Landowner Assistance Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 2

Landowner Assistance Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 2
Recruitment #2021-07-7842
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 by reducing wildfire risk, and promoting healthy forests? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Landowner Assistance Specialist to assist and educate private landowners on how to manage their lands for forest health and wildfire risk. This position administers DNR's private landowner cost share program, as well as supports the state's Forest Stewardship program, Firewise USA™ and Fire Adapted Communities, and local community fire prevention programs.

DNR's cost share program provides financial assistance to private landowners interested in reducing their wildfire risk and improving their forest health. As a Landowner Assistance Specialist, you will be responsible for assessing landowners' forest conditions and forest health, independently writing basic prescriptions based on the landowners priorities, objectives, and site conditions, and making forest management recommendations to help the landowners achieve their goals. Other common responsibilities are reviewing Forest Stewardship plans, laying out Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fuels reduction projects, and participating in Public Education or Forest Stewardship events that promote wildfire mitigation and prevention.

To be successful in this position you not only need an understanding of forestry, but you also need to showcase outstanding customer service skills. This position will consistently be representing the agency when speaking to landowners 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 repoir with not only dozens of private landowners, but with
WSU Extension, Conservation Districts, Firewise USA communities, coalitions, local
schools, and the general public.
Representing the agency in a positive manner when interacting with the public.
Collaborating with other foresters, fire management specialists, wildlife biologists, Forest
Practices staff, Small Forest Landowner technical advisors, and interagency partners.
Independently planning and prioritizing field work and project deadlines.
Conducting field verification and unit boundary layout with consultation from Landowner
Assistance Foresters and Coordinators.
Using GIS technologies to collect and analyze data.
Planning and prioritizing fuels mitigation projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
Experience in professional forest management techniques.
Basic skills and knowledge in the use of a personal computer and forestry instrument
measuring tools.
Ability to read maps and interpret information on aerial photos.
Personal organization and prioritization skills.
Ability to negotiate unfamiliar and difficult terrain by vehicle and on foot.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. The majority (approx.70%) of
work is performed alone in sometimes isolated unimproved natural areas and on privately
owned forest and rangeland. Office work (approx. 30%) is also required and involves sitting
or standing in an office environment.
The incumbent in this position is required to travel. Requires up to 70% of time in the field
traveling between field assignments, work centers, and fires. This includes driving in icy and
snow-covered roads, during low visibility and stormy conditions. Occasional overnight travel
may, be required to attend trainings, events and meetings.
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 degree in Forestry, Resource Management, or natural resource-related field
from an accredited institution.
One year experience with forest management, silviculture and forestry practices.
Experience with wildland firefighting techniques and mitigation strategies.
Experience with Esri Arc GIS programs.

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, 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 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 Rachel Mickey at 509-774-7170, Rachel.Michey@dnr.wa.gov or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov