LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE FORESTER, NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST 3

Landowner Assistance Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3
Recruitment #2021-05-6718
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Southeast Region. Are you interested in a career that allows you to serve local communities and promote forest health and wildfire resiliency? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is looking for a Landowner Assistance Forester to meet with private landowners and assess their homes and lands for forest health and wildfire risk. This position promotes Forest Stewardship, wildfire resiliency and prevention to local
communities and schools.

Forest Stewardship is a nationwide program providing advice and assistance to help family forest owners
manage their lands. The program is a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and state forestry agencies. In DNR's Southeast Region (where this position is located), this program is delivered through a small program called Landowner Assistance.

The Landowner Assistance Forester will help assess private landowner resource conditions, forest health and wildfire risk to identify potential problems and opportunities. The Forester will independently write prescriptions and recommend management practices to help the landowner achieve their objectives. The Forester will review and approve cost shared Forest Management Plans to determine if the landowner qualifies for financial assistance, current use taxation, recognition, and certification programs.

The individual to fill this position not only needs an understanding of forestry, but they need to showcase outstanding customer service skills. This position will consistently be representing the agency when speaking to landowners, cooperators and the general public, and have to be able to adapt to their audiences. If you want to make a difference and have an impact on several communities, help shape the health of private forests, and build a massive supportive network, this is the job for you.

DUTIES:
Responsibilities:
Independently assessing private lands for forest health and wildfire risk.
Building a strong and positive rapport with not only a multitude of private landowners, but with WSU Extension, Conservation Districts, Firewise USA communities, coalitions, municipalities, NGO's, local schools, and the general public.
Supervising and leading a Landowner Assistance Specialist.
Representing the agency in a positive manner when interacting with the public.
Collaborating with other foresters, wildlife biologists, pathologists, GIS specialists, Forest Practices staff, and SFLO technical advisors.
Independently planning and prioritizing field work and project deadlines.
Conducting field verification and unit boundary layout with consultation from Landowner Assistance Coordinators.
Using GIS technologies to collect and analyze data.
Planning and prioritizing fuels mitigation projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience in professional forest management techniques.
Demonstrated knowledge of Forest Health condition class and related fuel management strategy.
Experience with state forest practices rules and related regulations.
Basic skills and knowledge in the use of a personal computer and forestry instrument measuring tools.
Experience reading maps and interpret information on aerial photos.
Personal organization and prioritization skills.
Experience working on unfamiliar and difficult terrain by vehicle and on foot.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
A valid driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:
A bachelor's or associate's degree in Forestry, Resource Management, or natural resource-related field field.
Three years' experience with forest management, silviculture and forestry practices.
Knowledge of agency landowner assistance and SFLO stewardship programs.
Knowledge of state and local fire regulations.
Experience with government contracting and operations.
Experience with Esri Arc GIS programs.
Working knowledge and formal training in wildland fire.
Interagency wildland fire operations and functions.
Group presentation and instruction experience.
Experience working with the public.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Location:
One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Ellensburg. For more information on this area visit, https://ci.ellensburg.wa.us/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR's telework policy.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in
locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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 benefit 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.

How to Apply:
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
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 CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:
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 with resume.
Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
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. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.
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Questions? Please contact Scott Chambers at (509) 859-3409, scott.chambers@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov