Salary: $69,396.00 - $93,348.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-11182
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionWashington State Parks and Recreation CommissionJob Title: Eastside Forester (Parks Planner 3)
Location: Nine Miles Falls, WA
Closes: This recruitment is posted continuously. Application review will begin on October 24th, 2024, and weekly thereafter. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.
Description:This recruitment is for one (1) full-time, permanent,
Eastside Forester (
Parks Planner 3) position for Parks Development located in Nine Miles Falls, Washington. Preferred working hours are Monday- Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm with the option to telework. An alternate work schedule may be negotiated. This position may require you to travel as needed to accomplish assignments.
About the position:Under the direction of the Agency Forester, this position advances the agency's forest health initiatives in Eastern Washington by planning program activities and directing major resource management efforts toward meeting agency goals. Incumbent will design, plan, and lead projects to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk on State Park lands, primarily in eastern Washington. This person will implement existing park-specific forest health plans and help update or develop new ones for parks with forest health needs. Sound stewardship of State Park natural, historical, and cultural resources is the measure of success in completing forest management activities on State Park lands. Tasks typically involve integrating information from a variety of fields to develop and implement plans that address complex natural resource issues. Incumbent must exercise independent judgement and critical thinking in support of the agency's mission. This position builds relationships and collaborates with local and regional land managers to achieve landscape scale forest health treatment objectives and goals.
This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report on-site to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. Parks may choose, but are not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.
Duties Some of what you will do:- Develop, plan, and coordinate forest health capital projects and other forest health work in eastern Washington state parks.
- Develop treatment prescriptions for specific parks, landscapes, ecosystems, and habitats to support stewardship activities primarily focused on forest health and ecological restoration.
- Coordinate and supervise consultants and contractors in the preparation of plans, reports, and technical documents that support the forest health objectives of the agency.
- Develop agency guidelines and polices concerning prescribed fire. Be a technical liaison with partners at other agencies in the coordination and implementation of statewide strategic plans promoting the use of prescribe fire.
- Represent the agency in public meetings, stakeholder processes, committees and working groups.
- Pursue funding opportunities to support forest health projects.
- Conduct on-the-ground forest health activities.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with other land and forest management entities to accelerate regional forest health initiatives.
"Forest health treatment area in Riverside State Park, Spokane, WA"
Qualifications Required qualifications: Qualifying candidates will meet
one of the following criteria options:
- Associates degree in forestry AND six (6) years of professional level experience in forest management AND a valid driver's license.
OR
- A bachelor's degree in forestry or natural resources management AND four (4) years of professional level experience in forest management AND a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:- Writing forest management plans for a broad range of goals.
- Designing and conducting inventories, timber cruises, surveys, and scientific assessments.
- Overseeing thinning operations and fuel reduction projects.
- Administering contracts and working effectively with contractors.
- Wildland fire fighting and/or prescribed burning experience and qualifications.
- Using GIS software, GPS technology, and field-based data collection software.
- Strong work ethic and ability to work independently, self-initiate, and complete projects on schedule and within budget.
- Competency with technology including computers, smart phones, and tablets.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Experience building relationships and engaging with partners, the public, and/or stakeholders to achieve common goals.
How to apply:To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at
You must attach in your application the following:- Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement
- Current resume.
- Three professional references.
**All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow the application process may disqualify you from further consideration. **
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.
This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information:
Supplemental Information About Parks: Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere.
For more information on Washington State Parks, click
Diversity Policy Statement: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment - one that embraces the full spectrum of all community members' contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:
- Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability.
- Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences.
- Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society.
- Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to the people of this state today and in the future; and
- Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 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 with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
For information about the position, please contact David Cass at or (360) 386-2990.For information about recruitment and the hiring process, please contact Jerell Borman at Jerell.borman@parks.wa.govMore 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
Do you have a valid driver's license?
02
Which of the following best describes your education?
- I have an associates degree in forestry.
- I have a bachelor's degree in forestry or natural resources management.
- Neither of these apply.
03
How many years of professional level experience do you have in forest management?
- I do not have this experience
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 4 years
- More than 4 years, but less than 6 years
- 6 or more years
04
Describe your experience and qualifications in wildland fire operations and prescribed burning.
05
Describe your experience writing forest management plans and silvicultural prescriptions for diverse landowners and forest management goals.
Required Question
