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Unit Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

State of Washington

State of Washington

Clark County, NV, USA · Washington, USA
USD 4,865-6,539 / month
Posted on May 13, 2025

Description


Unit Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)
Recruitment #2025-5-6418
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Pacific Cascade Region - Battle Ground, WA
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4865.00 - $6539.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 05/25/2025. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Pacific Cascade Region as a Unit Forester.

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations. Management of trust assets is linked to decisions made during the presales, sales compliance, and silviculture functions of the Region team. The Unit Manager position is a vital position that contributes to the success of meeting our goals and objectives, both long-term and short-term. This position provides senior-level, professional forestry expertise on DNR uplands managed for current and future citizens of the state to 1) sustain long-term ecosystem and economic viability; and 2) foster resilient forest lands and the benefits derived from them. This position helps the Pacific Cascade Region achieve the mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision making, and excellent planning.

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Assessing land management needs and developing management/timber harvest plans - perform senior-level project manager tasks leading to the development and maintenance of a dynamic 5-year forest management plan for timber harvest and silviculture activities in the assigned geographic unit. This plan complies with all applicable policies, procedures, and laws and includes the following:
    • Implementing management/timber harvest plan - Perform senior-level project manager tasks leading the implementation of the dynamic 5-year forest management plan for the geographic unit. This involves organizing, monitoring, and evaluating the work of the region and division staff below, making any necessary program/plan adjustments.
    • Unit management - Verifies various aspects of the forest management plan and modifies as needed before and during implementation. Responsible for setting unit priorities, making decisions independently, and is responsible for the flow and completion of work within the geographic unit.
    • Supervision - Coordinate with District and other Unit Managers to ensure foresters are qualified and remain qualified through appropriate training for the job. Encourage, mentor, and recommend career development opportunities for unit staff.
    • Public/Partner Collaboration (Partner Outreach) - Works to resolve sensitive resource issues with a variety of partners. Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external partners to find creative and innovative solutions. Represent the Department’s interests when interacting with private operators, purchasers, businesses, governmental officials, and the public where there is involvement in sensitive, complex issues in the Unit. Act as the Department’s representative in reacting to constituent or business partner inquiries.
    • Safety - Maintains a safe working environment for employees and self. Enforces Agency safety guidelines as well as L&I and OSHA rules related to employee activities in the workplace. Even though safety accounts for 2% of the duties, it will be at the forefront of all positions' duties, 100% of the time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • An Associate’s degree in forestry or a related field AND four years of relevant experience;
    OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in applying theory, policy, principles and practices of the forestry profession as applied to Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of: silviculture of Northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation and weed control, reforestation and intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management and basic principles of fisheries management.)
  • Professional experience in the application of forest management objectives and timber management planning.
  • Experience preparing and/or managing timber sales contracts.
  • Experience with ground and cable logging systems and forest road construction.
  • Experience with and understanding of Forest Practices rules, natural resources law, and practices.
  • Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Experience with GPS technology and GIS mapping products.
  • Experience supervising and mentoring employees.
  • Understanding of current forest management plans, Habitat Conservation Plan, and associated agency policies and procedures.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong Facilitation and negotiation skills.
  • 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
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • The position's assigned duty station is a district work center with a standard office environment. The large percentage (45-50%) of work is performed alone in isolated managed forest areas. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • Position requires large amounts of time in the field traveling alone between timber sale activities and the region office. Travel and/or overnight stays may be required at times to attend trainings and meetings.
  • 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.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forest management, forest operations, or silviculture specific to forestry in the Northwest USA.
  • Two years of professional experience in a natural resource program area.
  • Experience practicing forestry and silviculture tasks involved in the management of State trust lands.
  • Supervisory experience of at least 6 months, which demonstrates an ability to promote team building skills, assign work, coach, and evaluate the work product of other staff.
  • Experience with timber marketing and financial appraisals.
  • Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to DNR employees.
  • Experience with forest growth and yield simulators.
  • Knowledge of the Incident Command System.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the 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.
Questions? Please contact Brian Poehlein at brian.poehlein@dnr.wa.gov / (360) 921-1813 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our VisionOur actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
  • 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.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
  • 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources 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 disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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