Assistant Forest Practices Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Assistant Forest Practices Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
Recruitment #2024-3-5698
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Northeast Region- Deer Park, WA
Salary: $4,174.00 – $5,615.00 Monthly 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Want to work with a great team in one of the most beautiful parts of Washington State? Join the Northeast Region of DNR as one of our Assistant Forest Practices Foresters, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2). We have an open full-time position, based out of Deer Park. The position will cover Spokane, Pend Oreille, Southern Stevens, and parts of Lincoln County.

This position assists Forest Practices Unit Foresters in evaluating harvest proposals, stream crossing structures, and protecting Washington’s public resources. This is accomplished by possessing a working knowledge of the Washington State Forest Practice Rules and evaluating and approving/disapproving proposed Forest Practice applications. Assistant Forest Practice Foresters also help facilitate interdisciplinary teams of natural resource professionals when evaluating proposals.

Responsibilities:

Review and close out all classes of Forest Practices Applications/Notifications (FPA/N’s)

• Review and close out expired Forest Practice Applications (FPA) by conducting site visits and documenting compliance with RCW 76.09 and WAC 222 (Forest Practice Rules). This position may take part in monitoring, tracking, and data entry associated with FPA’s. When enforcement documentation is issued, will assist in gathering and compiling information. Assists in the coordination and implementation of the compliance monitoring program for the Forest Practice District.

Review class 2/3 Forest Practices Applications (FPAs)

• When assigned, reviewing less-complex class 3 FPA’s for completeness, and determining whether they can be accepted for review as Class 3 FPA’s, based on established parameters. If, based on established guidelines, the FPA exceeds their delegation of authority for class 3 FPA’s, the FPA will be handled by a Forest Practices Forester or with Forest Practices Forester oversight. They will independently solicit input from TFW cooperators. They will independently be making approval and conditioning recommendations at their discretion, based on their knowledge of the forest practices rules. Disputed final approval or conditioning decisions will be referred to the appropriate Forest Practices Forester with recommendations for approval.
• Independently reviewing class 2 FPA’s for completeness, and determining whether they can be accepted for review as class 2 FPA’s, based on established parameters. Independently soliciting input from TFW (Timber Fish Wildlife) cooperators. Independently making approval and conditioning decisions at their discretion, based on their knowledge of the forest practices rules. Disputed final approval or conditioning decisions will be referred to the appropriate Forest Practices Forester with recommendations for approval.

Compliance of Forest Practices activities

• Independently conducting compliance on class 2 FPA’s. Independently taking initial-level enforcement actions (i.e. – Stop Work Orders, Notices to Comply, and Notices of Conversion to Non-Forest Use) at their discretion, based on their knowledge of the forest practices rules and broad, region-level guidance. When enforcement actions get appealed, they may be directed to participate in a team that represents the Department. In this situation, they would receive specific direction from their supervisor.

Substitute for Office Technicians

• Independently review FPAs for completeness. This includes using computerized screening tools. Using their discretion, this employee will either accept and classify the applications or forward them to a supervisor to make that decision, based on narrowly established guidelines and parameters.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Responding to public concerns. Attending staff meetings, trainings, and participating in various ad hoc region or program-wide committees. Participating in trainings offered to forest landowners, peers, and other agencies as a member of the training cadre. Participate in public speaking and community outreach engagements. May participate in Wildfire duties as requested by the Wildfire Program and approved by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s or associate degree in forestry or other natural resources-related field.
• One or more years of professional natural resource management experience.
• Basic skills and knowledge in the use of computers, GIS, and forestry measuring tools.
• Knowledge of timber harvesting and forest road construction practices.
• Demonstrated 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.