Forest Engineer-Aggregate Program and Technology- WA DNR, Olympia, WA

 

Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, our work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is done with the public's interest in mind, which means transparency and public knowledge.  Our decisions are guided by sound science as we manage state trust lands, native ecosystems and natural resources. We support the vision of a sustainable future by protecting and managing the natural resources so future generations will have them.

 

DNR manages over 5 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. We generate revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. But managing lands is only half of our story. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

 

The DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $187 million and has over 1200 permanent employees with approximately 300 additional staff hired during the summer fire season.

 

We have some of the most talented people in the industry.  We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust.  We invite you to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.  

 

 

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The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is actively seeking an Aggregate Program and Technology Engineer to support our state lands forestry and engineering programs. Our ideal candidate has strong leadership and communication skills and a desire for creativity, innovation, and improved outcomes. Further your personal growth and future opportunities by joining our team of professional engineers in a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes knowledge-sharing and professionalism.

 

This engineering position gives you the opportunity to manage DNR's aggregate program and act as the designated expert in forest road aggregate and rock pit management. Washington is fortunate to have many renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Aggregates fall among the latter making them a valuable and limited resource that requires keen and judicious management. Although managing the aggregate program is an exciting challenge in itself, like many DNR employees you'll do more with your talents.

 

You will also be the designated expert for implementing new technology and engineering tools. You will research, test, and implement engineering processes and tools for field engineers and foresters in ArcGIS or mobile apps that leverage new data layers and technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of products produced by field staff. You will implement new cable yarding technology and develop tools and design methodologies that will be used statewide, including an aggregate-depth-design technique for use by agency engineers and foresters.

 

Other assigned projects will be highly variable, but within the scope of the Forest Roads program that supports the management of a sustainable forest land base. Projects could include designing stream crossing structures, analyzing the effects of new laws and policies, working with stakeholders from outside the agency to solve problems, and working on an idea that you are passionate about evolving. You will also be asked to provide technical support to region staff and occasionally teach engineering topics to engineers and foresters throughout DNR.

 

If you are equally at home in a professional engineering setting as you are on a logging side and equally interested in natural resources as you are about new trending technologies, this may be the job you are looking for. This is your chance to put your aptitude for problem-solving and those strong leadership and communication skills to the test. Are you up to the challenge?

• Three years of experience in the transportation or forest engineering fields;

AND EITHER

• A Professional Engineer license in civil or logging engineering
• -OR-
• A Bachelor's degree in forest or civil engineering and an Engineer-in-Training certificate.

Applicants may be considered if they can obtain their engineer-in-training certificate within 12 months of their start date. Any applicant hired without a certificate will function at an "in-training" Natural Resource Engineer 2 position until the requirement is met.



 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Program expertise in forest road planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of aggregate design and rock pit management.
• Project management and design experience with bridge or fish-passage culvert projects including planning, site layout, cost estimation, construction, and inspection.
• Ground based and cable logging systems layout and analysis.
• Experience using software such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Skyline XL, TraversePC, and RoadENG.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, including technical writing skills.
• Ability to organize and facilitate meetings, group discussions, and/or trainings. 

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• Must have a valid driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)
• Submit the following:
  • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.  Do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
  • Attach your Resume – Do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
  • The names of three professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Carefully review your application materials before submitting.
• You may not reapply for this posting for 30 days.

 

Note: Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record issued from all states in which they have held a license during the past 3 years.

 

Questions?  Please contact Candace Montoya at (360) 902-1212 or candace.montoya@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us atDNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.