South Alpine Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Nrs2)

Salary : $50,088.00 - $67,380.00 Annually
Location : Yakima County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-1-7154-01132
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 01/25/2024
Closing Date: 2/8/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
South Alpine Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)Recruitment #2024-1-7154
Full-time, Permanent, Represented positionLocation flexibility may be available and considered: Southeast Region-Naches or Yakima, WA.
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,174.00 - $5,615.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you interested in a career that allows you to manage forested landscapes to promote a healthier ecosystem, quality wildlife habitat, and long-term sustainability? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Forester (Natural Resource Specialist 2) to assist in the management of State trust forest lands in east/central Washington.
The South Alpine Forester is responsible for project management and planning of commercial timber harvest, silvicultural projects, and fuels treatments on DNR-managed lands within Yakima and parts of Kittitas counties. This position develops management plans based on all state and federal regulations to support habitat, ecological, and revenue-generating objectives. This requires an individual to be creative and who works well individually and as part of a team in remote areas. This position also has the ability to assist the Wildfire program in response to wildfires.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Ensures both operability and feasibility of harvest units by developing a logging plan using GIS, LIDAR, aerial photos, field observations, and maps through consultation with engineers, other foresters, and the unit forester for presales, road layout, and harvest plan implementation.
• Creates silvicultural prescriptions by reviewing and analyzing similar stand prescriptions and utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Land Resource Manager (LRM) software, forest practice rules, and field observations while consulting with silviculture specialists to devise a plan to successfully manage stands for long-term sustainability.
• Fosters good working relations with the community and adjacent landowners by being transparent about DNR operations and consulting with adjacent landowners and external stakeholders through various means including; field site visits, and written and oral communication.
• Resolves property line discrepancies, trespasses, cost-share agreements, and access for state lands projects, by consulting with rights-of-way staff, region engineering staff, and local landowners.
• Produces professional documentation that complies with all state and federal regulations and completes all necessary project permitting and paperwork including Forest Practice Applications (FPA), State Environmental Policy Act checklists (SEPA), and HCP checklists. Provides these for review by supervisor, management, and/or Responsible Official.
• Evaluates current and future stand needs to ensure necessary silvicultural treatments are properly scheduled, budgeted, and executed, and assess the success or failure of completed activities using professional experience and knowledge of silvicultural prescriptions, plant biology, site productivity, and forest health. Uses production software to organize and track silvicultural treatments.
• Ensures environmental, social, political, and department objectives are met and any problems or complications are addressed through coordination and consultation with Resource Specialists (silviculturalist, geologist, biologist, etc.), forest practices, and/or Timber Fish and Wildlife (TFW) partner agency staff. Facilitates consultation through the use of HCP guidance and internal and external policies and rules.
• Achieves habitat goals of the Policy for Sustainable Forests and HCP through planning, assessment, and implementation of treatments that will incorporate long-term forest health, multi-rotational timelines, enduring stand resiliency, and potential future use.
• Communicates contractual requirements, notes and corrects any deficiencies observed or recorded, and addresses any concerns expressed by the public, co-workers, contractors, internal and external stakeholders, and regulators by utilizing clear written and oral communication, interpersonal skills, meeting facilitation, and public outreach.
• Ensures contractual obligations are understood by contractors and compliance staff and have reasonable and achievable results.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, Natural Resources management, or closely related field AND 2 years of professional forestry experience
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Familiar with theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry profession as applied to the Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of Northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation and weed control, reforestation and intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management, and basic principles of fisheries management).
• Familiar with developing forest management objectives and timber management planning in practice, and as it relates to associated agency policies and rules.
• Familiar with forest mensuration and survey tools such as GPS, laser measurement devices, compass, clinometer, and other forestry equipment.
• Familiar with software including ArcGIS, cruising software, standard office (Word, Excel, etc.) programs, and mobile devices.
• Timber sales contract preparation and administration experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Field 80%, Office 20%. Field work may be arduous and includes navigating steep and difficult terrain in all weather conditions.
• Travel may be required periodically as a function of this position.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in forest management, forest operations, silviculture, or related Natural Resource science; and three years of professional forestry experience.
• Experience practicing forestry and silviculture tasks involved in the management of State trust lands.
• Experience with timber marketing and financial appraisals.
• Experience utilizing forest growth and yield simulators.

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 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 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 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 Brenda Cockrum at or e-mail us at
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,
• 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 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
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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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
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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage...