Salary: $65,487.00 - $77,843.00 Annually
Location : Mason County - Shelton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-MCD F
Department: Mason Conservation District
Opening Date: 01/23/2025
DescriptionJob SummaryJoin the Conservation District team and make a difference. Mason Conservation District is currently hiring one forester to support the District's forestry program. This program provides hands-on forest management planning to communities and small landowners across the south Puget Sound region. The purpose is to improve forest health by empowering communities and private landowners to become knowledgeable and successful stewards of their forest resources. This program also provides wildfire preparedness assistance to communities and individuals through site visits, educational presentations, and coordinating with partners for implementation of best practices.
Forests within the region cover a wide variety of natural environments and human communities. Conservation District staff work with landowners, community representatives, and other agencies and disciplines to establish, manage, and restore forest resources. This position's primary duty is to outreach to and develop working relationships with communities and small non-industrial private forest landowners to recommend sustainable forest stewardship practices.
This position supports forestry requests in Mason, Kitsap, Pierce, and Jefferson Counties. The geographic focus may narrow based on future funding and District needs.
This position reports to the Forestry Program Coordinator and is supported by a team that includes experts in land surveying, engineering, planning, biology, forestry, education, outreach, agriculture, and accounting.
Duties Essential Functions- Perform on-site visits to non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners to address their concerns and planning needs.
- Provide technical assistance and planning support to communities on forest stewardship plans, fuels reduction projects, and forest stewardship projects.
- Perform in-field review of forest lands for health and productivity. Develop and interpret data for forest planning to include: forest natural resource inventories, GIS/GPS mapping, standard forest inventory plots, identification of forest health issues such as insect, diseases, and forest fire fuel loading.
- Develop written Forest Management Plans for landowners that meet county, state, and federal standards in support of federal and state cost-sharing applications, county timberland tax programs, and state forest practice permits.
- Create appropriate maps, data, and research for use in Forest Management Plans.
- Provide wildfire home visits for individuals and support communities interested in Firewise USA® or other wildfire preparedness activities.
- Support landowners in preparing and submitting cost-share applications and implementing funded practices. Activities include preparing cost-share applications and implementation requirements associated with local, state and federal programs; supporting landowners with obtaining contractor estimates; providing ongoing technical assistance during and after the contract award process as needed.
- Assist with outreach and education about forestry, wildfire, and other relevant topics to communities and individuals.
- Create media for and participate in outreach and education events, such as workshops, fairs, or Forestry Field Days by presenting and sharing information related to forest health and stewardship topics.
- Develop communications materials to market Program services including writing fact sheets, articles, and compiling landowner testimonials.
- Assist with program activities to meet Program objectives and grant requirements on time and within budget.
Qualifications Required Education, Experience, Competencies, Key Knowledge, and Skills- Bachelor's degree in forestry or a related natural resources degree and a minimum of two years of professional experience in forestry, forest management, silviculture, terrestrial or plant ecology, botany, upland habitat restoration, wildland fire management; or a combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. A master's degree with a concentration in forestry may be substituted for one year of experience.
- If you are a Certified Forester® by the Society of American Foresters, you meet the minimum qualifications for this position
- Ability to perform physical work in all weather conditions and routinely work on rough and sometimes dangerous terrain and lift up to 40 pounds.
- Ability and desire to work outdoors (est. 40% field work), often alone, during all seasons to complete required field work; ability to hike over steep, uneven terrain to perform strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
- Familiarity with common forest inventory equipment, maps, GPS units, and data collection methods.
- Ability to write effectively and efficiently on topics involving forestry and natural resources (Forest Management Plans, grant applications, reports, educational/promotional documents, press releases, project proposals, etc.).
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage conflicting demands.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, and able to learn other software programs as necessary.
- Highly organized and efficient management of tasks, projects, computer files, supplies, and time.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Strong problem-solving, inter-personal, and customer service skills.
- A commitment to safety, quality, and professionalism.
- Shares a vision and passion for natural resource management and conservation practices.
- Strong work ethic and accountability; excellent attention to detail; willingness to learn new skills.
- Currently hold or can obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License.
Other Desired Qualifications- Status as a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester® or International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
- Knowledge of natural resource management priorities in the Puget Sound region.
- Understanding of the challenges and needs of the local NIPF landowner community.
- Familiarity with the National Resource Conservation Service and their programs such as Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
- Working knowledge of any or all the following topics: agroforestry, agriculture, riparian restoration, carbon markets, ethnobotany, Firewise USA® programming, and/or contract management.
- Experience in adult and/or youth education.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate individuals to adopt and implement resource management practices.
- Experience bringing together diverse partners and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the conservation district system and local, state, and federal partners.
- Fluent in a second language, preferably Spanish.
Supplemental Information Working ConditionsThis position normally works from 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. However, periodic evening and weekend work may be required, and the incumbent may occasionally be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week, or on weekends to meet deadlines or fulfill objectives. Work is performed primarily in a combination of office and field settings with partial remote work options available. The ability to walk over steep, uneven, forested terrain under a variety of weather conditions year-round is required. This position is expected to be in the field approximately 40% of the time.
Hours/FTE: Full Time, 40 hrs./week
Location: Shelton Office and Field
Supervisor: Margaret Kreder, CF
Pay Range: $65,487 - $77,843
Opening Date: January 21, 2025
Closing Date: Open until filled, priority applications by February 8th.
Employment Application: Send a cover letter, resume and references electronically to:
Benefits: The District provides a comprehensive benefits package:
- Vacation accrual begins at eight (8) hours per month and increases based on years of service.
- The District recognizes twelve (12) holidays per year, which includes one (1) personal holiday.
- Sick leave accrues at a rate of eight (8) hours per month.
- The District currently covers 100% of employee's health insurance, and 90% of eligible dependents' coverage.
- The District and its employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
Mason Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Please let us know if you need any accommodation to participate in the application process.
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
