Inventory Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)
State of Washington
USD 3,811-5,117 / month
Posted on Jul 8, 2025
Description
- Inventory Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Recruitment #2025-2025-7-P393
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Project is 08/16/2025 to 12/31/2025
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia
Salary: $3,811.00 - $5,117.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Do you like travelling and working in the woods? Do you enjoy using state of the art technology and equipment? How does supporting a state-of-the-art forest inventory program sound to you? We are looking for an individual who possesses a strong “woods-sense” and is capable of driving forest roads and hiking across remote and difficult terrain towards the goal of collecting forest inventory data, which supports a remote-sensing program involving more than 2.1 million acres. This Inventory Forester position is largely field based, with most of the time worked spent travelling, either locally or regionally, to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) managed forest parcels for data collection. This is a short-term project position beginning Aug 16, 2025, lasting until Dec 31, 2025. From this position, you would have the opportunity to work across the majority of the state and see a wide variety of forest types and conditions. On average, 1 out of 4 weeks in a given month are spent in travel status, meaning that the candidate would work in a team somewhere else in the state sampling inventory plots for our remote-sensing inventory, getting to see a ton of cool places, forests and cities across the state of Washington. The position has a four-day work-week schedule of Monday through Thursday with a ten-hour work day, with some flexibility. Because of the nature of the sampling grid for the inventory plots, the data to be collected is always in a new spot; though some areas of the state hold more plots than others, the work takes place in unique spots every time we measure. You’ll see coastal areas, high elevation stands, lowland valleys, and eastside forests. Wherever there is forested land that is managed by the Department of Natural Resources, we have plots in place waiting to be measured! Duties
Responsibilities:
Typical duties involve using computer software such as ArcGIS/ArcPro; operating handheld Android OS tablets, high-precision GPS systems, laser rangefinders; navigating to remote plot locations; training others in the field measurement protocol; and performing QA/QC on associated contractual work.Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry or related natural science:
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Professional working knowledge of environmental sampling and data gathering, e.g., forest mensuration.
- Experience identifying common plant and tree species of the Pacific Northwest.
- Familiar with using computerized systems in the field and office, e.g., tablets, radios.
- Familiar with ArcGIS software.
- Familiar with using survey-grade GPS and processing coordinates obtained with this technology.
- Familiar with using and troubleshooting/repairing common mensuration equipment, such as compass, diameter tape, laser hypsometer, and relaskop.
- 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
- Work setting is 25% office and 75% field-based. Field work requires driving a vehicle on unimproved roads and navigating unmarked road systems, navigating and hiking rugged terrain, and coping with harsh outdoor conditions.
- Travel is on average, one workweek (M-Th) out of a month spent traveling statewide.
- A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have 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.
- R and/or SQL programming experience.
- Contract compliance work experience.
- Experience using a chainsaw in bucking downed logs.
- A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry or related natural science:
Supplemental Information
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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.
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 Vision – Our 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.
- 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.
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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