Resilience Service Forestry Program within the Olympic Region. Are you someone who loves the outdoors and is passionate about restoring the ecology of our forest ecosystems in Washington State? If you enjoy working with diverse landowners and partners, finding creative solutions in forest management and improving landscape resilience and can deliver excellent customer service while working both independently and as part of a small team, then this job is for you! We are seeking a motivated individual to join our Service Forestry team – experts in private forestland management, working with landowners to provide critical technical assistance and financial resources, educational opportunities, and more.
The Forest Resilience Division works across all lands and in the interest of all Washingtonians to sustain and increase the health and resiliency of our forests, communities, and the ecosystem services that forests provide for people, communities, wildlife, and landscapes now and into the future. Specifically, the Division is responsible for the assessment, planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of forest health-related activities across all lands that work to restore and sustain ecological functions of Washington’s forested landscapes and support healthy and resilient communities.
DNR regions operationalize and serve as stewards of the Division’s portfolio and deliver on the agency's mission to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations. Specifically, DNR regions serve as the operational arm of the agency and are responsible for the coordination, oversight, and delivery of key activities and priorities.
Our Service Forester is responsible for the delivery of technical assistance and services to landowners and communities by providing services within the framework of the One Stop Shop for Integrated Landowner Assistance. Service Foresters occupy an important role as a community’s link to DNR and are often the face of the agency for landowners. Specifically, these professional foresters provide technical assistance in forest management, watershed protection, insect and disease control, forest recreation, tree planting, wildlife habitat development, and fuels reduction or mitigation, and are responsible for the administration of fuels reduction and forest stewardship on forest lands.
Activities include administering financial assistance programs, Forest Stewardship assistance visits, development of Forest Stewardship Plans in coordination with landowners, and service as first-line delivery of technical assistance and expertise on forest management topics. Further activities include providing landowners with technical review and analysis of forest health and fire hazards on forested properties. This includes making recommendations for appropriate practices to reduce wildland fire potential and enhance forest health on stands of timber near dwellings, high public use areas, and forested properties. By performing these activities, this position helps to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
This work of the Region is one part of DNR’s One Stop Shop for Private Lands Assistance which is a cohesive landowner services program formed by integrating existing components to more effectively reach small forest landowners by identifying and removing barriers to technical assistance, funding, and forest health management planning; increasing education and outreach to small forest landowners; and distributing funding effectively to move high wildland fire risk areas to lower risk.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Providing leadership and supervision for one Service Forestry Specialist within the region.
- Delivering technical expertise to forest landowners and forestry service providers regarding forest management and wildfire risk reduction alternatives.
- Administer landowner's participation in financial assistance programs and forest health and fuels reduction contracts.
- Providing technical specifications for forest management practices while incorporating landowner objectives into management recommendations.
- Building a strong and positive rapport with private landowners, WSU Extension, Conservation Districts, Firewise USA communities, forest collaboratives, coalitions, local schools, and the general public.
- Collaborating with other foresters, fire management specialists, wildlife biologists, Forest Regulation staff, Fire Managers, Small Forest Landowner technical advisors, and interagency partners.
- Using GIS technologies to collect and/or analyze data.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
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Bachelor of Science in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field from an accredited program;
AND 2 years of field experience in forest management in the Pacific Northwest or a similar environment.
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Valid Public Pest Consultant and Certified Tree Farm Inspector certifications or ability to obtain.
- Experience in general forest management activities such as forest road design and construction, timber management planning, silviculture techniques, reforestation methods, and timber harvest boundaries.
- Experience using forestry tools such as measuring and hand tools.
- Experience teaching or providing group presentations.
- Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office applications, and SharePoint.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Collector, and other mapping tools to document work and convey information to non-technical audiences.
- Working independently.
- Time management
- Effective oral and written communications and can convey messages clearly and persuasively. Excellent public speaking skills.
- Organizational management - has a strong understanding and ability to organize efficiently and the ability to develop or use systems for tracking the implementation and accomplishments of several complex projects.
- Working knowledge of silviculture and forest management practices in the Pacific Northwest or similar environments.
- 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
- The position's assigned duty station is Port Angeles, WA, or Forks, WA. Work typically includes office, classroom, and field settings. Most work is performed alone or with landowners or land managers in sometimes isolated, unimproved areas, on forestland, and/or rangeland. The ability to walk over steep, uneven terrain in a variety of environments and weather conditions, year-round, is required, which may include work within the state.
- Frequent daily travel within the Olympic Region, and occasional overnight travel within the state, are required to provide services and/or attend conferences, workshops, or similar events. The ability to drive long distances in a variety of weather conditions, year-round, is required.
- A valid unrestricted 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.
- While not conditions of employment, SAF Certified Forester and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification are recommended.
- Experience with government procurement rules, contracting, and administration.
- Experience providing technical assistance, education, and educational materials to non-professional audiences, especially forest landowners.
- Experience with Forest Stewardship Plan and Forest Management Plan development.
- Current knowledge of Forest Practices rules; Forest Practices Board Manual guidance; and DNR Forest Practices policies, procedures, and practices.
- Previous experience working with small forest landowners.
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- 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.
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.
- 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 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.
This recruitment may be extended and may also be 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 prior to 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 of 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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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Salary : $4,865 - $6,539
