The Forest Practices (FP) Program covers approximately 9.3 million acres of non-federal, non-tribal forestland in Washington, of which 6.1 million acres are located west of the crest of the Cascade Range, and the remaining 3.2 million acres are located in eastern Washington. Ownership patterns range from individuals and families who own small forest parcels to large holdings owned and/or managed by private corporations and public agencies. 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. Covered lands are forestlands within the state of Washington that are subject to the Washington Forest Practices Act, chapter 76.09 RCW.
To be successful in this position you not only need an understanding of geology, but you also need to showcase outstanding customer service skills. This position will consistently be representing the Forest Regulation Division when speaking to Region Forest Practices staff, small and large forest landowners, representatives from county, state, and federal agencies, Tribes and other interested parties, and has to be able to build and maintain collaborative relationships. If you want to make a difference and have an impact on the water, fish, and wildlife on private forests, and have the opportunity to build lasting relationships and potential to promote into a Licensed Engineering Geologist position within DNR, this is the job for you.
This position performs office and field review of proposed activities in FPAs to evaluate how well potentially unstable slopes and landforms were identified and addressed in relation to the requirements of the forest practices rules. This includes participating on interdisciplinary teams to observe geologic conditions and potential impacts of proposed forest practices; independently reviewing proposed forest practices activities within and immediately adjacent to the proposed forest practices activity area; and providing training for the Forest Practices Program, external stakeholders and the public. This post is responsible for written reports/maps of FPA review findings and may testify in forest practices enforcement actions.