Seed Orchard Development Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

State of Washington • Olympia, WA

126d • $51,288 - $69,384

About The Position

The Washington Department of Natural Resources is looking for a Seed Orchard Development Forester. Seed orchards are blocks of trees, similar to fruit orchards, that are managed to produce seed that is sent to our nursery to grow tree seedlings. This is part of the team that is responsible for new orchard development, orchard restoration, and improving orchard management practices. In this role, you will learn horticultural skills and tree biology as well as get practical experience with agricultural equipment like tractors and irrigation systems. While our main facility is in the Olympia area, we also manage sites around the state, so you'll get to travel and see different forest types.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field; OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of forest stand establishment practices, including site preparation, planting and vegetation management.
• Knowledge of tree maintenance and horticultural care.
• Experience navigating in unfamiliar remote areas using maps, photos, GPS, or other navigational aids.
• Experience using computers and common software applications, such as MS Word and Excel, and ideally MS Access.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with seed orchards & seed collections.
• Experience working with forestry contractors to ensure proper execution of contract provisions.
• A Washington State Pesticide Applicator's license.

Responsibilities

• Lay out and establish new orchard sites
• Restore older orchard sites, including inventory and thinning
• Monitor orchard conditions
• Evaluate orchard cultural practices to find improved techniques

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.)
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• 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: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree