Salary : $58,380.00 - $78,468.00 Annually
Location : Skagit County - Sedro Woolley, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-1-3085-00630
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 01/27/2025
Closing Date: 2/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionHamilton Unit Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)Recruitment #2025-1-3085
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Northwest Region- Sedro Woolley, WAWork Hour flexibility may be available and considered Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 MonthlyWant to join something GREAT and make a difference?The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northwest Region. Are you someone who has strong organizational skills, can manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time, appreciates the importance of good communication and follow-up, and enjoys working outdoors? Do you want to partner with a great group of hard-working and dedicated professionals who plan, design, layout, and comply with timber harvests in northwest Washington? If so, this is the position for you!
Baker District is actively seeking a presales and planning unit forester. The position will have a duty station in Sedro Woolley, WA. The varied terrain and microclimates in Baker District provide many timber sale design challenges from steep terrain needing adequate logging system evaluations, unstable slopes that require identification, protection, and mitigation of impacts from harvesting, complex and unique habitats that are managed and/or protected under the agency's Habitat Conservation Plan, and timber harvest and silvicultural prescriptions that are developed for variable retention harvests, variable density thinnings, and small-wood commercial thinnings. The successful candidate will oversee the management of a team of dedicated presales foresters which includes field work and environmental analysis work, as required for SEPA and Forest Practices permits. Work will include interacting with regulatory staff, purchasers, contractors, stakeholders, tribal partners, and neighbors. The presales team will evaluate areas for proposed timber harvest activities and bring a final product to auction, ensuring all policies and regulations are followed. If you enjoy forest management challenges and watching your work come to fruition, this is the place for you!
This position mainly works in Baker District which is located in Whatcom County and northern Skagit County in the beautiful Cascade Mountain foothills. Sedro Woolley is a growing community where logging and high tech come together, maintaining a robust economy and high quality of life. Bellingham is less than an hour away and Seattle is less than two hours away. Have the best of both worlds by enjoying the outdoors near the Salish Sea and the Cascade Mountains, while having all the options of larger cities close by.
In this position, you will interact with professionals having diverse talents and skill sets. You will have the opportunity to work frequently with engineers, silviculturists, wildlife biologists, GIS professionals, geologists, and archeologists, to name a few. The DNR, Northwest Region, and Baker District have amazing forestry teams that provide support and collaboration. Collaboration is one of our agency's core goals and it is our belief you will benefit by learning while working side by side with others in these fields and other fields as they learn from you.
Duties Responsibilities:Timber Sale and Landscape Planning:
- Perform as the project manager for the development and maintenance of a dynamic 5-year forest management plan for timber harvest and silviculture activities in the unit. This plan must comply with all applicable policies, procedures, and laws.
- 5-year harvest schedule of specific timber harvest plans (timber sales).
- Environmental assessments for individual timber sales and future silviculture activities.
- Through modeling and GIS analyses, maintain and grow critical habitats.
- Economic assessments for individual timber sales and future silviculture activities, considering cash flow (budget) and internal rate of return on investments.
- Document strategy timelines for each timber sale in the planning cycle.
- Silviculture prescriptions with various model runs to optimize the revenue/biological/landscape objectives.
- Financial plan components must be prioritized to ensure dollars invested are evaluated critically to ensure sustainable yield of timber resources. Further, the range of project alternatives must be weighed so finite budgets are optimized for the highest potential rate of return, consistent with legal obligations.
- Social/Political assessments for individual timber sales and future silviculture activities.
- Legal access and property line evaluations ensure impacts to neighboring landowners and stakeholders are documented and issues are resolved.
- Schedule activities and treatments to meet silvicultural goals, objectives, and legal requirements.
Internal resources used in planning include but are not limited to:
- Product Sales program specialists,
- Wildlife biologist specialists,
- Cultural resources program specialists,
- Roads and Rights-of-Way program specialists,
- Public use and recreation program specialists,
- Program staff within the region, i.e. wildfire staff, landowner assistance staff, etc., who provide assessments of feasibility that are necessary for completion of a viable plan.
External resources used in planning include but are not limited to:
- Timber Sale purchasers and harvesters,
- Local beneficiary groups, such as County Commissioners,
- Other State Agencies (as necessary), such as Dept. of Health, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Ecology, and/or Dept. of Fish and Wildlife,
- Other local or regional stakeholder groups and neighbors,
- Timber Fish and Wildlife Group,
- Tribal partners.
In coordinating these various specialists, programs, and other entities, the unit forester will receive assessments, recommendations, and inputs that can be used to draft, finalize, and alter the forest management plan. For example, a unit forester might coordinate with a biologist to review and provide an assessment and recommendations on post-harvest and thinning plans for the forest management plan. These recommendations will then be incorporated into the 5-year plan by the unit forester. The unit forester will collaborate to incorporate this information into the 5-year plan, depending on the goals and objectives inherent to the landscape of the unit.
Timber Sale Design and Layout:
- Research and analyze operability and feasibility of harvest units using GIS, LIDAR, logging system analysis software, aerial photos, field observations, and maps and consult with engineers, other foresters, and specialists to implement good presales designs and logging road planning and layout. Operational feasibility is critical.
- Implement HCP requirements and PSF requirements such as marking legacy cohorts and identifying sensitive areas for protection like potentially unstable slopes, riparian areas, old growth, and cultural resources, all while maintaining feasible harvest operations by coordinating site visits and consulting with biologists, geologists, archeologists, and silviculturists. Assess, review, and implement all applicable policies, rules, and regulations and incorporate any specialist input into the presales design process and timber sales contract.
- Complete all required fieldwork for complete and viable timber harvest units.
- Create a timber sale packet that complies with all state and federal regulations and department protocols. Using professional experience, completing all necessary permitting, analyses, and paperwork (FPA, SEPA, HCP checklist, contract), while reviewing previously completed documents found on the department's Timber Sale Document Center (TSDC).
- Ensure environmental, social, political, contractual, and fiscal objectives are met. Any disputes will be resolved to the full extent utilizing an understanding of contractual obligations, policy requirements, interpretation of Forest Practices Rules, clear written documentation, and experience with prior timber sale design work.
- Provide trust beneficiaries with required revenues by utilizing the full understanding of fiscal principles and economic analyses associated with log markets, log delivery schedules, harvest systems, and engineering road construction principles.
Land Management:
- Prepare and/or review legal documents (SEPA, Forest Practice Applications, and timber sale contracts) and other internal agency documents for various activities for accuracy and quality before forwarding them to the district manager.
- Implement public use policy within the district as approved or directed by the department in cooperation with the district manager, other unit foresters, and recreation managers. Identify and report illegal activities on state lands (trespass, vandalism, theft, etc.). Follow through with appropriate action and documentation. Assist with region and department specialists to resolve priority trespass issues. Utilize appropriate law enforcement and department personnel to protect trust assets, curb illegal activities, and maintain the safety of staff and the public.
- Monitor the gates, locks, and public and contractor access points within the district. Perform gate maintenance as needed (including for vandalism) and help other district staff with signage, lock replacement, and communications about closures to region staff, stakeholders, and members of the public.
Communication and Outreach including:
- Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to find creative and innovative solutions. This includes partnering with companies and agencies that share easements and/or road use permits to ensure agreements are adhered to.
- Represent the department's interests when interacting with private operators, purchasers, businesses, governmental officials, and the public where there is involvement in sensitive, complex issues.
- Communicate with neighbors and recreation user groups when timber sale activities may cause impacts on access and other expectations from the public's perspective.
- Work with our tribal partners on sensitive landscapes through open communication and engagement.
Supervision:
- Supervise, evaluate, and mentor the unit staff. Staff may include natural resource specialists, technicians, and interns. Coordinate, prioritize, and assign work projects within biennial budget parameters throughout the assigned area.
- Complete a yearly performance review with each staff person, according to department protocols.
- Maintain a safe working environment for employees and self. Safety will be at the forefront of all position's duties, 100% of the time.
- Enforce agency safety guidelines as well as L&I and OSHA rules related to employee activities in the workplace (which includes field settings and at active logging/construction sites).
- Ensure that staff receive necessary trainings and maintain necessary certifications.
Qualifications Required Qualifications: - A Bachelor's degree in forestry or related field AND two years of professional forestry experience
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience in applying the principles and practices of the forestry profession as applicable to the northwestern United States.
- Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Experience with GPS technology and GIS mapping products.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong facilitation and negotiation skills.
- Ability to assign work and set performance standards and expectations.
- Ability to provide training and development.
- 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.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:- Office 50%, Field 50%. Fieldwork involves driving forest roads with a variety of potentially difficult conditions, working alone in remote areas, and working in all
inclement weather conditions across a variety of very steep and very rugged terrain. A portion of overall field work will require the individual to hike rough, uneven terrain with up to 25 pounds for long periods. Long periods of standing/walking/sitting depending on the time of year. - Travel may be required periodically as a function of this position.
- 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:- Bachelor's degree in forest management, forest operations, or silviculture specific to forestry in the Northwest USA. AND three years of professional forestry experience.
- Experience with forest growth and yield simulators.
- Knowledge of or experience in ground and cable logging systems, and forest road construction techniques.
- Knowledge of or experience in timber sale appraisals.
- Knowledge of or experience in preparing and/or managing timber sales contracts.
- Knowledge of or experience in timber sale unit layout including traversing, stream typing, and identification and protection of critical habitats.
- Knowledge of or experience in developing silvicultural prescriptions with associated economic analyses for both variable density thinnings and variable retention harvests.
- Knowledge of or experience in preparing and/or managing silviculture contracts (planting, vegetation management, density management).
- Knowledge of the Incident Command System.
- Experience with employee recruitment, supervision, performance feedback, coaching, training, motivation, and employee development planning including corrective action tools and strategies.
- Knowledge of the DNR's HCP, Forest Practice Rules, and Policy for Sustainable Forests.
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 Chris Hankey at ; 360-854-2811 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 a bachelor's degree in forestry or related field AND two years of professional forestry experience?OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience?
04
Do you have experience in applying the principles and practices of the forestry profession as applicable to the northwestern United States?
05
Do you have experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel?
06
Do you have experience with GPS technology and GIS mapping products?
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
