Forest Health Specialist and Aerial Observer w/ Washington DNR (Olympia, WA)

​https://www.dnr.wa.gov/jobs 

Forest Health Specialist and Aerial Observer, Natural Resource Specialist 3
Recruitment #2021-09-7862
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resiliency Division. The DNR Forest Resiliency Division is looking to add to our growing team of natural resource professionals.  This position will focus on applied science to inform land management by gathering, synthesizing and reporting forest health data specific to disease and insect observations.  The Aerial Detection Survey (ADS) is flown annually throughout the forested areas of Washington state.  This position will act semi-autonomously and in conjunction with US Forest Service to accomplish the ADS The position participates in mission planning, flight direction, and flight communications.  The employee will not be closely supervised by the direct supervisor during the actual survey, but they will receive specific training in interagency standards.  Additionally, this position will work on field forestry monitoring projects and ground surveys, including trapping surveys under direction from the Forest Entomologist and in cooperation with volunteers and partner organizations.

If you are comfortable in a small plane and in the field, a graduate in forestry or a natural resource related field, have a working knowledge and strong interest in forest health issues, and are looking to apply and expand your knowledge while providing vital information to land and resource managers in a collaborative spirit to create healthy, resilient landscapes we want to hear from you!

Duties
Responsibilities:

• In cooperation with federal partners or autonomously with other agency personnel, this position is responsible to plan, coordinate, and conduct the annual insect and disease aerial detection survey (ADS) of forest lands across Washington.  The survey is flown at approximately 1000-1500 feet above ground level, mostly in a grid pattern.  Two surveyors will be on board the aircraft surveying from both sides of the plane.  When insect or disease damage is observed, the location, type of damage and number of affected trees or percent area are recorded on a digital mobile sketch mapping (DMSM) device.  In cooperation with federal partners, this position is also responsible for use of GIS software ( to build ADS data into data layers and maps which are disseminated to and utilized by a variety of local, state, federal, and private entities for various purposes including land management planning.
• Participates in planning and conducting special ground surveys, such as early warning detection projects using insect pheromone traps and larval and egg mass surveys.
• Check the consistency of data collection methods and accuracy of data collected by volunteers and partners in field monitoring.
• Coordinates and oversees forest health monitoring projects and contracts, including management of volunteer activities in support of a Region and Division forest health goals or emerging threats.
• Provides pheromone traps and supplies for various cooperators.
• Uses specialized equipment such as GPS receivers, basic forestry measurement equipment and chainsaws to achieve desired research goals.
• Establishes, collects data from, and maintains research plots and demonstration areas.
• Assists Division scientists with laboratory work related to monitoring forest health utilizing dissecting microscopes and other specialized equipment.
• Processes and summarizes research data using software such as spreadsheets and databases.
• Plans, organizes, and secures equipment and labor for projects.  Designs and constructs specialized equipment as needed.
• Operates project vehicles and schedules the maintenance and repair of project vehicles as needed.
• Participates in large scale forest pest control projects as needed.
• Meets with landowners to assess site for forest health and fire risk.
• Maintains and develops partnerships with partner agencies, tribes, universities, researchers, and non-profits in forest health research and forest management.
• Assists in the preparation of the annual Washington Forest Health Highlights report, including results from aerial surveys.
• Interprets forest health research findings into land management considerations and recommendations.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree with major study in forestry or related natural science field.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in forestry, forest health research, ecology, or related natural resource field. (Additional higher education or time gained in on the job training may substitute year for year equivalent).
• A working knowledge of forest ecology, entomology and pathology (host/agent).
• A sincere desire and physical ability to fly aerial surveys. A high comfort level for flying in small aircraft at relatively low altitudes in remote areas.
• Experience reading maps and using GPS units and the ability to orient self on digital maps used for survey quickly and easily.
• Experience operating general forestry tools, specialized biological laboratory equipment, and office machines and programs (i.e. spreadsheets, computer, printers, etc).
• Skill in applying and adapting biological methods, procedures, and techniques and in exercising independent judgment in order to make day-to-day decisions where standard methods and procedures do not apply.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, including skill in presenting data and its analyses, writing objective reports requiring a minimum of reviewing and editing.
• Aerial Observer Certification or ability to achieve certification within 16 months of hire.
• Normal color vision and depth perception with, or correctable to, 20/20 eyesight. The ability to distinguish subtle variations in foliage color in order to detect dead, dying, and infested trees is critical.
• Work will be performed in office, laboratory, and field settings including in small aircraft. Field work may take place in remote sites in a variety of weather conditions, steep topography, and require carrying equipment into research areas accessed by roads with varying surface levels and quality. Aerial survey work will be performed in airplanes with limited space and minimal movement for prolonged periods of time in hot and uncomfortable situations, including potential for nausea. Aerial survey season is traditionally July – September, but may run into October and include special surveys at other times, such as April-June. Field work may be required at any time of year, with more time spent in the office in November to March. Ability to traverse difficult terrain during all weather conditions is required.
• This position will be required to travel throughout Washington State. Must be able to drive vehicle and travel independently to those locations. May require extensive driving on paved and unpaved roads with traffic levels varying from heavy, urban levels, to light.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. 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.
• DNR Core Competencies: 
  • Personal Accountability 
  • Value Others 
  • Compassionate Communication 
  • Inspire Others 
  • Commitment to Excellence
• IMPORTANT NOTE: The Commissioner of Public Lands has instituted a requirement that all employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment.   Vaccination status will be verified at the time an offer of employment is made.  An accommodation may be available for individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.  

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Experience with flying in small aircraft.
• Experience with GIS software, particularly ESRI products (ArcGIS).

Supplemental Information
Location: 
One of the world's most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Olympia. For more information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR's telework policy.
 
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.
 
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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 benefit package that 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.

How to Apply: 
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.​