Seed Adaptation Planner, Environmental Planner 4 (EP4)

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in our Forest Resources Division for a Seed Adaptation Planner, Environmental Planner 4 (EP4). This is a full-time, project position located in Olympia, WA, anticipated to run from September 14, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The role involves planning adjustments to the reforestation program to address climate change and post-fire recovery. You will collaborate with genetics and seed program staff, the tree nursery, and field silviculturists to address seed sourcing and supply, nursery capacity, and challenging planting site conditions. The work will be staged, starting with seed supply planning and then shifting to nursery and field operations. This is a great opportunity to increase familiarity with the reforestation pipeline in the Pacific Northwest. Relocation compensation may be available.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in forest genetics or silviculture, with graduate-level coursework in forest genetics and tree breeding; AND three years of professional experience working in a forest genetics program; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with experimental design, measurement, and analysis of research results related to forest genetics and seed production.
• Operational experience with forest regeneration.
• Knowledge of planning processes, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, and policies related to reforestation in Washington.
• Ability to reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively through speaking and writing.
• 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 ensure requests are followed.
• Primarily office, but also on forest sites, orchard blocks, and nurseries when working with operational staff to improve understanding of their processes and challenges.
• Occasional overnight travel throughout the state.
• 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

• PhD in forest genetics or silviculture, ideally with graduate-level coursework in forest genetics and tree breeding. A PhD counts for 2 years of the required experience.
• Three years of operational experience with forest regeneration (can be concurrent with other experience).
• Experience or education in a forest nursery or other horticultural setting.
• Familiarity with forest types and practices common in the Pacific Northwest.

Responsibilities

• Develop a statewide seed adaptation strategy for DNR trust lands and other managed forests in Washington, in coordination with DNR’s Forest Resilience Division as well as managers and specialists representing Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Private interests.
• Create a program initiative that improves coordination among forest nurseries and land managers to help ensure adequate seedling supply in average years and allow rapid expansion of capacity in times of high seedling need, such as following major wildfires.
• Develop a plan to improve tree establishment success on harsh sites across ownerships, such as post-wildfire planting in eastern Washington.
• Coordinate input from managers and specialists from Federal, State, University, Tribal, NGOs, and Private forestry organizations.
• Develop and implement mechanisms to share the strategies and plans listed above with forest managers of all ownership types.

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
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior