Harvest Forester and Forest Planner, Natural Resources Specialist ; NRS

Contract Harvest Forester and Forest Planner, Natural Resources Specialist 3 (NRS3)

Recruitment #

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location:

Olympic Region - Port Angeles or Chimacum, WA

Work Hours:

flexibility may be available and considered

Relocation Compensation: may be available and considered

Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/5/26. 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 Olympic Region as a Contract Sales Forester and Forest Planner. We’re looking for an experienced forester to serve as the district’s forest planner to maintain a 5‑year harvest plan; identify mature stands, screening against protected areas, and communicate the plan with necessary specialists.

As a Contract Sales Forester, you will also implement our contract harvest plan, which involves marketing diverse stands of forest products to a range of potential purchasers. This position blends high‑level project management with on‑the‑ground leadership, requiring strong collaboration with agency specialists and external partners. As the lead for your work unit, you’ll supervise staff, ensure environmental and legal compliance, and shape the sustainable future of our working forests.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, solving complex resource challenges, and enjoy mentoring a growing team, we want to hear from you!

• Act as a forest planner in the screening and selection of sales for a 5‑year harvest plan.
• Act as project manager in the implementation of the contract sales program.
• Organize, monitor, and evaluate the work of the region and division staff.
• Direct timber sales staff in general sale layout, road location, and HCP implementation.
• Develop and foster collaborative relationships with diverse working partners.
• Supervision of a work unit of 1 field forester, including planning work, setting performance standards, performing evaluations, and guiding training.

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of the forestry profession as applied to the Northwestern United States (fundamentals of silviculture of Northwest species, sales layout, logging methods, engineering, reforestation, and intensive forest practices).
• Experience and ability to correctly use topographic maps, aerial photos, compass, clinometer, radio, laser rangefinder, and GPS equipment.
• Proficient computer skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, and Arc‑Pro, with an aptitude for learning new software as needed.
• Experience with timber sale layout.
• Experience with contract compliance.
• Experience implementing current forest management plans, Forest Practice rules, the Habitat Conservation Plan, Policy for Sustainable Forests, and other policies, procedures, and statutes applicable to natural resource management.
• Knowledge of forest products of western Washington and experience with grading and scaling of timber.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups, both internal and external.
• Ability to think critically, analyze, and make decisions in a dynamic and sometimes stressful environment, and work both independently and as part of a team to reach agency and region goals.
• 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

• Office in a shared room at a work center and Field (forestry setting; must be able to…