Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)
State of Washington
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Job summary
The Department of Natural Resources in Loomis, WA seeks a Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) for a full-time, non-permanent role in the Northeast Region. The position focuses on implementing sound ecological forest management to meet agency duties, coordinating with Highlands District staff on timber management and silvicultural projects.
Ideal candidates have forestry or natural resources background, experience with GPS/GIS mapping, and strong communication skills.
Qualifications
- Requires an Associate's degree in Forestry or related field or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of forest management objectives, timber management and silvicultural practices.
- Experience with GPS mapping to delineate unit boundaries and layout needs.
Responsibilities
- Support layout of Region/Board of Natural Resources timber sales and silviculture treatments.
- Locate and mark unit boundaries; use GPS and GIS for reconnaissance, terrain analysis and mapping.
- Prepare project paperwork including Forest Practice Applications and SEPA checklist.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated employment is October 2026 - March 2028
Location: Northeast Region - Loomis, WA
Salary: $4,004.00 - $5,376.00 Monthly
Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/28/26. 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 non-permanent opportunity within our Northeast Region as a Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1). This position supports the mission and goals of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the state lands programs by implementing sound ecological forest management to meet the agency’s trust obligation within the constraints of policy and applicable legal requirements. This position coordinates with Highlands District staff to prioritize and implement Timber management with an emphasis on forest health and Silviculture projects.
Our ideal candidate will be committed to safe work practices, have the ability to promote a culture of safety throughout the program, and possess strong communication skills. This position works with a wide range of DNR staff, as well as with tribal and public agencies, the private forest industry, and the general public.
This position is responsible for supporting the layout of proposed Region and Board of Natural Resources timber sales and silviculture treatments. This work may include, but is not limited to: Locating, traversing and marking unit boundaries and property lines: leave and take tree marking; using GPS and GIS for reconnaissance, terrain analysis, logging system design, traversing boundaries, traversing roads, and cartography; locating and delineating riparian buffers, wetlands, and other sensitive areas; road layout; timber cruising and inventory; completing required project paperwork including Forest Practice Applications, State Environmental Policy Act checklist, and developing detailed summary reports.
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
- An Associate's degree in Forestry or a Natural Resources-related field of study; OR an equivalent education and/or experience.
- Knowledge and experience with forest management objectives, timber management objectives, and silvicultural practices.
- Knowledge of contract procedures.
- Experience using GPS equipment to map unit boundaries and layout needs.
- Experience using computer applications such as ArcPro Basic, Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Skills working independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
- 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 ensure requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- Position’s assigned duty station is the Highlands work center in Loomis, WA. The large majority (80%) of work is performed alone in isolated unimproved natural areas. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Some (20%) of work is performed in an office setting.
- Position requires a large amount of time in the field traveling alone between project areas or meeting locations and their assigned work center or home if authorized. Travel may include travel to other areas of the state.
- A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). 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.
- A bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a Natural Resources-related field of study.
- Contract Development and Administration for Timber Sales, Road Construction, or other Silvicultural Practices.
- Knowledge of Agency policies and Forest Practices requirements for wetland and stream delineation for eastern Washington.
- Knowledge of employment rules and regulations as they apply to permanent, seasonal career and seasonal DNR employees.
At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Please contact Chelsea Schaefer at chelsea.schaefer@dnr.wa.gov / 509-640-0550 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.
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 actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
- 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 E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full-time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03
Please select which of the following best describes your education and/or experience:
- I have an AA Degree in Forestry or a Natural Resources-related field of study.
- I have a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to an AA Degree in Forestry or a Natural Resources-related field of study;
- None of the above.
04
Do you have knowledge and experience with forest management objectives, timber management objectives, and silvicultural practices?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you have experience using GPS equipment to map unit boundaries and layout needs?
- Yes
- No
06
Do you have experience using computer applications such as ArcPro Basic, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
- Yes
- No
07
Do you have a valid driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?
- Yes
- No
08
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?
- Yes
- No
- Unsure
09
Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
- www.dnr.wa.gov
- www.careers.wa.gov
- WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
- Governmentjobs.com
- Monster
- Indeed
- College/university website/career fair
- Handshake
- Newspaper
- Direct Email Notification
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
- Professional/Personal Network
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Zip Recruiter
- Diversity Jobs
- Other (please specify below)
10
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
- Required Question
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