Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resiliency Division/Federal Lands Program. We are seeking to fill 2 positions: a Central Unit Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3), and a Northwest Unit Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3). This position is for someone who loves the outdoors and is passionate about implementing restoration work on our natural landscapes in Washington State. The DNR’s Forest Resiliency Division is seeking a motivated individual to join the Federal Lands Program – a team of expert restoration specialists focused on project implementation across National Forest Lands and Bureau of Land Management lands throughout Washington. As part of this Division and Program, you will work alongside a talented cadre of professional planners, scientists, and implementers providing service to state, private, and federal partners to increase the resiliency and health of Washington’s forests and urban landscapes. In this position, you will be a part of a skilled team of specialists focused on increasing the pace and scale of federal restoration work, primarily on the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie or Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests (2 positions, 1 on each Forest), while supporting other program staff statewide. Working independently and as a team, this position works under the supervision and guidance of the Unit District Manager. You will complete a wide variety of tasks that may include non-commercial hazardous fuels projects to commercial (timber sale) project presales work and associated contract development and administration. Aquatic and terrestrial habitat work, as well as forest road projects focused on reducing impacts to resources, are also part of the job. Through extensive use of the Good Neighbor Authority, the Federal Lands Program works in coordination with department staff, federal partners, and other state and local partners to plan and effectively implement projects that bolster critical restoration needs in these forested landscapes.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forestry or related area of specialty AND (2) two years of professional experience in natural resources, forestry, or related area of specialty; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Experience applying theory, policies, principles, and practices of the forestry profession (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation, weed control, reforestation, intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management, and basic principles of wildlife and fisheries management).
Experience applying the theory and principles of Good Neighbor Authority.
Accustomed to providing positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative interaction with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
Accustomed to: Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities; Develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions
Accustomed to: Maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials; Provide a consistent message and provide a positive attitude about the program’s development and program projects; Interpret federal policy and procedures; Frequently communicate with federal employees through their agency policies and procedures; Address large groups and write effectively; Work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks
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, and requests are followed.
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Work is performed in a mixture of office/field environments. Fieldwork requires traversing steep, rugged terrain and working in inclement weather.
This position is eligible for flextime schedule variations and telework agreements with prior approval from the direct supervisor
Position requires travel outside of the region for meetings, duty assignments, training sessions, and fire assignments and includes statewide travel and potential interstate travel
A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).
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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of: Environmental planning principles, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies and programs concerning all phases of State resource development; Governmental administrative structure at local and State levels; Environmental, social and other problems affecting development of local and State environmental resource programs; NEPA process and requirements.
Knowledge of: Methods and objectives of urban and natural resources planning.
Knowledge of federal policies and procedures implemented under the USFS and other federal agencies, including the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA), the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S. Farm Bill), and other federal policies typically associated with implementation and planning of federal projects; AND Two years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.

Responsibilities

Lead, plan, and implement commercial and non-commercial federal restoration projects as the Federal Lands Program’s Unit Restoration Specialist.
Perform project layout, including unit boundary establishment, road design, timber marking, and cruising, according to program objectives and relevant state and federal laws.
Develop and review restoration project contracts and packets for advertisement and auction.
Perform compliance of commercial and non-commercial restoration projects while coordinating with state and federal partners.
Review, interpret, and comply with federal design criteria from NEPA and other relevant state and federal laws.
Coordinate with USFS staff and DNR division and region staff to identify suitable projects to be incorporated in the Forest’s and Program’s program of work.
Represent the Department’s interests when interacting with private operators, purchasers, businesses, governmental officials, and the public.
May supervise a work unit of up to two permanent Restoration Specialists (NRS2).
Assist other Federal Lands Program personnel with restoration projects statewide.

Benefits

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 includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.