Job Description

Posting number: 2026-8-P489-06604

Department: Dept. of Natural Resources

Job classification: ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Planning and Development, Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, Project Management, Forestry

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.

Examples of duties

Responsibilities:

• 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.

Qualifications

Required 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.

• 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
    
    

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 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 throughout the state.
• 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 (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• PhD in forest genetics or silviculture, ideally with graduate-level coursework in forest genetics and tree breeding. A PhD counts for 2 years of the required experience.
• Three years of operational experience with forest regeneration (can be concurrent with other experience).
• Experience or education in a forest nursery or other horticultural setting.
• Familiarity with forest types and practices common in the Pacific Northwest.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Supplemental information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact April Meeks @ april.meeks@dnr.wa.gov (564) 250-7383 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov

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