Permanent Jobs in Washington, wa, us

Salary : $62,892.00 - $84,516.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type : Full Time - Permanent

Job Number : 2025-3-7190-01919

Department : Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date : 03 / 13 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 23 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

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

Description

Urban Forestry Engagement Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 4 (NRS4) Recruitment #2025-3-7190

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position

Location : Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary : $5,241.00 - $7,043.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in the Forest Resilience Division as the Urban Forestry Engagement Specialist. DNR's Forest Resilience Division is seeking a motivated individual to join the Urban & Community Forestry Program, a small but impactful team of passionate professionals committed to the restoration, enhancement, and management of urban forests across Washington State. As part of this Division and Program, you will work alongside a talented group of planners, scientists, foresters, and outreach professionals providing services to state, private, and federal partners to increase the health and resiliency of Washington's forested landscapes.

The Urban Forestry Engagement Specialist coordinates a variety of urban forestry engagement programs and activities in support of the mission and goals of the Urban and Community Forestry Program. The Urban Forestry Engagement Specialist serves as the designated technical expert and statewide lead for urban and community forestry engagement, events, and special project development and supervises the Evergreen Communities Coordinator within the UCF Program. Specifically, the incumbent is tasked with providing consultation, program guidance, and expertise to other staff within the UCF Program and Forest Resilience Division as well as providing critical programmatic information and assistance to partners, cities and counties, tribes, and members of the public. This position leads statewide engagement with UCF through a variety of partners, programs, working groups, meetings, events, special projects, publications, digital media, and more.

Some specific projects will include publishing the program newsletter (Tree Link News) and managing content on the UCF Program website with support from DNR Communications staff; overseeing administration of recognition programs such as the Evergreen Community Recognition Program and Tree City USA; supervising staff, providing staff support to groups such as the Washington Community Forestry Council and the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative; planning for special events such as Arbor Day; regular reporting on UCF Program engagement; and, assisting with other opportunities for UCF Program promotion and marketing.

Many of the final products or impacts of the work performed are externally focused, but the planning, coordination, and preparatory work is internally focused. UCF staff with field-based positions will use products created by the Urban Forestry Engagement Specialist for direct outreach or engagement with individuals or organizations. Success in this position relies on collaboration with DNR staff and others who will contribute supporting skills and subject-matter expertise as needed to complete work products. It will be imperative to develop a broad, working understanding of all UCF Program operations, key issues affecting UCF in Washington, and the needs of communities and partner organizations statewide.

Your work in this position will help inspire and motivate others to be better stewards of urban forests in communities throughout the state. If you love working with people as much as you do working with trees, if you are committed to principles of equity and environmental justice, and if you enjoy working independently as part of a small team, this could be one of your most fulfilling jobs.

Duties

Responsibilities :

Manage and deliver urban and community forestry communications, accomplishment reporting, and storytelling through tasks such as :

• Developing and implementing a communications strategy that includes media releases, outreach materials, and website updates and enhancements.
• Management of the Tree Link Newsletter as editor, coordinating content development, overseeing editorial management, and tracking online engagement metrics.
• Identifying and sharing compelling stories or creating other products that showcase program accomplishments.
• Supporting accomplishment reporting through the documentation of completed program deliverables.
• Working to increase tribal engagement and participation in UCF program activities.

Manage and deliver UCF engagement programs and activities through tasks such as :

Support engagement of Washington Community Forestry Council (WCFC) and other working groups through tasks such as :

Provide management and supervision to professional natural resources staff to achieve program priorities and objectives; support workplan development; assign and inspect work; and promote professional development.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications : Natural Resource Specialist 1 (In-Training)

Salary range : $3,811 - $5,117 per month) :

OR An equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Personal Accountability

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment :

Desired Qualifications :

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 A note to potential candidates : Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and 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 :

Questions? Please contact Ben Thompson at / 360-485-8651 or e-mail us at

Persons needing accommodation in the application / testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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 :

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include :

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

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.

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

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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 (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 (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 , 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

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

Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.

Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.

Please describe your skills and experience working with diverse people and communities, including tribes, particularly as it relates to addressing issues of environmental justice. If you do not have this type N / A.

Please describe your urban and community forestry experience. If you do not have this experience type N / A.

If you have a valid International Society of Arboricultural certification, please provide the number. If you do not have a certification type N / A.

Do you have a bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, urban forestry, horticulture, urban landscape planning, landscape architecture, or related field AND 3 years of professional experience in arboriculture or urban forest management?OR An equivalent combination of education and professional experience?

Do you have experience with any of the following : web design and publishing, marketing, public outreach, or development of written products that may include but are not limited to reports, news releases, interpretive content, articles or stories for general audiences, scripts or copy for digital or video content, etc.?

Do you have experience with the planning, management, coordination, or facilitation of public meetings?

Do you have experience managing events, projects, customer relations, and external communications?

Do you have experience using computers and Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint as well as other tools such as Salesforce and Smartsheet?

Do you have a valid unrestricted driver's license and at least two years of driving experience?

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?

Where did you originally hear about this job posting?

If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.

Required Question