WA State DNR: Urban Forest Inventory Technician
Posted on February 5, 2024
Position Title:
Urban Forest Inventory Technician
Position Overview:
Our Urban Forest Inventory Technician collects urban tree inventory data across the state of Washington and provides initial field data reviews. This position supports a broader body of work related to the statewide UFIA project. This position also assists in maintaining a statewide geodatabase of urban tree inventory data, developing inventory summary reports, and providing quality control oversight for data collected by contractors in the field.
Responsibilities:
Collect UFIA and tree inventory data through tasks such as:
- Collect UFIA data across the state under the direction of the Urban Forest Inventory Field Coordinator.
- Work with other DNR staff, contractors, and partners such as cities, towns, counties, universities, nonprofit organizations, and tribes to collect tree inventory data and ensure the accuracy of data collected.
- Assist with data collection preparatory work including pre-field photo interpretation.
- Maintain field inventory equipment.
- Work with other DNR staff, contractors, and partners to analyze urban forestry data, create queries, draft reports, and produce maps in ArcMap Pro and ArcGIS Online, or similar applications. Assist in data quality assurance activities including editing data postproduction.
- Assist with maintenance of DNR statewide urban tree inventory database and inventory protocols.
- Respond to informational requests for data information, accomplishment, and activity data, project equipment needs, etc.
Required Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree involving major study in GIS, forestry, natural resources, urban forestry, horticulture, urban landscape planning, landscape architecture, or related natural science from an accredited institution AND 1 year of professional experience in a related natural resource program area. OR An equivalent combination of education plus experience.
- Experience working with ecosystem services leading to an understanding of how ecosystem services are measured, analyzed, and reported.
- Proficiency using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS Online, ArcMap, and other applications such as Survey 123 and Field Maps.
- Experience performing data analyses and reviews using statistical and GIS-based methods.
- Experience responding to and interacting in a positive, responsive, cooperative, and collaborative manner with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
- Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office applications including SharePoint.
- 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.
- Ability to organize efficiently and develop or use systems for tracking implementation and accomplishments of several complex projects.
- Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple tasks at different stages.
- Ability to convey oral and written communications clearly and effectively to large and small audiences.
- DNR Core Competencies:
-Personal Accountability
-Value Others Compassionate
-Communication
-Inspire Others
-Commitment to Excellence
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working with or for a municipal urban forestry program, including direct experience with a FIA or UFIA program, tree inventories, and data collection protocols.
- Skills and experience with general forest health issues such as insects, diseases, invasive species, drought, wildland fire, etc.
- Experience working with underserved or historically marginalized residents, neighborhoods, or communities; a firm understanding of social and environmental justice issues.
- Experience working with Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) or Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis (UFIA) data collection protocols.
- Experience with remote sensing and advanced technologies such as LiDAR, etc.
- Advanced skills with Excel or programming experience.
- Two years of outdoor data collection experience resulting in highly developed field technical knowledge and skills in tree identification, tree inventory, natural area management, and industry-accepted best practices.
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 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
• 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.
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.
Questions? Please contact Zachary Mellema at zachary.mellema@dnr.wa.gov/564-669-4233 or Daria Gosztyla at daria.gosztyla@dnr.wa.gov/360-481-7399 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
The 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.