Western Urban Forestry Technician, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

State of Washington • Olympia, WA

420d • $58,380 - $78,468 • Remote

About The Position

The Western Urban Forestry Technician, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3) position at the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a full-time, non-permanent role focused on providing technical urban forestry assistance. The role aims to educate and assist local governments, community groups, and volunteers in managing and sustaining healthy urban forests across Washington State. The technician will work closely with a team of professionals to enhance the resiliency and health of urban forests, serving as the primary contact for urban forestry inquiries and support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, urban forestry, horticulture, or related field.
• Two years of professional experience in a natural resource program area.
• Two years of urban forestry experience with strong technical knowledge in tree identification and management.
• Experience with GIS tools such as ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Experience in collaborative interactions with the public and professionals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant software.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Understanding of urban forestry policy issues.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with municipal urban forestry programs and tree inventory software.
• Two years of experience administering an urban and community forestry program.
• Knowledge of forest health issues such as pests and diseases.
• Experience working with underserved communities.
• Experience in creating forestry training programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in urban forestry to local partners including cities, towns, and non-profit organizations.
• Assist partners in resolving complex issues related to community forest management.
• Coordinate technical assistance activities with regional urban forestry staff.
• Conduct community tree inventories using GIS and web-based tools, and help analyze tree inventory data.
• Develop and deliver training curricula on urban tree planting, maintenance, and management.
• Communicate best practices for urban forest maintenance and management to partners.
• Support UCF grantees with technical guidance during project implementation.
• Facilitate regional networking and educational programs and events.
• Deliver presentations at conferences and workshops.
• Help form local and regional partnerships for urban forestry projects.

Benefits

• Employer contributions toward health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plans
• Sick leave and vacation days
• Professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Work/life balance
• Commitment to organizational health and wellness

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