Responsibilities:

• In close coordination with the Lead Natural Heritage Vegetation Ecologist, uses a vegetation key to assist DNR staff in identifying vegetation types occurring on state trust lands.
• Review and assess the presence of existing or potential new element occurrences (rare plant and rare/high-quality ecosystem locations).
• Describes vegetation composition and structure, disturbance history, environmental features, and landscape setting of sites and each ecosystem within the state.
• Evaluates viability, ecological condition, size, and landscape context of ecosystems/communities. Maps the extent of ecosystems in GIS, on orthophotos, or quad maps
• Coordinates with the Lead Natural Heritage Vegetation Ecologist to refine, calibrate, and apply assessments to plant communities/ecosystems to determine whether a location meets element occurrence criteria and/or to estimate how proposed activities may impact plant communities.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree with a major study in natural science AND three years of professional experience. Relevant experience includes professional work experience in botany, vegetation ecology, ecosystem analysis, forestry, range science, environmental science, or other closely related fields;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience identifying plant species using technical keys.
• Experience with ecological and rare plant field inventory methods, assessing ecosystem characteristics, and vegetation/ecological monitoring techniques.
• Knowledge of existing vegetation/ecosystem classification schemes.
• Ability to communicate clearly to land managers (and other decision makers) the biological and ecological information important to their decision making.
• Ability to provide leadership on projects, including those involving formal teams as well as those involving informal work groups.
• 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

• The position includes a mix of office and fieldwork. Fieldwork requires a physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested, or backcountry landscapes and terrains. Fieldwork often consists of walking cross-country through rugged terrain in variable weather conditions, including cold and wet to hot and dry. The office environment is in a District work center. Most of the employee’s office time will be spent at a personal computer and/or meeting with other staff members.
• Extensive travel during the field season to conduct field inventories, surveys, and monitoring throughoutthe Olympic Region. Occasional out-of-state travel may also be required.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and 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.

• Experience with Natural Heritage methodology.
• Working knowledge of the flora and key ecological indicator plant species of Washington State.
• Working knowledge of Washington State’s landscapes and ecosystem types, including natural and human-related disturbances and their impacts on ecosystem processes.
• Experience developing and using plant community and ecosystem classifications specific to Washington State.
• Familiarity with vegetation mapping tools and techniques.
• Familiarity with federal and state land management policies and activities relating to conservation of plant communities and ecosystems.

Application Requirements: Failure to provide listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. 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 info@governmentjobs.com 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.

• 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.

• 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, visit here to learn more
• 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 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.