Natural Resource Restoration Specialist

Central Unit Restoration Specialist,Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3) Northwest Unit Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3) Recruitment #2026-7-A493/A494 Full-time, Project, Represented positions (WPEA) Anticipated Project Employment is through June 2037 Location: Wenatchee and Arlington, WA Work Hours and Full Telework flexibility available; Ability to report to duty station daily is required Salary: $5,111.00 - $6,870.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 7/30/26. 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 opportunity within our Forest Resiliency Division/Federal Lands Program. We are seeking to fill 2 positions: a Central Unit Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3), and a Northwest Unit Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3). Are you someone who loves the outdoors and is passionate about implementing restoration work on our natural landscapes in Washington State? If you love working in the outdoors in the sunshine and in the rain, appreciate a remote natural environment, enjoy assisting the public, can think creatively, and have good practical forestry skills with a proven ability for working independently and as part of a small team, then this is the job for you! The DNR’s Forest Resiliency Division is seeking a motivated individual to join the Federal Lands Program – a team of expert restoration specialists focused on project implementation across National Forest Lands and Bureau of Land Management lands throughout Washington. As part of this Division and Program, you will work alongside a talented cadre of professional planners, scientists, and implementers providing service to state, private, and federal partners to increase the resiliency and health of Washington’s forests and urban landscapes. In this position, you will be a part of a skilled team of specialists focused on increasing the pace and scale of federal restoration work, primarily on the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie or Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests (2 positions, 1 on each Forest), while supporting other program staff statewide. Working independently and as a team, this position works under the supervision and guidance of the Unit District Manager. You will complete a wide variety of tasks that may include non-commercial hazardous fuels projects to commercial (timber sale) project presales work and associated contract development and administration. Aquatic and terrestrial habitat work, as well as forest road projects focused on reducing impacts to resources, are also part of the job. Through extensive use of the Good Neighbor Authority, the Federal Lands Program works in coordination with department staff, federal partners, and other state and local partners to plan and effectively implement projects that bolster critical restoration needs in these forested landscapes. Responsibilities: Lead, plan, and implement commercial and non-commercial federal restoration projects as the Federal Lands Program’s Unit Restoration Specialist. Perform project layout, including unit boundary establishment, road design, timber marking, and cruising, according to program objectives and relevant state and federal laws. Develop and review restoration project contracts and packets for advertisement and auction. Perform compliance of commercial and non-commercial restoration projects while coordinating with state and federal partners. Review, interpret, and comply with federal design criteria from NEPA and other relevant state and federal laws. Coordinate with USFS staff and DNR division and region staff to identify suitable projects to be incorporated in the Forest’s and Program’s program of work. Represent the Department’s interests when interacting with private operators, purchasers, businesses, governmental officials, and the public. May supervise a work unit of up to two permanent Restoration Specialists (NRS2). Assist other Federal Lands Program personnel with restoration projects statewide. 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. A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forestry or related area of specialty AND (2) two years of professional experience in natural resources, forestry, or related area of specialty; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Experience applying theory, policies, principles, and practices of the forestry profession (i.e., fundamentals of silviculture of northwest species, markets and economics, cruising methods, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, plant nutrition, propagation, weed control, reforestation, intensive forest practices, recreation, multiple use, inventory, water quality, watershed management, and basic principles of wildlife and fisheries management). Experience applying the theory and principles of Good Neighbor Authority. Required Competencies: Accustomed to providing positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative interaction with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary). Accustomed to: Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities; Develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions Maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials; Provide a consistent message and provide a positive attitude about the program’s development and program projects; Interpret federal policy and procedures; Frequently communicate with federal employees through their agency policies and procedures; Address large groups and write effectively; Work 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 requests are followed. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: Work is performed in a mixture of office/field environments. Fieldwork requires traversing steep, rugged terrain and working in inclement weather. This position is eligible for flextime schedule variations and telework agreements with prior approval from the direct supervisor Position requires travel outside of the region for meetings, duty assignments, training sessions, and fire assignments and includes statewide travel and potential interstate travel 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: Knowledge of: Environmental planning principles, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies and programs concerning all phases of State resource development; Governmental administrative structure at local and State levels; Environmental, social and other problems affecting development of local and State environmental resource programs; NEPA process and requirements. Methods and objectives of urban and natural resources planning. Knowledge of federal policies and procedures implemented under the USFS and other federal agencies, including the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA), the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S. Farm Bill), and other federal policies typically associated with implementation and planning of federal projects; AND Two years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Questions? Please contact Tom Franz at View phone number on click.appcast.io for questions regarding the Central Unit Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3). Please contact Chris Danilson at View phone number on click.appcast.io for questions regarding the Northwest Unit Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3). OR email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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 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 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 disabilities, 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Washington-Dept.-of-Natural-Resource