Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)

State of Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 536,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) in the Northeast Region, Loomis, WA. This non-permanent, full-time role supports timber management and forest health initiatives, with an anticipated Oct 2026–Mar 2028 employment period.

Responsibilities include timber sales planning, boundary mapping, GPS/GIS work, riparian delineation, and required project paperwork.

Qualifications

• An Associate's degree in Forestry or a Natural Resources-related field; or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience with forest management objectives and silvicultural practices.
• Knowledge of contract procedures.
• Experience using GPS for mapping unit boundaries.
• Experience with ArcPro Basic, Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support layout of proposed timber sales and silviculture treatments.
• Locate, traverse, and mark boundaries and property lines; leave-and-take tree marking.
• Use GPS and GIS for reconnaissance and cartography.
• Identify riparian buffers and wetlands; plan road layout.
• Complete Forest Practice Applications, SEPA checklists, and detailed reports.
• Coordinate with Highlands District staff on timber management priorities.

Skills

Independence/Teamwork

Diversity/Equity/Inclusion

Public records retention

Education

Associate's degree in Forestry or Natural Resources-related field

Bachelor's degree in Forestry (desired)

Tools

ArcPro Basic

GPS

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)

Recruitment #2026-9-8294

Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Anticipated employment is October 2026 - March 2028

Location: Northeast Region - Loomis, WA

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $4,004.00 - $5,376.00 Monthly

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.

Responsibilities:

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

Required Qualifications:

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.

Required Competencies:

• 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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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 [e-mail]

Questions?

Please contact Chelsea Schaefer at [e-mail] / 509-640-0550 or email us at [e-mail]

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. 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 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 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.