Forester

Klickitat Unit Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)
Full-time/Part-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5011.00 – $6735.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 03/16/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

What we will trust you with: This position is responsible for forest management planning, pre-sales, silviculture, and contract administration in the Klickitat unit, including the following duties:

• Manage approximately 110,000 acres of State timberlands for timber, wildlife, and multiple-use objectives
• Act as the project manager in the implementation of the dynamic 5-year forest management plan for the Unit
• Responsible for all field operations in the Unit, including:
  • Manage the Unit staff to achieve an annual timber sale cut of approximately 6-10 million board feet and administer 3-4 timber sales
  • Prepare legal documents (FPA, SEPA, contracts, etc.) for timber sales
  • Complete unit-specific financial analysis to show the greatest return on investment for the trusts
  • In coordination with the Wildlife Biologist, ensure management activities comply with the agency’s HCP, maintaining habitat and other protections for wildlife
  • Coordinate with the road engineer to ensure all existing and newly constructed roads are maintained and built to Forest Practice Standards
  • Plan, schedule, budget, and oversee silvicultural activities, including site preparation, reforestation, pre-commercial thinning, vegetation management, and prescribed fire for the Unit
  • Coordinate with agency colleagues in Product Sales, Cultural Resources, Wildlife Biologist, Roads, Right of Ways, and Recreation
  • Complete surveys and data collection for scheduled activities
• Supervise one to two permanent professional staff, including hiring, training, mentoring, and disciplinary action
• Represent the DNR and develop good working relationships with private contractors, businesses, governmental officials, and the public when addressing complex, sensitive issues affecting the Unit

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field AND two years professional forestry experience;
  OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry profession as applied to the Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of Northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation and weed control, reforestation and intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management, and basic principles of fisheries management).
• Knowledge of Forest Management objectives and timber management planning in practice, and as it relates to associated agency policies and rules.
• Experience in timber sales contract preparation and administration.
• Experience in logging and forest road construction equipment and use.
• Strong understanding of forest mensuration and survey tools such as GPS, laser measurement devices, compass, clinometer, and other forestry equipment.
• Strong understanding of software, including ArcGIS, cruising software, standard office (Word, Excel, etc.) programs, and mobile devices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Planning and assigning work, including setting performance standards and expectations, and evaluating and documenting performance.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.