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Blue Mountains Landowner Assistance Forester

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you interested in a career that allows you to serve local communities by reducing wildfire risk, and promoting healthy forests? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Landowners Assistance Forester to assist and educate private landowners on ways to manage their lands for forest health and wildfire risk. This position administers DNR's private landowner cost share program, as well as supports the state's Forest Stewardship program, Firewise USA™ and Fire Adapted Communities, and local community fire prevention programs. 
 
DNR's cost share program provides financial assistance to private landowners interested in reducing their wildfire risk and improving their forest health. As a Landowner Assistance Forester, you will be responsible for assessing landowners' forest conditions and forest health, providing information and expertise about forest health issues and wildfire mitigation practices and assisting qualifying landowners through implementation of Landowner Assistance cost share program. Other common responsibilities are signing Forest Management plans, developing Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fuels mitigation projects, and working with WSU Extension to provide public education or Forest Stewardship events that promote wildfire mitigation and prevention.
 
To be successful in this position you not only need an understanding of forestry, but you also need to showcase outstanding customer service skills. This position will consistently be representing the agency when speaking to landowners and the general public, and have to be able to adapt to their audiences. If you want to make a difference and have an impact on several communities, help shape the health of private forests, and build a massive supportive network, this is the job for you.

What we will trust you with:
  • Assessing private landowners' properties for forest health and wildfire hazard mitigation.
  • Generating long-term plans that address the needs of partners, the Department, and the private landowners' interests.
  • Assisting private landowners through the implementation of the Landowner Assistance Cost Share Program.
  • Building strong working relationships with interagency partners, private landowners, and non-government associations.
  • Giving approval on Forest Management Plans as the DNR Representative.
  • Independently planning, prioritizing, and developing fuels mitigation projects on non-federal lands in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in assigned work area. 
  • Developing draft contract proposals and maps for submittal to LOA coordinator and Resource Protection Division staff.
  • Working with WSU Forestry Extension, Local Conservation Districts, Fire Districts, division and region staff to prioritize educational events in assigned work area within Southeast Region.
  • Working with the public to identify and assist qualifying communities in the creation of Firewise USA recognized sites in assigned work area within Southeast Region. 
  • Representing the Department when interacting with interagency partners, private landowners, WSU Extension, Firewise USA, Fire Adapted Communities, coalitions, and members of the general public.
 
Who are we looking for?
The right candidate has:
  • Experience in professional forest management techniques.
  • Knowledge of Forest Health condition class and related fuel management strategy.
  • Experience with state forest practices rules and related regulations.
  • Basic skills and knowledge in the use of a personal computer and forestry instrument measuring tools.
  • Ability to read maps and interpret information on aerial photos.
  • Personal organization and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to negotiate unfamiliar and difficult terrain by vehicle and on foot.
  • The incumbent in this position is required to travel. Requires up to 70% of time in the field traveling between field assignments, work centers, and fires. Overnight travel may be required to attend trainings, events and meetings. This includes driving in icy and snow-covered roads, during low visibility and stormy conditions.
  • The majority (approx.70%) of work is performed alone in sometimes isolated unimproved natural areas and on privately owned forest and rangeland. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Office work (approx. 30%) is also required and involves sitting or standing in an office environment.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements. 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.
 
Desirable Qualifications:
  • A bachelor's or associate's degree in Forestry, Resource Management, or natural resource-related field.
  • Three years' experience with forest management, silviculture and forestry practices.
  • Knowledge of agency landowner assistance and SFLO stewardship programs.
  • Knowledge of state and local fire regulations.
  • Experience with government contracting and operations.
  • Experience with Esri Arc GIS programs.
  • Working knowledge and formal training in wildland fire.
  • lnteragency wild land fire operations and functions.
  • Group presentation and instruction experience.
  • Experience working with the public.
 
The Location
Nestled at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington, Clarkston is the gateway to North America's deepest gorge, Hells Canyon. Clarkston offers a mild climate, which allows for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities such as golf, fishing and walking the trails along the beautiful Snake River provide a glance into the stunning views of southeastern Washington. Area rivers and creeks allow for boating, water skiing, rafting and jet boat rides. World famous steelhead, chinook and trout fishing await you there too. Nearby forests, provide wonderful hunting grounds for deer, elk and game birds. Try award-winning wines at the Basalt Cellars Winery or a topnotch IPA at the Riverport Brewing Company. Across the river, Lewiston Idaho provides even more excitement. Take a trip to Hells Gate State Park or a walk through the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center. Follow the footsteps of famous explorers and explore the natural bounty and small town warmth of Clarkston.
 
 
Why work for DNR?
At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you'll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state's natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you'll work with the public's interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington's lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.
 
What makes DNR a great place to work?
  • Transitioning to a modern work environment
  • Mobile work
  • Infants at work program
  • Commitment to organizational health and wellness
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
  • Leadership that empowers and supports employees
  • Work/life balance
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Educational aid and career development stipends
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
  • Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
  • Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
  • A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
 
Application Process
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
  • You must attach the following:
  • A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements. 
  • A resume including the names of three to five professional references
Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.
 
Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.
 
Questions? Please contact Scott Chambers at 509-925-0929, scott.chambers@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
 
Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139. DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.