Forest Practices Forester, Natural Resource Specialist ; NRS

Forest Practices Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

Recruitment #2026-2-2120/5310
• Full‑time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
•

Location:

Pacific Cascade Region
- Castle Rock and Chehalis, 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 2/25/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The DNR Pacific Cascade Region Forest Practices Program is seeking a forester to join a team that administers the Forest Practices Act while working with large industrial and small forest landowners. You will be the on‑the‑ground forester reviewing Forest Practices Applications/Notifications, water type modification forms, and other forest management activities on State, County, and private forest lands within a geographical unit. This position will work with a multi‑agency and tribal interdisciplinary team, as well as Region and Division staff, while ensuring all applicable rules of the Forest Practices Act are administered and enforced.

Additionally, you will assist forest landowners during field reviews or refer them to the Small Forest Landowners office for assistance programs.

• Review and approve, condition, or disapprove Forest Practices Applications/Notifications (FPA/N’s). Independently review FPA/N’s for completeness and determine whether they can be accepted for review, based on established parameters. Independently solicit input from Timber, Fish, and Wildlife (TFW) cooperators or agency experts.
• Facilitate TFW interdisciplinary team meetings for evaluating FPA/N’s and water type modification forms (WTMF) when needed.
• Independently conduct compliance on FPA/N’s and unpermitted violations of the forest practices rules. Take enforcement action when needed.
• Conduct on‑site reviews with forest landowners for rule interpretation and pre‑application reviews.
• Provide information and consultation services regarding interpretations of the Forest Practices Rules to forest landowners, other agencies, and the general public. Educate landowners regarding DNR’s Small Forest Landowners Office and stewardship programs related to Forest Practices Rules.

• Associate Degree in Forestry or similar natural resources degree AND 3 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience.
• Experience with computer programs (Word, Excel) and DNR GIS mapping systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing:
  • Convey clear and consistent messages to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Address problems/issues in a professional and respectful manner.
  • Provide outstanding customer service (applicants, TFW cooperators, etc.).
  • Work effectively as part of a team to build trust and solve problems.
• Ability to plan and prioritize own work schedule and establish routines for efficiency with minimal supervisory input.
• 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

• The majority (70%) of field work is performed in isolated forest settings. Incumbent must be able to traverse steep, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Approximately 30% of the work is performed in an office setting.
• Position requires traveling alone on highway and forest roads. Some overnight stays may be required – per diem and lodging costs covered when in travel status, except when provided by the agency.
• 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. This position requires driving as an essential…