Forest Practices Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Forest Practices Forester (Natural Resource Specialist 3) for the South Puget Sound Region. The role involves reviewing Forest Practices Applications, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with various stakeholders to protect natural resources. Candidates should have an associate's degree in forestry or related field with four years of experience. Fieldwork is significant, indicating the position is not remote.
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/6/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our South Puget Sound Region as a Forest Practices Forester – Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3). Do you have a passion for environmental protection? Do you want to be a part of making Washington a place that has a sustainable future with fish, wildlife, clean water, and a viable timber industry? The Forest Practices Forester position supports the mission through the Department’s role in implementing the Forest Practices Act on private, state, and local government forestlands. We are seeking to fill two positions, one in the Narrows North Unit and one in the Hood Canal Unit. Narrows North includes Kitsap County and the Gig Harbor area within Pierce County and Vashon/Maury Island within King County. Hood Canal includes the Shelton, Matlock, and Lake Cushman areas of Mason County.

If you enjoy working independently while collaborating with other experts, including diverse landowners, foresters, consultants, loggers, wildlife biologists, geologists, engineers, and local government entities to protect natural resources, and educating landowners, consultants, and loggers about forest practices and enforcement of the Forest Practices Act, the Forest Practices Field Forest position might be a great fit for you!

Duties Responsibilities:
• Review and approve, condition, or deny Forest Practices Applications/Notifications.
• Compliance with Forest Practices Activities.
• Rule interpretation, pre-application reviews.
• Facilitate Interdisciplinary Teams of natural resource professionals.
• Participate in training and professional development.
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships.
• Thinking critically and strategically while also meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
• An associate’s degree in forestry or a related field; AND four years of professional forestry experience;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with GPS technology and GIS mapping products.
• Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Skills in verbal and written communication.
• Skills working as a team lead and member.
• Tact and Diplomacy with customer-focused skills.
• Dedication to a Safe Workplace.
• 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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
• Field work (70%) is performed on a variety of ownership, including large and small forest landowners, with parcels over 100 acres to under 20 acres in residential settings and some unimproved natural areas. Incumbent must be able to traverse steep, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Approximately 30% of the work is performed in a typical office setting.
• Occasional travel for training sessions is necessary.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree involving major study in Forestry, or related natural science, and four years of paraprofessional experience in regulatory programs involving forestry.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your 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, 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 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.

Questions?

Please contact Aileen Nichols at aileen.nichols@dnr.wa.gov/253 732-1822 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.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which 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 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.

Additional 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 before 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 with disabilities, 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.