Responsibilities:

• Identify, plan, and implement numerous rare plant monitoring and research projects funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address information needs associated with federally endangered and threatened plant species.
• Manage scientific programs addressing rare plant conservation efforts of the DNR and the Natural Heritage Program, advising program managers, land managers, and executive management on rare plant conservation issues.
• Conduct field inventory, monitoring, and research to acquire data on population size and structure, population ecology, habitat characteristics, threats, and spatial extent of priority rare plant species occurrences for entry into the Natural Heritage database.
• Compile data from secondary sources (including knowledgeable amateur and professional botanists, agency scientists and land managers, and published literature) for inclusion into the Natural Heritage database.
• Establish conservation priorities for rare vascular plants and, when capacity allows, for bryophytes, lichens, fungi, and algae in Washington. In so doing, develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with taxonomic experts and other scientific organizations and governmental agencies.
• Coordinate statewide efforts with national and international projects, including efforts by NatureServe to develop data standards for rare plant species.
• Analyze existing and new information on native plant species to verify and update conservation status information.
• Represent the DNR and the Natural Heritage Program in conservation planning efforts undertaken by state and federal agencies and private conservation organizations, providing scientific expertise regarding ecology and conservation needs of rare plant species.
• Serves as DNR’s primary point of contact to provide information and expertise to state lands managers and others regarding priority rare plant species.
• Recommend sites, based on high-priority rare plant species, for conservation action, including additions to the statewide system of natural areas, land trust acquisitions, inclusion within conservation planning portfolios, and other conservation designations or management as appropriate.
• Give presentations on conservation of rare plant species and on the Natural Heritage Program to groups and organizations as needed.
• Train/educate personnel (both within and outside the DNR) in Natural Heritage methodology and inventory of rare plant species.
• Develop grant proposals to fund high-priority projects.
• Manage individual grants/contracts, including budget development and implementation, related to such efforts.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in botany, plant ecology, or a field of study dealing with the ecology or biology of native plant species, AND Four years of professional experience in botany, plant ecology, or a field of study dealing with the ecology or biology of native plant species;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Expertise in rare plant species inventory, monitoring, and conservation planning.
• Experience identifying plant species using technical resources such as dichotomous keys.
• Familiarity with designing statistically defensible research studies.
• Experience in analyzing data and interpreting the results within the context of rare plant conservation issues.
• Effectively communicate technical information to individuals of varying levels of scientific understanding and technical skills, such as other scientists, land managers, policy makers, and decision makers.
• Accustomed to working with a variety of partners and cooperators on conservation-related issues.
• Be responsive to the priorities and needs of the Natural Heritage Program and the DNR.
• Experience providing leadership on projects.
• 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 as well as travel to attend meetings, workshops, conferences, etc. The office environment is one of cubicles for each employee; some cubicles have windows, while others are in the interior of the building. This position is located on the 4th floor of a 6-story building. While working in the office, most of the employees’ time will be spent at a personal computer and/or meeting with other staff members. Field work often consists of walking cross-country through rugged terrain in variable weather conditions, including cold and wet to hot and dry. Field work is often performed alone.
• The position requires extensive travel during the field season (generally from March through September) to conduct rare plant surveys, monitoring, and research throughout the state. Occasional out-of-state travel may also be required. Because the position involves working on projects that are often funded by external parties, there may be occasions when evening and/or weekend work will be necessary. Field work is generally, although not exclusively, during the period from mid-March through mid-September. Field work can be anywhere in the state, often requiring several hours of travel from Olympia to get to the area where the field work is to be performed. The employee will have access to an in-vehicle radio, a personal two-way radio, a cell phone, and a personal locator beacon. The employee is expected to adhere to the safety protocols regarding communicating their whereabouts established by the Division and Region within which the employee is working.
• 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.

• Knowledge of the flora of the Pacific Northwest, including an understanding of relevant conservation issues and principles for rare species.
• Knowledge of, and experience applying, Natural Heritage methodology, specifically concerning rare plant species.
• Experience making conservation recommendations for rare plant species, including recommendations for land acquisitions, management designations, land management activities, etc.
• Experience with genetic principles as they apply to population biology and rare plant species conservation.
• Experience in GIS/modelling, obtaining grant funding.

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.

• 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.