Kendall Unit Forester (State Lands), Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3) Recruitment #2024-10-3090 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position Location: Northwest Region- Sedro Woolley, WA Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered  Relocation Compensation may be available and considered Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 Monthly  Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment any time after 10/17/24. 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 Northwest Region. Are you someone who has strong organizational skills, can manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time, appreciates the importance of good communication and follow-up, and enjoys working outdoors? Do you want to partner with a great group of hard-working and dedicated professionals who plan, design, layout, and comply with timber harvests in northwest Washington? If so, this is the position for you! Baker District is actively seeking a Timber Sales Compliance Unit Forester. The position will have a duty station in Sedro Woolley, WA., though there is flexibility within Baker District. The varied terrain and microclimates in Baker District provide many timber sale compliance challenges from logging system evaluations, forest road construction, and maintenance projects, and implementing thinning prescriptions for habitat and small-wood thinning projects. The successful candidate will oversee the management of a team of dedicated contract administrators for sold timber sales including variable retention harvests and variable density thinnings. Work will include contract compliance, billings, tracking of progress, approving actions, and interacting with regulatory staff, purchasers, contractors, stakeholders, tribal partners, and neighbors. The compliance team will evaluate existing roads and structures, the construction of new roads, inspect culvert installations, and ensure all policies and regulations are followed on active projects. If you enjoy forest operation challenges and watching your work come to fruition, this is the place for you! This position mainly works in Baker District which is located in Whatcom Co. and northern Skagit Co. in the beautiful Cascade Mountain foothills. Sedro Woolley is a growing community where logging and high tech come together, maintaining a robust economy and high quality of life. Bellingham is less than an hour away and Seattle is less than two hours away. Have the best of both worlds by enjoying the outdoors near the Salish Sea and the Cascade Mountains, while having all the options of larger cities close by. In this position, you will interact with professionals having diverse talents and skill sets. You will have the opportunity to work frequently with engineers, foresters, wildlife biologists, GIS professionals, geologists, and heavy equipment operators, to name a few. The DNR, Northwest Region, and Baker District have amazing forestry teams that provide support and collaboration. Collaboration is one of our agency's core goals and it is our belief you will benefit by learning while working side by side with others in these fields and other fields as they learn from you.Responsibilities: Timber Sale Compliance * Manage active timber sale contracts, including billings and payments. Make sure active timber sales follow all the required rules and regulations until all obligations are met and the sale is documented as completed in the agency's database. * Coordinate with region and division staff. Serve as the project lead and represent the district in the following areas. * Agency engineering staff and private contractors on road construction and/or maintenance activities related to timber sales to ensure projects adhere to all rules and regulations. * Private landowners/road easement holders on timber sale and road maintenance activities. * NW Region product sales staff on contract execution, billings, payments, and contract completion. * NW Region product sales staff for log and load accountability. * NW Region and division product sales staff to ensure contract implementation is done consistently and legally. * Product sales staff, district manager, and region manager on negotiating any design changes to an active timber sale contract with the purchasers and/or operators. * Specialist staff when problems arise during harvest or post-harvest to ensure management requirements have been satisfied. * External stakeholders, such as DNR regulatory staff, are apprised of any ongoing issues and remediate these issues with the coordination of said staff and any additional external stakeholders needed to ensure resolution. Land Management * Prepare and/or review legal documents (SEPA, Forest Practice Applications, and timber sale contracts) and other internal agency documents of various activities for accuracy and quality before forwarding them to the district manager.   * Ensure necessary documents for billings, inspection reports, road construction compliance, and other associated documents adhere to contract specifications.  Grant necessary approval as required by the contract.   * Analyze proposed contract changes and make recommendations to the district manager. Recommend and take corrective action for contract violations as authorized by the district manager and/or region manager. * Coordinate the L-line process for timber sales going to auction.   * Implement public use policy within the district as approved or directed by the department in cooperation with the district manager, other unit foresters, and recreation managers.  Identify and report illegal activities on state lands (trespass, vandalism, theft, etc.). Follow through with appropriate action and documentation. Assist with region and department specialists to resolve priority trespass issues. Utilize appropriate law enforcement and department personnel to protect trust assets, curb illegal activities, and maintain the safety of staff and the public. * Monitor the gates, locks, and public and contractor access points within the district.  Perform gate maintenance as needed (including for vandalism) and help other district staff with signage, lock replacements, and communications about closures to region staff, stakeholders, and members of the public. * Manage direct sales for commercial firewood and other log harvesting projects as well as coordinating firewood permits for public use on areas released from timber sale contracts. Communication and Outreach * Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to find creative and innovative solutions. This includes partnering with companies and agencies that share easement and/or road use to ensure agreements are adhered to.  * 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.   * Communicate with neighbors and recreation user groups when timber sale activities may cause impacts on access and other expectations from the public's perspective. * Work with our tribal partners on sensitive landscapes through open communication and engagement. Supervision * Supervise, evaluate, and mentor the unit staff. Staff may include natural resource specialists, technicians, and interns. Coordinate, prioritize, and assign work projects within biennial budget parameters throughout the assigned area. * Complete a yearly performance review with each staff person, according to department protocols. * Maintain a safe working environment for employees and self. Safety will be at the forefront of all position's duties, 100% of the time. * Enforce agency safety guidelines as well as L&I and OSHA rules related to employee activities in the workplace (which includes field settings and at active logging/construction sites). * Ensure that staff receive the necessary training and maintain necessary certifications. Required Qualifications:  * A Bachelor's degree in forestry or related field AND two years of professional forestry experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. * Experience in applying the principles and practices of the forestry profession as applicable to the northwestern United States. * Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel. * Experience with GPS technology and GIS mapping products. * Strong written and verbal communication skills. * Strong facilitation and negotiation skills. * Ability to assign work and set performance standards and expectations. * Ability to provide training and development. * 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: * Office 50%, Field 50%. Fieldwork involves driving forest roads with a variety of potentially difficult conditions, working alone in remote areas, and working in all inclement weather conditions across a variety of very steep and very rugged terrain. A portion of overall fieldwork will require the individual to hike rough, uneven terrain with up to 25 lbs. for long periods of time. Long periods of standing/walking/sitting depending on the time of the year. * Travel may be required periodically as a function of this position. * 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.  Desired Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in forest management, forest operations, or silviculture specific to forestry in the Northwest USA. * Three years of professional forestry experience. * Experience with forest growth and yield simulators. * Knowledge of or experience in ground and cable logging systems, and forest road construction techniques. * Knowledge of or experience in timber sale appraisals. * Knowledge of or experience in preparing and/or managing timber sales contracts. * Knowledge of or experience in timber sale unit layout including traversing, stream typing, and identification and protection of critical habitats. * Knowledge of or experience in developing silvicultural prescriptions with associated economic analyses for both variable density thinning and variable retention harvests. * Knowledge of or experience in preparing and/or managing silviculture contracts (planting, vegetation management, density management). * Knowledge of the Incident Command System. * Experience with employee recruitment, supervision, performance feedback, coaching, training, motivation, and employee development planning including corrective action tools and strategies. * Knowledge of the DNR's HCP, Forest Practice Rules, and Policy for Sustainable Forests. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past 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!Application Requirements: * Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). * Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements. * Resume: that details your experience and qualifications. * References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- 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 Chris Hankey at chris.hankey@dnr.wa.gov/360-854-2811  or e-mail 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 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. 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 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. Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended and may also be 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 prior to 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 of 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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov. Check us out on: DNR's website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress