Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)/NRS1 In-Training

Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)/NRS1 In-Training

Location: South Puget Sound Region – Shelton and Belfair, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $3,811.00 – $5,783.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 5/6/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:
These positions serve as entry-level or lead foresters working with a forest engineer under the supervision of the Hoodsport or Belfair Unit Manager. The chosen candidates will work independently and as part of a team, with regular interaction with other foresters, forest engineers, other natural resource professionals, as well as other agency/organization members, stakeholders, and the public. The positions’ responsibilities are split between timber sale layout and compliance. During timber sale layout, the successful candidates will be responsible for the field design of timber sale proposals, including reconnaissance, harvest unit design and implementation, initial road location, and selection of harvest methods. Work includes completion of pre-sales documentation packets containing maps created using ArcGIS, informational reports, and environmental documents. The successful candidates will also eventually serve as contract administrators for timber sales and road plan contracts. Contract administration duties include working to ensure all road and timber sale contract requirements and payments are met, and ensuring all harvest and road building activities comply with applicable policies and laws. The candidates may respond to public and other agency requests relative to State Lands management within their respective units in the Hood Canal District.

Qualifications

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12- 24-month training plan. If you complete all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required. Candidates will be considered as Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training) or Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2), depending on qualifications.

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training)  
(Salary range: $3,811 – $5,117 per month):

• An associate degree in forest management or a related natural resource field;
  OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis).
• Knowledge of basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
• Computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ARC-GIS, ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.
• Knowledge of navigating using maps, aerial photos, a compass, orthophotos, a clinometer, radio, a laser rangefinder, GPS, and a chain.
• Experience using GPS devices.
• Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
• Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

Natural Resource Specialist 2  
(Salary range: $4,299 – $5,783 per month):

• An associate degree in forest management or a related natural resource field; AND one year of professional forestry experience;
  OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in general forest management theory (timber management planning, silviculture, appraisal techniques, timber sales, contract preparation and administration, forest fire prevention and suppression, logging and forest road construction, reforestation methods, public relations, statistical analysis).
• Experience in basic mensuration, forest biology, and silviculture.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, ArcGIS, and ARC-View, with aptitude for learning new software programs.
• Experience in navigating using maps, aerial photos, a compass, orthos, a clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, GPS, and a chain.
• Experience using GPS and ArcGIS to create maps.
• Dedication to a Safe Workplace: Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment.
• Being empowered to identify, resolve, or mitigate observed safety concerns.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
• Effectively work independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.