Seed Adaptation Planner, Environmental Planner 4 (EP4

Seed Adaptation Planner, Environmental Planner 4 (EP4)

Recruitment #2026-8-P489 Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE) Anticipated Project is September 14, 2026 - June 30, 2027

Location:

Meridian Seed Orchard - Olympia, WA Relocation Compensation may be available and considered Salary: $6,384.00 - $8,583.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 07/16/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? Do you have a background in reforestation and forest genetics? Are you interested in using your skills to help us plan for adjustments to our reforestation program to deal with climate change and post-fire recovery? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in our Forest Resources Division to do just that.

You will collaborate with our genetics and seed program staff, our tree nursery, and our field silviculturists to address the topics of seed sourcing and supply, nursery capacity, and challenging planting site conditions. This is a project position located in the capital city of Olympia. The work will be staged, with initial focus on seed supply. As that planning is completed, the focus will shift to nursery and field operations.

This is a great opportunity to increase your familiarity with the “reforestation pipeline” as it exists in the Pacific Northwest.

• Develop a statewide seed adaptation strategy for DNR trust lands and other managed forests in Washington, in coordination with DNR’s Forest Resilience Division as well as managers and specialists representing Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Private interests.
• Create a program initiative that improves coordination among forest nurseries and land managers to help ensure adequate seedling supply in average years and allow rapid expansion of capacity in times of high seedling need, such as following major wildfires.
• Develop a plan to improve tree establishment success on harsh sites across ownerships, such as post-wildfire planting in eastern Washington. Coordinate input from managers and specialists from Federal, State, University, Tribal, NGOs, and Private forestry organizations.
• Develop and implement mechanisms to share the strategies and plans listed above with forest managers of all ownership types.

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.

• Master’s degree in forest genetics or silviculture, with graduate-level coursework in forest genetics and tree breeding; and three years of professional experience working in a forest genetics program; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with experimental design, measurement, and analysis of research results related to forest genetics and seed production.
• Operational experience with forest regeneration.
• Knowledge of planning processes, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, and policies related to reforestation in Washington.

• Ability to reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively through speaking and writing.
• 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

• Primarily office, but also on forest sites, orchard blocks, and nurseries when working with operational staff to improve understanding of their processes and challenges.
• Occasional overnight travel…