Salary : $58,380.00 - $78,468.00 Annually
Location : Klickitat County - Goldendale, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-12-7960-14005
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 12/24/2024
Closing Date: 1/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionService Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)Recruitment #2024-12-7960
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Southeast Region- Goldendale, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and consideredSalary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 MonthlyReview of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/31/24. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in the Southeast Region to deliver DNR's Forest Resiliency Program. Are you someone who loves the outdoors and is passionate about restoring the ecology of our forest ecosystems? Do you enjoy working with the public, with diverse landowners and partners, working cross-boundary to find solutions in forest management? Are you passionate about building and growing a new program and team? Then this is the job for you! The DNR's Southeast Region is seeking motivated individuals to lead our region-based Forest Resiliency efforts and our new Service Forestry teams - experts in private forestland management, working with landowners to deliver critical resources, educational opportunities, and more.
The Forest Resiliency Division is responsible for the assessment, planning, coordination and implementation, and monitoring of forest health-related activities across all lands that work to restore and sustain ecological functions of Washington's forested landscapes and support healthy and resilient communities. The Service Forestry Program is an integral part of the team through the direct delivery of technical assistance and educational services supporting proactive management of Washington's non-industrial private forests (NIPF), municipal forests, county-owned forest land, and nongovernmental organization-owned forest land.
DNR Regions operationalize and serve as stewards of the Division's portfolio and deliver on the agency's mission to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations. Specifically, DNR regions serve as the operational arm of the agency and are responsible for the coordination, oversight, and delivery of key activities and priorities.
Washington's Service Forestry Program provides land management advice to NIPF landowners and helps to assess resource conditions and forest health, identify potential problems and opportunities, determine cost-share eligibility, assist with treatment implementation, and recommend management practices to help achieve objectives. The program educates landowners and assists with the development and implementation of management plans to guide current and future management actions.
The Southeast Region Service Forester position supports the mission, principles, and goals of DNR by directly serving the public through the delivery of technical assistance and services to landowners and communities in Eastern Klickitat and Yakima Counties by providing services within the framework of the One Stop Shop for Integrated Landowner Assistance. Service Foresters occupy an important role as a community's link to DNR and are often the face of the agency for private landowners. Specifically, these professional foresters provide technical assistance in forest management, watershed protection, insect and disease control, forest recreation, tree planting, wildlife habitat development, and fuels reduction or mitigation and are responsible for the administration of fuels reduction and forest stewardship on private lands.
Activities include administering financial assistance programs, Forest Stewardship assistance visits, development of forest Stewardship Plans in coordination with landowners, and service as first-line delivery of technical assistance and expertise on forest management topics. Further activities include providing landowners with technical review and analysis of forest health and fire hazards on private forested properties. This includes making recommendations for appropriate practices to reduce wildland fire potential and enhance forest health on stands of timber near dwellings, high public use areas, and forested properties. By performing these activities, this position helps to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Location: One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. The DNR Southeast Region is expansive, covering central and southeastern Washington from mixed pine and conifer forest foothills of the Cascade Range east to arid shrub-steppe and vast agricultural lands. The region covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima counties. Southeast Region includes more than 12,900 acres of conservation lands and region staff manage 880,000 acres of state trust lands for forest, agriculture, and commercial uses, including the state's first community forest. Eighty-five percent - 620,000 acres - of the state trusts' agricultural lands are contained within this region and are leased to farmers to grow orchards, vineyards, and irrigated and dryland crops, and to ranchers for use as grazing and range lands. The region's staff also oversee forest practices and lead wildfire prevention and fighting efforts on 2 million acres of state and private forestland. This position will be located in Goldendale, Klickitat County WA.
Duties Responsibilities:- Respond to and provide technical expertise and advice to NIPF and other non-industrial forest landowners regarding forest management practices, diagnosis and recommendations for forest health problems, animal damage and competing vegetation control, wildland fire risk reduction, and other resource issues and opportunities.
- Engage appropriate subject matter experts (entomologist, pathologist, wildlife biologist, Regulatory Assistance Forester, Service Forestry Coordinator, Community Resilience Specialist, etc.) when knowledge or experience level is exceeded.
