Silviculture Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Description

Duties

Responsibilities:
The chosen candidate works under the supervision of the district silviculturist and is responsible for implementing the Department’s reforestation and young stand management activities on state trust lands. This position requires a large majority (70%) of time in the field and traveling between sites in the work unit. The incumbent will work independently much of the time but will work with a team of foresters and will also have frequent interactions with forest crew supervisors, other agency staff, contractors, the general public, and other state, county, and federal agencies. Primary responsibilities will include scheduling and completing surveys, complying with silviculture activities and contracts such as herbicide treatments, slashing, pre-commercial thinning, and tree planting. At times, noxious weed control will also be performed. The chosen candidate will perform as lead forester on silviculture contracts and DNR crews. This position may occasionally work with the timber sale program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in forest management or a related natural resource field:
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of young stand establishment and maintenance practices and treatments.
• 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).
• Experience in basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
• Experience with computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS/ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.
• Experience navigating using digital maps, GPS, and compass.
• Demonstrates leadership in maintaining and developing a safe and healthy work environment. Being empowered to identify, resolve, or mitigate observed safety concerns.
• 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 forest mensuration and forest biology.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, and an aptitude for learning new software programs.
• Ability to navigate using mobile devices, maps, aerial photos, compass, and GPS.
• Ability to inspect, instruct, and work with contract crews to ensure silvicultural prescriptions are met.
• Ability to traverse unit boundaries and accurately create a map in GIS.
• 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.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• 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 works from an assigned duty station. A majority (70%) of the work is performed in isolated, unimproved natural forestry settings. The individual must be able to cover reasonable distances per day in the field and traverse uneven, moderate to very difficult terrain. Must be willing to work alone and in remote terrain and all weather conditions. Office work requires the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desks, files, cabinets, computers, telephones, copy machines, etc.).
• Position requires a large majority (70%) of time in the field and traveling between sites in the work unit. Occasional travel out of the work area is required.
• Acquire and maintain Pesticide application license.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and 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.

• Two years of professional forestry experience:
  OR a Master of Science degree in forest management or a closely related subject.
• Two years of professional forestry experience in young stand establishment (including experience with herbicide application) and maintenance practices and treatments.
• Two years of experience using GPS and ArcGIS products.
• Knowledge of Policy for Sustainable Forests, Habitat Conservation Plan, and related agency policies.
Knowledge of Forest Practice Rules and SEPA process.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. 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.

• 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.