WA State DNR: Burned Area Reforestation Planner
Position Title:
Burned Area Reforestation Planner, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3)
Position Overview:
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resilience Division. Are you a seasoned project manager with a passion for environmental conservation and a drive to address the challenges of reforestation in the aftermath of wildfires? In this position, you will take the helm as an independent project manager, leading the planning, design, coordination, and implementation of burned area reforestation projects. Your work will be instrumental in fulfilling the forest health and resilience goals outlined in key strategic plans, including the Forest Action Plan, 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan, and DNR Climate Resilience Plan. You'll tackle critical issues within the reforestation supply chain, ensuring smooth operations from planning to implementation. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the strategic implementation and program administration of a burned area reforestation technical and financial assistance grant program. Your leadership will be key in ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and utilized to support reforestation efforts across Washington.
Responsibilities:
- Reporting to the Post-Fire Recovery Program Manager, the Burned Area Reforestation Planner serves as a strategic planner responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the agency’s burned area reforestation program established with funding from the legislature in the 2024 session. This highly collaborative position will implement a reforestation financial and technical assistance grant program focused on supporting local, state, tribal, and private landowners.
- The Burned Area Reforestation Planner acts as one of the agency’s experts on post-fire reforestation, stays current on climate adaptation practices related to reforestation, and maintains a detailed understanding of the reforestation pipeline challenges and opportunities.
- This position is the primary point of contact for DNR staff, landowners, and external cooperators related to post-fire reforestation on non-DNR and non-federal lands.
- The Forest Resilience Division works across all lands and in the interest of all Washingtonians to sustain and increase the health and resilience of our forests and local communities and the values forests support for the well-being of people, communities, wildlife, and landscapes today and into the future. Specifically, the Division is responsible for the assessment, planning, coordination and/or implementation, and monitoring of forest health-related activities across all lands that work to restore and sustain ecological functions of Washington’s forested landscapes.
Required Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree with a major study in natural resources (e.g. botany, forestry, landscape ecology, fire science, fire ecology), or a closely related field AND at least 2 years of experience related to post-fire recovery work;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience in project management and quality control.
- Experiencing applying emotional intelligence principles to diplomatically navigate sensitive conversations with impacted communities.
- Demonstrated 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 requests are followed.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including teaching or public presentation experience.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
desired qualifications:
- Experience in managing, coordinating, and implementing elements of the reforestation pipeline.
- Experience developing or administering a grant program.
- A clear understanding of climate change adaptation methods.
- Knowledge of current land management plans and natural resources policies in Washington across public, private, and tribal ownerships as well as knowledge of broader regional and national trends in post-fire recovery.
Application Requirements:
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– 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.