- Educate and assist landowners in writing Forest Stewardship Plans or Forest Management Plans.
- Review and submit Forest Stewardship Management Plans (or other management plans) prepared by landowners, DNR staff, and partners to the appropriate Service Forestry Coordinator.
- Provide technical specifications for forest management practices and silvicultural treatments including forest pesticide/herbicide recommendations when appropriate.
- Provide consultative services for DNR or other forest landowner financial assistance or incentive programs such as Landowner Assistance Cost-Share, NRCS EQUIP, etc.
- Provide certification inspections for the American Tree Farm Program.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on Forest Stewardship Management Plan implementation.
- Deliver information and stories about service forestry work in assigned areas to the public and DNR staff in coordination with supervisors and Communications staff.
- Coordinate with and provide consultation to other forest health improvement projects (such as those organized by Planning, Science, and Monitoring or Cross-Boundary Restoration) within assigned work areas as requested.
- Coordinate with other DNR programs and external public and private service providers.
- Develop educational materials for, and make educational presentations to, family forest landowners, natural resource professionals who advise them, loggers, and other audiences regarding forestry topics.
- Author educational and informational articles on program-related topics for Stewardship Notes, Small Forest Landowner Newsletter, and other publications.
- Teach forestry-related topics for WSU Extension and other education programs including Forest Owners Field Days, Forest Stewardship Coached Planning Courses, Family Forest Advisors Workshops, Contract Logger's Trainings, Conservation Districts, colleges, and others across eastern WA.
- Enter and provide documentation for all inquiries and services provided into the One Stop Shop Online Tracking Tool.
- Participate in training, professional development, and continuing education to maintain credentials such as SAF Certified Forester, Certified Tree Farm Inspector, Public Pest Control Consultant, or others.
- Collaborate with staff to maintain and update knowledge related to technology, data collection, and other job duties.
- Respond to informational requests for program information, accomplishment data, staff and budget needs, etc.
- This position supervises one full-time permanent employee.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: - Associate degree or higher in resource management or natural resource-related field AND two years of experience in forestry, resource management, or natural resource-related field.
OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience in professional forest management techniques.
- Knowledge of Forest Health condition class and related fuel management strategy.
- Experience with state forest practices rules and related regulations.
- Personal organization and prioritization skills.
- Ability to read maps and interpret information on aerial photos.
- Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
- Experience working on unfamiliar and difficult terrain by vehicle and on foot.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:- The position's assigned duty station is the Goldendale Work Center. The majority (approx.70%) of work is performed alone in sometimes isolated unimproved natural areas and on privately owned forest and rangeland. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Office work (approx. 30%) is also required and involves sitting or standing in an office environment.
- Overnight travel may be required to attend trainings, events, and meetings.
- A valid unrestricted driver's license and have two years of driving experience. 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.
Desired Qualifications:- Three years experience with forest management, silviculture, and forestry practices.
- Knowledge of agency landowner assistance and SFLO stewardship programs.
- Knowledge of state and local fire regulations.
- Experience with government contracting and operations.
- Experience with Esri Arc GIS programs.
- Working knowledge and formal training in wildland fire.
- Interagency wildland fire operations and functions.
- Group presentation and instruction experience.
- Experience working with the public.
Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!
Supplemental Information Application Requirements:- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Questions? Please contact Alison Martin at or e-mail us at
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:- Safety and Well-Being -Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service -We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving - We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork -We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:- 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 that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.
Additional Information:This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer:The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email
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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03
Do you have an associate degree or higher in resource management or natural resource related field AND two years' experience in forestry, resource management, or natural resource related field?OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience?
04
Do you have experience in professional forest management techniques?
05
Do you have experience with state forest practices rules and related regulations?
06
Do you have experience working on unfamiliar and difficult terrain by vehicle and on foot?
07
Do you have a valid unrestricted driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?
08
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States? DNR is not an E-Verify agency.
09
Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
- www.dnr.wa.gov
- www.careers.wa.gov
- WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
- Governmentjobs.com
- Monster
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
- College/university website/career fair
- Handshake
- Newspaper
- Direct Email Notification
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
- Professional/Personal Network
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Zip Recruiter
- Diversity Jobs
- Facebook
- Other (please specify below)
10
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
Required Question
