Description

Forest Practices Coordinator- Natural Resource Specialist 4
Recruitment #2021-07-6473
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Pacific Cascade Region. Are you someone who loves the outdoors, and is passionate about becoming part of a natural resource team working for Washington State? If you love the outdoors, appreciate our State’s natural environment, enjoy providing assistance to the public, and have practical coordinating skills, then this is the job for you.

The DNR Pacific Cascade Region Forest Practices program is seeking a forest practices coordinator to join a team that administers the Forest Practices Act while working with large industrial and small forest landowners. You will be the office coordinator working with on-the ground Foresters in reviewing Forest Practices Applications/Notifications, water type modification forms, and other forest management activities on State, County and private forestlands within the
Pacific Cascade Region. This position will be coordinating with a multi-agency and tribal interdisciplinary team, as well as Region and Division staff while ensuring all applicable rules of the Forest Practices Act are administered. You will also be part of a team of office and field foresters who assist landowners with forest management questions by referring them to the Small Forest Landowners office for assistance programs.

DUTIES:
Responsibilities:

Manage Office Processing, and Supervise Forest Practices Office Staff- Provides expert consultation services to region Forest Practices staff, tribes, local government entities, other State agencies, and the general public on complex issues pertaining to Forest Practices Application/Notifications. Ensure Forest Practices Applications/Notifications are reviewed, classified and processed within statutory timelines. Provides comments on State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental checklist when necessary to clarify information. Evaluates environmental impacts and recommends a SEPA threshold determination to the Responsible Official. Tracks SEPA process timeline to ensure FPA/N process and SEPA process follow appropriate Revised Codes of Washington (RCW’s) and
Washington Authoritative Codes (WAC’s). Reviews FPA/N conditioning and provides expert level guidance to Forest Practices Foresters (FPFs) for Region wide consistency. 
Region Lead on Correspondence, Public Disclosure Requests and Coordination of Enforcement Actions- Provides advice and expertise on complex questions or complaints. Responds to comments and concerns that require in depth knowledge of forest practices. Drafts responses to public comments for higher level managers to review and send.
Ensures enforcement documents are processed in a timely manner. Provides expert level
forest practices information to Region, Division, and Attorney General staff when needed.
Coordinates Information Flow- Coordinates region review and implementation of new rules, board manuals, and processes. Provides advice on rules and their implementation to region Forest Practices staff, tribes, local government entities, other State agencies, and the general public. Acts as the region lead for the coordination of information flow between management, Forest Practices Division, and other regions. Participates in monthly Forest Practice Program and Coordinator Meetings and communicate pertinent information to region staff. Schedules and facilitates monthly District Meetings for Forest Practices staff.

Location:
One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Castle Rock. For more information on this area visit, https://ci.castle-rock.wa.us/.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR's telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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
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 benefit package that 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.

How to Apply:
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:
Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the
position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the
References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions? Please contact Jim Shank at (360) 901-2703, jim.shank@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov 

Requirements

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field; or Associates Degree in Forestry or similar Natural Resources degree with two years of experience in a Forestry Field; or four years of paraprofessional experience in regulatory programs involving Forestry.
Working knowledge of the 2001 Forest Practices Rules and Forest Practices Board Manual.
Demonstrated ability to:
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Provide outstanding customer service;
Professionally interact with diverse individuals and difficult customers;
Work effectively as part of a team.
Use computer skills involving managing office data and corresponding to multiple customers
including staff, landowners, agencies, and Tribes
Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
The incumbent in this position is required to travel.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:
A Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related natural resources area and three years of
professional experience working with regulatory programs in the forestry sector.
Experience implementing Washington’s Forest and Fish Rules.
Experience implementing rules as a DNR Forest Practices Forester.
Supervisory Experience.
Experience coordinating and facilitating public meetings.
Experience analyzing complex documents for compliance with rules/laws.