Natural Areas Forester

Natural Areas Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent employment is March – December 2026
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 – $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 1/27/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• This position will design and implement forest restoration activities to benefit the natural heritage features in natural areas and natural resource conservation areas.  Apply professional knowledge to inform management practices for maintaining natural areas in the best ecological condition possible.
• Ensures contractual obligations are understood by contractors and compliance staff, and that they have reasonable and achievable results.
• Produces professional documentation that complies with all state and federal regulations and completes all necessary project permitting and paperwork, including: Forest Practice Applications (FPA), State Environmental Policy Act checklists (SEPA), and HCP checklists.
• Monitors the effectiveness of forest treatments to determine success in achieving the goals of the project while minimizing impacts to the site.
• Facilitates consultation/coordination with resource specialists to evaluate and implement mitigation of project concerns in conjunction with HCP guidance, internal and external policy, interdisciplinary team meetings, and professional knowledge and experience to ensure regulatory, environmental, Departmental social and political objectives are met.
• Lead technicians, interns, WCC work crew,s and volunteers during restoration projects, as needed. Conduct on-the-ground forest health activities including non-native plant control, reseeding, replanting, pruning, and slashing of small trees, pile burning, etc.

Required Qualifications: 

• Associate degree in forestry (or a closely related field) AND 2 years of forestry experience;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with forest measuring and survey tools such as GPS, laser measurement devices, compass, clinometer, and other forestry equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficient in the use of ArcGIS, cruising software, standard Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) programs, and mobile devices.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.