State Lands Ecologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (Nrsci2)

Salary : $53,964.00 - $72,552.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-1-P436-00213
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 01/05/2024
Closing Date: 1/31/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
State Lands Ecologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2)
Recruitment #2024-1-P436
Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project employment is February 2024-June 2025, (Contingent on funding, may be extended or converted into a permanent position)
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Location flexibility may be available and considered
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredSalary: $4,497.00 - $6,046.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/19/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Join the Washington Natural Heritage Program (WNHP) as an Ecologist and you will have the opportunity to contribute to the programmatic mission of cataloging the plants, animals, and ecosystems of Washington and prioritizing their conservation needs. Specifically, you will assist Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff in using Natural Heritage data to inform the planning of trust management activities such as timber harvest, grazing leases, recreation use, and other activities to provide the best conservation outcomes while also supporting DNR's other obligations.
In collaboration with the Lead Ecologist, the State Lands Ecologist will serve as a science consultant to two separate efforts occurring on DNR trust lands and Natural Areas. The first is DNR's Uplands program regarding element occurrences (rare plant and rare/high-quality ecosystem locations) which may occur in areas managed for revenue, such as timber sales, grazing leases, solar leases, etc. The second is to serve as a science consultant that is part of a multi-agency effort to document recreation impacts on cultural and ecological resources. As a part of this effort, the incumbent will coordinate and implement ecological integrity assessments (EIA) and other methods across selected DNR trust lands to document potential impacts of recreation on ecosystem conditions. In addition to coordination with the Lead Ecologist, this position will coordinate closely with the Recreation Impacts Environmental Planner in the Recreation program and Tribal Relations office staff.
This position will develop and lead training for DNR staff to assist in the identification of previously undocumented element occurrences during the screening process associated with trust activities. The training will include the development of a standardized field key to the rare ecosystem types that are likely to occur on DNR trust lands. The training will also involve coordinating with the State Uplands Training Coordinator, the HCP & Scientific Consultation Assistant Division Manager (ADM), and the Divisions involved with revenue generation on trust lands, including the Product Sales ADM and the Leasing ADM, as well as assistant region managers for each of the six regions and their field staff. The position will also coordinate with the Lead Botanist regarding rare plant locations, including conducting rare plant surveys and collecting and reporting data to the Lead Botanist. This person will be responsible for keeping the ecosystem classification taxonomy, which is based on the U.S. National Vegetation Classification, up to date. The position will coordinate with the Lead Ecologist and Program Manager regarding these activities. The position may represent the Program on technical workgroups associated with this multi-agency work. The position also serves as a science consultant to other agencies and organizations, especially in relation to the previously described EIA project. The position is responsible for promoting the use of research and scientific information in land management and land-use decision-making.
The position will coordinate with the supervisor for project planning and implementation and keep the supervisor informed of project execution. There is often direct interaction with DNR program and land managers. The position may perform duties that relate to conservation-focused DNR policies and procedures. The position works under the guidance of state and federal regulations, agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
The State Lands Ecologist participates in and collaborates with, the network of natural heritage programs (NatureServe), both nationally and internationally. Additional duties may include outreach efforts to other agencies and organizations regarding plant conservation issues and topics, including making land management recommendations. This individual will participate in a variety of collaborative conservation planning efforts.
Duties
Responsibilities:
As a member of the WNHP's Ecology team, you will coordinate with the Lead Ecologist in accomplishing the following:

