Urban Forest Inventory Technician, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Nrs2)

Salary : $50,088.00 - $67,380.00 Annually
Location : Whatcom County - Bellingham, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2024-1-P438-01400
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 01/31/2024
Closing Date: 2/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Urban Forest Inventory Technician, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)Recruitment #2024-1-P438Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project employment is March 2024 - September 2028Location flexibility may be available and considered: Bellingham, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredRelocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,174.00 - $5,615.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/14/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Telework and duty station is negotiable with a preference for within 35 miles of Bellingham.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in our Forest Resilience Division's Community and Landowner Assistance Section, Urban and Community Forestry Program. The DNR Forest Resilience Division is seeking a motivated individual to join our Urban Forestry team to conduct on-the-ground data collection for public tree inventories and the Washington Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis (UFIA) program throughout census-designated areas of Washington State.
The Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program works to educate Washington State residents and decision-makers about the economic, environmental, psychological, and aesthetic benefits of trees and to assist local government, community groups, and volunteers in planting and sustaining healthy trees and vegetation wherever people live, work, and play in Washington State. The mission of UCF is to provide leadership to create self-sustaining urban and community forestry programs that preserve, plan, and manage forests and trees for public benefit and quality of life.
As part of this division and program, you will work alongside a talented team of professional planners, scientists, and implementers providing service to local, state, private, and federal partners to increase the resiliency and health of Washington's forests and landscapes. In this position, you will be part of a team focused on providing services to those managing Urban Forests throughout Washington. You will serve as a primary Urban Forest data collector. This position works with the program team under the supervision and guidance of the Urban Forest Field Coordinator and Urban Forest Inventory Specialist.
Our Urban Forest Inventory Technician collects urban tree inventory data across the state of Washington and provides initial field data reviews. This position supports a broader body of work related to the statewide UFIA project. This position also assists in maintaining a statewide geodatabase of urban tree inventory data, developing inventory summary reports, and providing quality control oversight for data collected by contractors in the field.
Duties
Responsibilities:
Collect UFIA and tree inventory data through tasks such as:

• Collect UFIA data across the state under the direction by the Urban Forest Inventory Field Coordinator.
• Work with other DNR staff, contractors, and partners such as cities, towns, counties, universities, nonprofit organizations and tribes to collect tree inventory data and ensure accuracy of data collected.
• Assist with data collection preparatory work including pre-field photo interpretation.
• Maintain field inventory equipment.
• Work with other DNR staff, contractors, and partners to analyze Urban Forestry data, create queries, draft reports, and produce maps in ArcMap Pro and ArcGIS Online, or similar applications.
• Assist in data quality assurance activities including editing data postproduction. Assist with maintenance of DNR statewide urban tree inventory database and inventory protocols.
• Respond to informational requests for data information, accomplishment and activity data, project equipment needs, etc.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in GIS, forestry, Natural Resources, Urban Forestry, horticulture, urban landscape planning, landscape architecture, or related natural science from an accredited institution AND 1 year of professional experience in a related Natural Resource program area.
  OR An equivalent combination of education plus experience.
• Experience working with ecosystem services leading to understanding of how ecosystem services are measured, analyzed, and reported.
• Proficiency using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS Online, ArcMap, and other applications such as Survey 123 and Field Maps.
• Experience performing data analyses and reviews using statistical and GIS-based methods.
• Experience responding to and interacting in a positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative manner with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office applications including SharePoint.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
• Ability to organize efficiently and develop or use systems for tracking implementation and accomplishments of several complex projects.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manages multiple tasks at different stages.
• Ability to convey oral and written communications clearly and effectively to large and small audiences.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Most work is performed outdoors in variable environments and weather conditions but includes off-season office work indoors as well as attendance at meetings and training events. Fieldwork may be strenuous with hazardous environmental factors such as working in all weather conditions, on steep and rugged terrain, in a variety of vegetation such as blackberry thickets, being around hazard trees, stinging insects, working in high traffic areas, and working in weather governed by heat related illness rules.
• Frequent travel is required and may include site visits statewide, may be multiple days in length, and will require overnight stays. Additional travel may be required nationally for meetings, conferences, and other activities.
• 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.
• Valid International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Valid International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Current/valid UFIA data collection certification or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment (typically offered each spring).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with or for a municipal Urban Forestry program, including direct experience with a FIA or UFIA program, tree inventories, and data collection protocols.
• Skills and experience with general forest health issues such as insects, diseases, invasive species, drought, wildland fire, etc.
• Experience working with underserved or historically marginalized residents, neighborhoods, or communities; firm understanding of social and environmental justice issues.
• Experience working with Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) or Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis (UFIA) data collection protocols.
• Experience with remote sensing and advanced technologies such as LiDAR, etc.
• Advanced skills with Excel or programming experience.
• Two years of outdoor data collection experience resulting in highly developed field technical knowledge and skills in tree identification, tree inventory, natural area management, and industry-accepted best practices.

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, 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 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 Zachary Mellema at /564-669-4233 or Daria Gosztyla at /360-481-7399 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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