Forest Health Scientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)

State of Washington

386d • $67,716 - $91,068 • Remote

About The Position

The Forest Health Scientist (Natural Resource Scientist 3) position at the Washington Department of Natural Resources focuses on assessing, planning, coordinating, and monitoring forest health activities to enhance the resilience of Washington's forested landscapes. The role involves utilizing remotely sensed datasets to evaluate forest conditions, addressing ecological and forest management research questions, and collaborating with various partners to implement monitoring methods. This position is integral to the 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan and requires effective communication of scientific findings to diverse audiences.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in natural resource science (e.g. forestry, ecology, landscape ecology, fire science, wildlife biology, remote sensing) or a closely related field AND three years of professional work experience in relevant areas.
• Experience in processing, analyzing, and managing large, remotely sensed and field-based datasets, including LiDAR, aerial imagery, and satellite imagery.
• Proficiency in R, ArcPro, and Google Earth Engine.
• Experience writing technical reports and documents, including creating maps, figures, and graphics that effectively communicate results.
• Knowledge of vegetation change detection methods and datasets.
• Knowledge of spatial and non-spatial modeling concepts and methods, including machine learning.
• Working knowledge of the Scientific Method, experimental design, sampling procedures, and data analysis procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience with climate datasets, climate change modeling, and climate adaptation planning.
• Field experience collecting ecological data, including vegetation structure, composition, and fuels information.
• Knowledge of Python and experience with code management in GITHUB.
• Familiarity with fire risk products and stand and landscape-level fire models.
• Experience with forest inventory datasets, including growth modeling with FVS or other platforms.

Responsibilities

• Utilize multiscale, remotely sensed and field-based datasets to detect, attribute, and analyze changes in forest conditions from treatments and other disturbances.
• Analyze and assess the effects of treatments, fire, insect, and other disturbances on landscape-level forest health indicators and resilience objectives.
• Model and map vegetation and biophysical conditions using a variety of datasets and methods.
• Maintain vegetation and other large-scale datasets and tools used for landscape evaluations and monitoring.
• Collaborate with DNR scientists, external researchers, and other partners to ensure that DNR is using current science for planning and monitoring.
• Lead or assist with analyses related to landscape evaluations, drought vulnerability, postfire restoration need, wildfire assessments, fire modeling, or other topics.
• Present results of forest health monitoring analysis and research efforts to technical and non-technical audiences at meetings and conferences.
• Work with the forest health science team to publish results and document methods in reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Benefits

• Employer contributions toward health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plans
• Sick leave and vacation days
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree