Natural Areas Conservation Steward, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Print


Natural Areas Conservation Steward, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Salary

$50,088.00 - $67,380.00 Annually

Location

Skagit County - Sedro Woolley, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2023-12-A299-15777

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date

12/12/2023

Closing Date

12/31/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description


Natural Areas Conservation Steward, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
Recruitment #2023-12-A299
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Northwest Region- Sedro-Woolley, WA
Location flexibility may be available and considered 
Flexible Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,174.00 - $5,615.00 Monthly 

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 12/19/23. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Join the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Natural Areas Program and help protect outstanding examples of Washington State’s native species and ecosystems. The Natural Areas Conservation Steward provides professional and technical level conservation expertise on DNR-managed Natural Areas landscapes throughout Northwest Region, including Cattle Point NRCA, Cypress Island NRCA, Lummi Island NRCA, Morning Star NRCA, and Point Doughty NAP, and on other DNR-managed conservation areas in Northwest Region. Conservation goals are ensured through management planning, and via effective conservation and restoration activities on the various landscapes. This position helps the Northwest Region achieve its conservation mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and effective planning. In addition to working collaboratively to create new site management plans, and to update existing site management plans, incumbent plans, coordinates and manages activities related to environmental education, and plans, coordinates and manages work projects, including volunteer work parties and work crews throughout the various landscapes. The incumbent also assists the natural areas manager in analyzing and scoping capital projects, preparing grant applications, making presentations at public meetings and similar settings, and tracking project implementation, including finances.

Duties

Responsibilities:
Management Planning:
Take a lead role in holistic site management planning in the various conservation areas in NW Region, the goal of which is to create new, and update existing site management plans. This requires close coordination with staff at the Region and Division levels, and communication with organized user groups, neighbors, and the public. Collaborate with Region and Division staff to scope the planning effort and create the plan outline. Assume a lead role in coordinating data collection and assemblage to inform management plan creation. Work with Region and Division staff to create the plan document, including generating written text, a compilation of maps, figures, and other illustrative materials, and the creation of tables, graphs, and the like. In collaboration with the supervisor and relevant program staff, take a lead role in coordinating and implementing public outreach and the public process associated with management plan review and adoption.

Site Management:
Follow established conservation standards, identify, assess, and initiate necessary maintenance, repair, and restoration work on existing properties, facilities, and infrastructure. Plan, organize, and implement invasive species inventory, monitoring, and control on the various conservation landscapes. In collaboration with the supervisor and program ecologist, develop and implement prescriptions for invasive plant control, including the use of herbicides as appropriate. Responsible for overseeing and supervising site management-related work at administrative and/or public use facilities on the various conservation landscapes, utilizing all available resources. Within spending authority, manage contracts for routine services related to administrative and/or public use facilities. Evaluate, recommend, and address current needs and improvements to sites, facilities, and infrastructure, and supervise and guide crews that carry out these operations. Collaborate and coordinate with supervisor, other conservation stewards, and relevant DNR staff in support of overall program implementation. Complete documentation for vandalism or other use-related damage and communicate to appropriate staff (including LEOs). Schedule and implement repairs and maintenance as needed.

Environmental Education:
Develop and foster ongoing partnerships with local schools, clubs, and other organizations to educate our youth, visitors, and the public at large about the benefits of natural systems, and the importance of protecting them for current and future generations. Represent the department’s interests when interacting with the public in situations involving sensitive, complex issues related to conservation on DNR-managed lands. Acts as the department’s representative in responding to constituent or business partner inquiries. Build curricula for classroom and outdoor environmental education programs, events, sessions, etc. Establish and foster relationships with local schools for the purpose of conducting ongoing, routine, periodic environmental education activities. Host environmental education activities in the classroom, field, and other settings.

Project Management:
Provide professional-level project management for capital and grant-funded projects related to restoration and/or public use. This includes project identification and scoping, preparation of cost estimates, coordination of A/E and other consultant services, coordination of archaeology/Cultural Resources review, permitting, procurement of goods and services, and planning, coordination, and supervision of project implementation. Tracking expenses and budget allocations is required. Research, analyze, and assess the needs of recreational infrastructure, including evaluating the safety of current infrastructure and environmental impacts for decisions to improve/repair or delay work. Consult with region and division staff and make informed recommendations for the recreation and natural areas programs.  Provide analysis and recommendations for changes to usage across the landscape.  Schedule and implement repairs and maintenance as needed. Identify and scope Capital construction project needs and assist the natural areas manager in planning, drafting, and reviewing Capital proposals. Coordinate planning efforts with the natural areas to assess and maintain or improve upon conservation goals and objectives for the various landscapes. This includes communicating/coordinating with user groups, stakeholder groups, federal agencies, municipalities, and tribal governments. As directed by the natural areas manager, take the lead in assessing complex issues and problem areas, identify solutions, and seek funding to resolve concerns, as needed. Communicate to higher-level managers, complete documentation for damage, and coordinate with appropriate staff (including LEOs) to resolve issues. Schedule and implement repairs and maintenance as needed.  Perform as project manager for capital and grant-funded projects. This includes planning, scheduling, and coordinating all phases of project implementation, to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and consistent with applicable design, permit, contract, and other parameters.

