Forest Practices Forester

Forest Practices Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered 
Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 3/27/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for evaluating harvest proposals, stream crossing structures, and protecting Washington’s public resources. This is accomplished by possessing a working knowledge of the Washington State Forest Practice Rules and evaluating and approving/disapproving proposed Forest Practice applications. Forest Practice Foresters also facilitate Interdisciplinary teams of natural resource professionals when evaluating proposals.  

Review and Approve, Condition or Deny Forest Practices Applications/Notifications (FPA/N’s)

• Forest Practices Foresters (FPFs) independently review FPA/N’s for completeness and determine whether they can be accepted for review, based on established parameters. They independently solicit input from Timber, Fish, and Wildlife (TFW) cooperators, agency experts, and in some cases, the public. This includes facilitating TFW interdisciplinary (ID) teams in evaluating FPA/N’s and water type modification forms (WTMF) when needed. In this role, foresters devise the methods and processes they use for incorporating this input and resolving conflicts between competing interests. In some cases, they use their discretion to condition applications to resolve conflicts and ensure compliance with the forest practices rules.
• FPFs verify Forest Practice Hydraulic Projects (FPHPs) meet the fish protection standards. FPFs also verify Class IV Special triggers, including unstable slopes and threatened and endangered species habitat. They also provide an initial recommendation for the SEPA determination. FPFs facilitate the Alternate Plan ID Team process and are responsible for making the final decision of a proposal meeting the threshold of “at least equal in overall effectiveness” as provided by the act and rules.

Compliance of Forest Practices Activities

• FPFs independently conduct compliance on FPA/N’s and unpermitted violations of the forest practices rules. They have the authority and responsibility to take initial-level enforcement actions (i.e., Stop Work Orders, Notices to Comply, and Notices of Conversion to Non-Forest Use) at their discretion, based on their knowledge of the forest practices rules and broad, region-level guidance.
• FPFs use their professional discretion to review and approve these mitigation plans based on input from TFW cooperators (some of whom have advanced subject matter expertise), agency experts with advanced subject matter expertise, their research of similar past violations, and their professional knowledge of the forest ecosystem.
• FPFs respond to public complaints and/or concerns promptly.  

Rule Interpretation, Pre-Application Reviews
 

• FPFs provide information and consultation services regarding interpretations of the forest practices rules to forest landowners, other agencies, and the general public. FPFs will conduct pre-application site reviews or facilitate interdisciplinary TFW teams to educate potential applicants on interpretations of forest practices rules or jurisdictional requirements.