Presales Forester, Natural Resource Specialist Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Anticipated Non-permanent appointment is 06/30/2027

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $4,004.00 – $6,075.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/12/2026. 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 Northwest Region as a State Lands Presales Forester. The successful applicant will become part of a team of outstanding natural resources professionals dedicated to the sustainable management of DNR trust lands and our fiduciary responsibilities to the trust beneficiaries. This position provides forestry expertise on DNR uplands to achieve agency goals and deliverables.

Sustaining long‑term ecosystem protection and productivity is achieved through careful planning, diligent project management, and active coordination of input from specialists and partners. The economic viability of these working forests will be maintained by robust communication and teamwork in order to maintain or enhance revenue‑generating activities on trust lands. This position helps Northwest Region achieve the mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision‑making, and excellent planning.

The incumbent plans, coordinates, and manages timber sales and silvicultural activities on trust land, under the guidance of a unit forester. This position works in the office and in the field, implementing DNR policies and procedures including the Habitat Conservation Plan (1997), Policy for Sustainable Forests (2006), relevant WACs including the Forest Practices Rules, and the Multiple Use Concept (RCW 79.10.120).

This position primarily works in the Deming Unit in Baker District, which is in the beautiful North Cascade Mountain foothills. Sedro Woolley is a growing community where logging and high tech come together, maintaining a robust economy and high quality of life. Bellingham is less than an hour away, and Seattle is less than two hours away. Have the best of both worlds by enjoying the outdoors near the Salish Sea and the Cascade Mountains, while having all the options of larger cities close by.

This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12‑24‑month training plan, with a maximum term of 36 months. If you complete all elements of the training steps in less time, we may waive the remaining time required. Candidates will be considered as Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In‑Training) or Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2), depending on 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.

• —Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or similar area of study; OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent (such as an Associate’s degree in a natural resource field).

• —Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or similar area of study; AND 1 year of experience in a natural resource field; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience (such as an Associate’s degree in a natural resource field with additional relevant experience).

• —Dedication to a Safe Workplace:
  Demonstrates leadership in the maintenance and development of a safe and healthy work environment.
• —Communication Effectiveness.
• —Team Leadership:
  Actively takes steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team.
• —Customer Focus:
  Builds and maintains internal and external customer satisfaction offered by the organization.
• —Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.