Lead:
Supervise WCC work crews, volunteers, and other DNR staff assigned to projects for which the incumbent is responsible for management, either in whole or in part. Oversee WCC or other contracted resources and volunteer work parties as necessary to complete projects per established timelines/deadlines. Maintain a safe working environment for self, crews, and volunteers. Enforce agency safety guidelines as well as L&I and OSHA rules related to employee and volunteer activities in the workplace.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • A Bachelor's degree in natural resources, conservation, planning, or related field; and six months of professional related experience.
    OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • At least six months experience working collaboratively with multiple organizations and/or agencies in a collaborative environment.
  • At least one year of experience working collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, the general public, and/or other stakeholders on natural resources-related issues/topics.
  • Experience working in or interfacing with the regulatory and/or policy arena, such as land-use policy, recreation use policy and practices, SEPA, Forest Practice Rules, Habitat Conservation Plan, Policy for Sustainable Forests, or similar.
  • Working knowledge of forest management activities and State trust land responsibilities.
  • Experience writing planning documents, preparing cost estimates, supervising and coordinating design work, and negotiating with public officials and diverse agency staff.
  • Experience in public outreach and/or environmental education.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Working knowledge of GPS systems and basic GIS principles.
  • Position Specific Competencies: 
    • Dedication to a Safe Workplace
    • Communications Effectiveness
    • Team Leadership
    • Customer Focus
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • A Public Operator pesticide license or become licensed as such within 12 months of employment.
  • The assigned duty station is the Northwest Region Office. Approximately 25% of the work is performed in an office setting and the remaining balance is performed in the field. Field work may be performed alone, or with other DNR staff, WCC crews, volunteers, contractors, or others, in remote, backcountry areas. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • Requires travel to remote locations in NW Region, with occasional overnight stays (e.g. camping in backcountry locations). Occasional day, overnight, and weeklong travel to Olympia and other locations for meetings, trainings, etc. is also required.
  • A valid unrestricted 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. 
Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree involving major study in conservation, ecology, natural resources management, or similar, and one year of professional program development and management experience.
  • At least one year of experience supervising and evaluating employee or work crew performance.
  • Ability to provide presentations to the public, and other agency staff.
  • Know how to use power tools and other common facility maintenance equipment.
  • Ability to plan and prioritize work.
  • Must be able to cover reasonable distances per day in the field covering moderate to difficult terrain. Must be able to operate off-road vehicles/equipment as part of normal duties.
  • Fluency in current word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
  • Familiarity and experience with boat operations and maintenance in a marine environment.
  • Experience working with helicopter external load operations including packaging loads, organizing operations, and communicating with helicopter pilots.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply! 

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
  • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
  • Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
  • Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Complete all supplemental questions.
  • 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 those communications.
Questions?  Please contact Paul McFarland at paul.mcfarland@dnr.wa.gov/360-708-1692 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
 
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. 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 of 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. 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.

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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03
Please outline your experience working in remote settings, including the nature of the work, duties performed, and duration of the experience.
04
Please outline your experience in project management, including the types of projects, and your role in them
05
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in natural resources, conservation, planning or related field; and six months of professional related experience? OR an equivalent combination of education and experience?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you have at least six months' experience working collaboratively with multiple organizations and/or agencies in a collaborative environment?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you have at least one year of experience working collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, the general public and/or other stakeholders on natural resources related issues/topics?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you have experience working in or interfacing with the regulatory and/or policy arena, such as land-use policy, recreation use policy and practices, SEPA, Forest Practice Rules, Habitat Conservation Plan, Policy for Sustainable Forests, or similar?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have working knowledge of forest management activities and State trust land responsibilities?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Do you have experience writing planning documents, preparing cost estimates, supervising and coordinating design work, negotiating with public officials and diverse agency staff?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Do you have experience in public outreach and/or environmental education?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Do you have working knowledge of GPS systems and basic GIS principles?
  • Yes
  • No
13
Do you have a valid unrestricted driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
  • www.dnr.wa.gov
  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • Monster
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • College/university website/career fair
  • Handshake
  • Newspaper
  • Direct Email Notification
  • Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
  • Professional/Personal Network
  • Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • Zip Recruiter
  • Diversity Jobs
  • Facebook
  • Other (please specify below)
15
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact
Website
http://www.careers.wa.gov
State of Washington Job Opportunities
Account
Terms Of Use
Cookie Settings
Copyright © 2024