State Forest Geneticist, Natural Resource Scientist ; NRSci

State Forest Geneticist, Natural Resource Scientist 4 (NRSci4)

Recruitment #2026-5-2043. Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE).

Location:

Meridian Seed Orchard
- Olympia, WA.

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered. Relocation Compensation may be available and considered. Salary: $7,443.00 – $10,004.00 Monthly.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 5/18/26.

• Provides leadership in Washington for the forest genetics research cooperatives, with emphasis on the Douglas‑fir tree breeding and testing program.
  • Represents DNR in regional forest genetics research cooperatives and other forums related to forest genetics.
  • Develops testing goals (tree species and areas) and experimental parameters (what traits will be emphasized and measured) and builds support among cooperators for these decisions.
  • Develops test installation and maintenance procedures, and trains and supervises staff in this work.
• Develops and maintains seed orchard capacity for species and seed zones needed to support DNR’s operational planting program.
  • Determines for which species and areas seed orchards will be established.
  • Works cooperatively with other landowners to support adequate regional seed production and supply.
  • Analyzes results from research trials to decide which trees to include in seed orchards.
  • Designs orchard layout and composition.
  • Conducts surveys and analyzes results from trials to inform innovation of new techniques and methods for improving yields and quality.
  • Trains and oversees staff in orchard management techniques.
• Develops climate change adaptation strategies relevant to DNR’s reforestation operations.
  • Develops experimental designs and implements research studies to evaluate potential changes to seed source choices to adjust to climate change.
  • Participates both internally and externally in multidisciplinary efforts to develop effective adaptation strategies.
  • Decides upon adjustments to the genetics program needed to implement adaptation strategies.
• Devises and implements the gene conservation strategy for forest trees on State Lands.
  • Makes decisions about orchard composition to ensure sufficient conservation of genetic diversity to support the agency’s mission.
  • Monitors the integrity of the Gene Pool Reserve (GPR) system.
  • Considers additional approaches to support gene conservation across the agency’s entire forested land base.
• Consults with DNR staff of all levels and external partners on questions related to forest genetics and seed source management.
  • Assists with determining structure and guidelines for managing seed source choices.
  • Provides advice regarding seed transfer when seedling availability precludes using preferred choices.
  • Advises upper managers when questions come up related to genetics and seed source.
  • Gives presentations on forest genetics to both internal and external audiences.
• Develops biennial budget, approves expenditures, and monitors spending to ensure adherence to approved budget.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates direct reports.

• Master’s degree in forest genetics or silviculture, with graduate‑level coursework in forest genetics and tree breeding, and (4) four years of professional experience working in a forest genetics breeding and testing program or a forest seed orchard; 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.
• Experience managing data, analyzing data, and/or scripting using MS Access, R, SAS, Python, or other software.
• Operational experience with forest regeneration.

• Reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations.
• 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 accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention requirements, and ensure requests for public records…