• Develop a vegetation key to assist DNR staff in identifying vegetation types occurring on state trust lands.
• Develop and implement a training module to empower DNR staff to utilize the vegetation key in the field.
• As needed by DNR staff, review and assess the presence of existing or potential new element occurrences (rare plant and rare/high-quality ecosystem locations) on state trust lands.
• Coordinates with the Lead Ecologist and Lead Botanist to advise the Natural Heritage Program, DNR program managers, land managers, and executive management on specific conversation issues related to potential impacts of trust activities and/or recreation on element occurrences.
• Produce reports for DNR staff summarizing impacts, mitigation measures, and/or conservation opportunities to address potential conflicts between element occurrences and DNR trust activities.
• Writes and updates applicable fields in the Biotics database or equivalent documentation for ecosystems in the statewide classification.
• Maps existing vegetation for specific project goals.
• Collect, manage, and analyze vegetation and ecological plot data using quantitative techniques.
• Describes vegetation composition and structure, disturbance history, environmental features, and landscape setting of ecosystem occurrences.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a statewide vegetation/ecosystem classification, which provides the framework for ecosystem conservation and information storage.
• Under the guidance of the Lead Botanist, may conduct surveys of rare plant populations.
• Apply rapid, field-based methods to assess ecological conditions (e.g., Ecological Integrity Assessment or EIA).
• Assure consistency and quality of ecosystem data from external sources.
• Assist with data entry as needed.
• Conducting scientific literature searches.
• Complete climate change vulnerability assessments for rare plant species and wetland ecosystems.
• Assist in producing reports and other deliverables for Program projects.
• Assign conservation status ranks to ecosystem elements.
• Deliver technical presentations as needed to DNR staff.
• As needed, represent DNR and the NHP on scientific working groups and committees, or other meetings.
• Performs other duties related to ecosystem and rare plant conservation as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree with a major study in natural science AND three years of professional research. Relevant experience includes professional work experience in botany, vegetation ecology, ecosystem analysis, forestry, range science, environmental science, or other closely related field.
  OR A Master's degree in the field of major study was in botany, plant ecology, vegetation ecology, ecological assessment, or forestry-related field AND one year of professional research. Relevant experience includes professional work experience in botany, vegetation ecology, ecosystem analysis, forestry, range science, environmental science, or other closely related field.
  OR a Ph.D. degree will substitute for all of the required experience, provided the field of major study is in botany, plant ecology, vegetation ecology, ecological assessment, or forestry-related fields.
• Experience identifying plant species using technical keys.
• Experience with ecological and rare plant field inventory methods, assessing ecosystem characteristics, and vegetation/ecological monitoring techniques.
• Demonstrated 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 requests are followed.
• Knowledge of existing vegetation/ecosystem classification schemes.
• Ability to communicate clearly to land managers (and other decision-makers) the biological and ecological information important to their decision-making.
• Ability to provide leadership on projects, including those involving formal teams as well as those involving informal work groups.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position includes a mix of office and fieldwork. Fieldwork requires a physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested, or backcountry landscapes and terrains. Fieldwork often consists of walking cross-country through rugged terrain in variable weather conditions, including cold and wet to hot and dry. The office environment is one of cubicles for each employee; some cubicles have windows while others are located in the interior of the building. This position is located on the 4th floor of a 6-story building. While working in the office, a majority of the employee's time will be spent on a personal computer and/or meeting with other staff members. Fieldwork is generally, although not exclusively, during the period from mid-March through mid-September and may involve periods of up to 5 consecutive days away from Olympia. The fieldwork for this position can be anywhere in the state, often requiring several hours of travel from Olympia to get to the area where the fieldwork is to be performed. Fieldwork is often performed alone.
• Extensive travel during the field season (generally from March through September) to conduct field inventories, surveys, and monitoring throughout the state. Occasional out-of-state travel may also be required. Because the position involves working on projects that are often funded by external parties, there will likely be occasions when evening and/or weekend work will be necessary.
• 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:

• Experience with Natural Heritage methodology.
• Working knowledge of the flora and key ecological indicator plant species of Washington State.
• Working knowledge of Washington State's landscapes and ecosystem types, including natural and human-related disturbances and their impacts on the ecosystem
  processes;
• Experience developing and using plant community and ecosystem classifications specific to Washington State.
• Familiarity with vegetation mapping tools and techniques;
• Familiarity with federal and state land management policies and activities relating to the conservation of plant communities and ecosystems.

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 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:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references - 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.).
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts. If you have questions regarding attaching this document please contact If you do not attach your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcript your application will not move forward in the application process.
• 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 Tynan Ramm-Granberg at or e-mail us at
About the Department ...