Service Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
About The Position
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Northeast Region is looking to fill a Service Forester (NRS2) position based out of our Deer Park location, helping provide coverage in both Spokane and Stevens County. This role supports private landowners in protecting their dream homes and surrounding communities by promoting forest health, reducing fuel loading, and protecting structures. The Service Forester's decisions on timber and biomass management are crucial for good forest health. The position reports to the Sr. Service Forester (NRS3) and requires fostering positive working relationships with other Service Foresters, interacting with the public, contractors, fire districts, and other agencies. The successful candidate will exercise knowledge of forestry, forest health, fire behavior, structural protection, agreement negotiation, and communication skills to support the DNR's mission.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in forestry, natural resources, or closely related field from an accredited program; AND one year of field experience in forest management; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
- Experience in general forest management activities such as forest road design and construction, timber management planning, silviculture techniques, reforestation methods, and timber harvest boundaries.
- Experience using forestry tools such as measuring and hand tools.
- Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office applications, and SharePoint.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps, or other mapping tools.
- Takes initiative, exercises sound judgment, and completes assignments with minimal supervision.
- Prioritizes tasks, organizes workload to meet deadlines, and adjusts work plans as needed.
- Skills in oral and written communication to convey messages clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
- 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.
- A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
- State drivers must possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted.
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of silviculture and forest management practices in the Pacific Northwest or similar environment.
- Experience teaching or providing group presentations.
- Experience working in a positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative manner with the public and other professionals.
- Experience with government procurement rules, contracting, and administration.
- Experience providing technical assistance, education, and educational materials to non-professional audiences, especially forest landowners.
- Current knowledge of Forest Practices rules; Forest Practices Board Manual guidance; and DNR Forest Practices policies, procedures, and practices.
- Previous experience working with small forest landowners.
- Certified Tree Farm Inspector certification.
- Public Pest Consultant certification.
Responsibilities
- Provide on-site or remote professional guidance and technical expertise to forest landowners regarding forest management and structure risk reduction.
- Assist with facilitating landowner participation in financial assistance programs and forest health or fuel reduction contracts.
- Collaborate with other agency partners to help customize a plan of action for the landowner.
- Serve as a technical and professional resource for educational programs.
- Design work units on the ground for the purpose of utilizing funds within the cost share program.
- Complete home risk assessments.
- Enter and provide documentation for all inquiries and services provided into the One Stop Shop Online Tracking Tool.
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
- Employer contributions toward health insurance
- Paid holidays
- Retirement plans
- Sick leave
- Vacation days
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
