What are the responsibilities and job description for the Service Forestry Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2) position at State of Washington Dept. of Natural Resources?
Description
Service Forestry Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
Recruitment #2025-1-7843
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Southeast Region - Dallesport, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredRecruitment #2025-1-7843
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Southeast Region - Dallesport, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Southeast Region. Are you interested in a career that allows you to serve local communities by reducing wildfire risk, and promoting healthy forests? DNR is looking for a Service Forestry Specialist to assist and educate private landowners on how to manage their lands for forest health and wildfire risk. This position administers DNR’s private landowner cost share program, as well as supports the state’s Forest Stewardship program, Firewise USA, and Fire Adapted Communities, and local community fire prevention programs. DNR’s cost share program provides financial assistance to private landowners interested in reducing their wildfire risk and improving their forest health. As a Service Forestry Specialist you will be responsible for assessing landowner’s forest conditions and forest health, independently writing basic prescriptions based on the landowners priorities, objectives, and site conditions, and making forest management recommendations to help the landowner achieve their goals. Other common responsibilities are reviewing Forest Stewardship plans, laying out Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fuels reduction projects, and participating in Public Education or Forest Stewardship events that promote wildfire mitigation and prevention. To be successful in this position you not only need an understanding of forestry, but you also need to showcase outstanding customer service skills. This position will consistently be representing the agency when speaking to landowners and the general public, and have to be able to adapt to their audiences. If you want to make a difference and have an impact on several communities, help shape the health of private forests, and build a massive supportive network, this is the job for you.
Location:
One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. The DNR Southeast Region is expansive, covering central and southeastern Washington from mixed pine and conifer forest foothills of the Cascade Range east to arid shrub steppe and vast agricultural lands. The region covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima counties. Southeast Region includes more than 12,900 acres of conservation lands and region staff manage 880,000 acres of state trust lands for forest, agriculture, and commercial uses, including the state's first community forest. Eighty-five percent — 620,000 acres — of the state trusts’ agricultural lands are contained within this region and are leased to farmers to grow orchards, vineyards, and irrigated and dryland crops, and to ranchers for use as grazing and range lands. The region's staff also oversee forest practices and lead wildfire prevention and fighting efforts on 2 million acres of state and private forestland. This position will be located in Dallesport, Klickitat County WA.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Independently assessing private lands for forest health and wildfire risk.
- Building a strong and positive repoir with not only private landowners, but with WSU Extension, Conservation Districts, Firewise USA communities, coalitions, local schools, and the general public.
- Representing the agency in a positive manner when interacting with the public.
- Collaborating with other foresters, fire management specialists, wildlife biologists, Forest Regulation staff, Fire Managers, Small Forest Landowner technical advisors, and interagency partners.
- Independently planning and prioritizing field work and project deadlines.
- Conducting field verification and unit boundary layout with consultation from Landowner Assistance Foresters and Coordinators.
- Using GIS technologies to collect and analyze data.
- Planning and prioritizing fuels mitigation projects.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
-
Associate degree or higher in resource management or natural resource related field AND one year experience in forestry, resource management, or
natural resource related field;
OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Ability to read maps and interpret information on aerial photos.
- Ability to negotiate unfamiliar and difficult terrain by vehicle and on foot.
- Personal organization and prioritization skills.
- Basic skills and knowledge in the use of a personal computer and forestry instrument measuring tools.
- Oral and written communication skills.
- 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 the Husum Work Center. The majority (approx. 70%) of work is performed alone in sometimes isolated unimproved natural areas and on privately owned forest and rangeland. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Office work (approx. 30%) is also required and
involves sitting or standing in an office environment. - Position requires up to 70% of time in the field traveling between field assignments, work centers, and fires. This includes driving in icy and snow-covered roads, during low visibility and stormy conditions. Occasional overnight travel may, be required to attend trainings, events and meetings.
- 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.
- A bachelor's degree in Forestry, Resource Management, or natural resource-related field from an accredited institution.
- One year experience with forest management, silviculture and forestry practices.
- Experience with wildland firefighting techniques and mitigation strategies.
- Experience with Esri Arc GIS programs.
- Experience working with the public.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!
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.
Questions? Please contact Sharon Frazey at Sharon.Frazey@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail 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.
- 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 : $4,299 - $5,783
