Service Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Northeast Region seeks a Service Forester (NRS2) to support Deer Park, Spokane and Stevens County. The role emphasizes forest health, fire behavior, and timber management to protect landowners’ properties and communities.

You will work with a team to provide guidance, facilitate funding programs, and engage with the public, contractors, fire districts, and agencies while reporting to the Sr. Service Forester.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in forestry, natural resources, or closely related field from an accredited program; AND one year of field experience in forest management; OR an equivalent combination that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience in general forest management activities such as forest road design and construction, timber management planning, silviculture techniques, reforestation methods, and timber harvest boundaries.
• Experience using forestry tools such as measuring and hand tools.
• Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office applications, and SharePoint.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps, or other mapping tools to document work and convey information to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Senior Service Forester, provide on-site or remote professional guidance and technical expertise to forest landowners regarding forest management and risk reduction.
• Assist with facilitating landowner participation in financial assistance programs and forest health or fuel reduction contracts.
• Collaborate with other agency partners to customize action plans for landowners.
• Serve as a technical and professional resource for educational programs.
• Design work units on the ground for fund utilization within cost share programs.
• Complete home risk assessments.
• Document inquiries and services in the One Stop Shop Online Tracking Tool.

Skills

Forestry knowledge

Team player

Leadership

Fire suppression

Communication skills

GIS

Microsoft Office

Education

BS in Forestry/Natural Resources

1 year field experience in forest management

Tools

ArcGIS (ArcPro/ArcGIS Online)

SharePoint

Field Maps / Survey123

Job description

Service Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Recruitment #2026-10-7410

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

Anticipated Non-permanent end date is June 30, 2027

Location: Northeast Region - Deer Park, WA

Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $4,517.00 - $6,075.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/15/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Northeast Region is looking to fill a Service Forester (NRS2) position based out of our Deer Park location, helping provide coverage in both Spokane and Stevens County. We are looking for an individual who is a proven team player, has experience in forestry, forest health, and fire suppression, and displays an effective form of leadership to deliver program goals to local landowners.

The local work unit is dominated by pine stands in desperate need of treatments to promote forest health, reduce fuel loading, and protect structures. Since 2020, hundreds of people have purchased open lands within the work unit in hopes of building their dream houses, and oftentimes these places are overrun with pine thickets and overcrowded forests in poor health. This position will help to support the private landowners in protecting their dream and the surrounding communities. Thousands of existing homes and properties are losing the battle every year trying to manage the forest that never stops growing. The Service Forester’s decisions on timber and biomass management are very important and can certainly put a property on a better trajectory of good forest health, which is a cornerstone goal of the program.

The Service Forester position will report to the Sr. Service Forester (NRS3) and will require the ability to foster positive working relationships amongst the other Service Foresters in the county and region, while also interacting with the general public, contractors, fire districts, and other state, local, county, and federal agencies on a routine basis. This position will require the successful candidate to exercise their knowledge of forestry, forest health, fire behavior, structural protection, agreement negotiation, and communication skills. By performing these actions effectively, efficiently, and professionally, the Service Forester supports the DNR in fulfilling its mission of providing innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, community safety, and a rich quality of life for current and future generations.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Senior Service Forester, provide on-site or remote professional guidance and technical expertise to forest landowners (and forest landowner service providers) regarding forest management and structure risk reduction.
• Assist with facilitating landowner participation in financial assistance programs and forest health or fuel reduction contracts.
• Collaborate with other agency partners to help customize a plan of action for the landowner.
• Serve as a technical and professional resource for educational programs.
• On assigned projects, design work units on the ground for the purpose of utilizing funds within the cost share program.
• Complete home risk assessments.
• Enter and provide documentation for all inquiries and services provided into the One Stop Shop Online Tracking Tool.

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.

• Bachelor of Science in forestry, natural resources, or closely related field from an accredited program;
  AND one year of field experience in forest management;
  OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience in general forest management activities such as forest road design and construction, timber management planning, silviculture techniques, reforestation methods, and timber harvest boundaries.
• Experience using forestry tools such as measuring and hand tools.
• Proficient with computers, Microsoft Office applications, and SharePoint.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps, or other mapping tools to document work and convey information to non-technical audiences.

Required Competencies:

• Takes initiative, exercises sound judgment, and completes assignments with minimal supervision.
• Prioritizes tasks, organizes workload to meet deadlines, and adjusts work plans as needed to maintain productivity and deliver results.
• Skills in oral and written communication to convey messages clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• 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:

• Assigned duty station is the Deer Park work center. The majority of work is performed alone in the field in sometimes isolated unimproved areas and on forest or rangeland but may include office and classroom settings. The position requires walking over steep, uneven terrain in a variety of forest environments, year-round, statewide, in a variety of weather conditions.
• Occasional overnight statewide travel is required to provide services. Incumbent will be required to drive long distances in a variety of weather conditions, year-round.
• 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:

• Working knowledge of silviculture and forest management practices in the Pacific Northwest or similar environment.
• Experience teaching or providing group presentations.
• Experience working in a positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative manner with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
• Experience with government procurement rules, contracting, and administration.
• Experience providing technical assistance, education, and educational materials to non-professional audiences, especially forest landowners.
• Current knowledge of Forest Practices rules; Forest Practices Board Manual guidance; and DNR Forest Practices policies, procedures, and practices.
• Previous experience working with small forest landowners.
• Certified Tree Farm Inspector certification.
• Public Pest Consultant certification.

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 Braden Britt at [e-mail] / [phone] 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 Values:

• Integrity—Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians.
• Respect—Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another.
• Professionalism—The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct.
• Joy—DNR’s work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meet with curiosity and gratitude.

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.

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 [e-mail].

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