Silviculture Research and Monitoring Technician

Anticipated non-permanent employment is May 2026-June 2027

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly

The DNR Silviculture Section is seeking a Scientific Technician 2 to support work in three important areas: 1) monitoring the implementation of DNR’s Habitat Conversation Plan, 2) monitoring the implementation and success of silvicultural activities on DNR lands, and 3) conducting silvicultural research. You will be responsible for conducting a wide variety of tasks such as installing research studies, conducting seedling establishment surveys, reviewing timber sale documentation, among other tasks. You will also be part of a team of silviculture scientist working to support the management of healthy, productive forests for current and future generations through stewardship, science, and technology.

Responsibilities:

• Works both independently and (or) as part of a team to conduct field reviews of forest management activities for compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Implement field protocols for sampling the survival of planted seedlings throughout the state using the DNR Data Recorder application, a tablet, and a measurement tape.
• Gathers forest measurement data such as tree diameter, tree height, species identification, tree density, and understory vegetation data.
• Assists with the installation of research studies in the field. Activities include marking plot corners, marking seedling locations, and planting seedlings.
• Operates and maintains field instruments and equipment such as height poles, calipers, tablets, laser range finders, and GPS units.
• Works with the regional staff on logistics for ongoing fieldwork.
• Records data using both paper datasheets and electronic resources (handheld tables and GPS). 
• Conducts data entry and quality control of collected data.
• Updates the HCP Checklist database by reviewing timber sale documentation.
• Reports to the supervisor verbally and in writing regarding field work and data management.

Required Qualifications: 

• Graduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science AND two years of laboratory or field experience; OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of environmental sampling and data gathering.
• Experience in data entry and management.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Works both independently and as part of a team primarily in the field and occasionally in the office.
  80% Field sites throughout the state of Washington. Drives a vehicle on unimproved roads and navigates unmarked road systems, navigates and hikes rugged terrain, and copes with a variety of weather conditions. Assigned work may take place across all 6 DNR regions. 20% Office environment. Office work will include data entry, data quality control, updating databases, and reviewing timber sale documentation.
• Frequent overnight travel may be required.
• 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:

• Associate’s degree or higher in environmental science, ecology, biology, forestry, or related field.
• Experience working in harsh outdoor conditions and navigating unmarked road systems.