Washington State ESD
North Central NR Conservation Services Conservation Planner, Environmental Plann
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
North Central Natural Resource Conservation Services Conservation Planner, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3) Location: Omak, WA | Full-time, project, represented position (WFSE) Anticipated project is November 2025 - August 2027. Work hours and partial telework flexibility may be available and considered. Relocation compensation may be available and considered. Salary: $5,666.00 - $7,622.00 monthly. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/10/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? This is one of three similar project positions with locations in Olympia, Colville, and Omak. You must apply separately to each location. Position context
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resilience Division as a
NRCS Conservation Planner
in Omak. This role supports restoring forest ecosystems and assisting small private forest landowners in Washington State by delivering conservation on private lands and accessing financial resources. The Conservation Planner expands technical and financial support for non-industrial small forest landowners by providing NRCS services within the Service Forestry Program. Responsibilities
Develop new, long-lasting partnerships with landowners in the assigned service area who are interested in NRCS technical and financial assistance programs. Provide consultation, program guidance, and expertise on federal NRCS programs to support forest landowners, including leveraging state and federal resources to achieve forest health and resilience goals. Provide environmental planning consultative services for DNR or other programs, including coordination with related projects within the work area. Identify priority landscapes and engage in forest health and resilience priorities as defined by DNR and NRCS, aligning with both agencies’ strategic plans. Engage landowners hesitant about NRCS programs; work one-on-one to develop land management plans and advise on qualification for NRCS financial assistance (e.g., EQIP). Prepare and approve conservation plans with clients, NRCS District Conservationists, and staff; review management plans and provide environmental planning input for forest management practices and silvicultural treatments. Contribute to Conservation Practice Inventory and Evaluations and develop implementation requirements for forest management practices addressing identified resource concerns. Inform program applicants about eligibility requirements and assist with applications, including AGI verification. Assist in cost data collection, contract processing, and open obligations; support environmental plans and measure progress toward plan objectives. Ensure accuracy of environmental contract administration documents from application to contract completion. Manage NRCS program contracts, including annual reviews, compliance documentation, and communication with participants. Track client eligibility with Farm Services Agency and other program requirements; enter and monitor contract documents and actions. Recommend policy and programmatic improvements for the Service Forestry Program and potential integration of NRCS delivery to non-industrial small forest landowners. Coordinate with DNR programs and external partners to develop outreach materials and present to landowners and professionals; author informational articles for outreach. Teach forestry topics for extension and education programs and provide certification services as eligible (e.g., American Tree Farm Program). Develop reports and maintain data documentation in NRCS systems; participate in training and professional development to maintain credentials (e.g., SAF Certified Forester). Collaborate with staff to maintain knowledge of technology, data collection, and related duties. Required Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in natural resource planning, environmental planning, forestry, forestry education, biology, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related field AND at least three years of professional forest management experience in the Pacific Northwest; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in silvicultural and forest management practices in the Pacific Northwest, including road design, timber management planning, reforestation methods, and harvest boundaries. Experience using forestry tools and GIS (ArcGIS Pro, Survey 123, Field Maps) to document work and convey information to non-technical audiences. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with the public and professionals; ability to manage deadlines and priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with GIS and mapping tools. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice; ability to foster inclusive work environments. Compliance with applicable laws and public records retention requirements. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence. Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment
Work is performed indoors and in field settings; ability to walk over steep, uneven terrain in various weather conditions statewide is required. Travel within the assigned area and statewide; multi-day trips with overnight stays, up to several nights per month; ability to drive long distances in varied conditions is required. Must meet federal qualification standards for the General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series 0401. Education must meet American Tree Farm Inspector requirements; valid Public Pest Control Consultant and Certified Tree Farm Inspector certifications or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment. NRCS conservation planner certification or ability to obtain; Plan at Level I within 6 months and Level III within 18 months. Valid unrestricted driver's license and driving experience; finalists may need driving records from all states of licensure in the past 3 years. Desired Qualifications
Graduate degree in related natural resources fields. Experience with NRCS programs (EQIP, CSP) and providing technical assistance to landowners. Experience developing Forest Stewardship Plans or Forest Management Plans; experience working with small forest landowners. Knowledge of Forest Practices rules and related policies. Application and Equity Information
Questions? Contact DNR Recruiting at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Application requirements include online application, a letter of interest, resume, references, and completion of supplemental questions. Do not attach documents with sensitive information. Finalists may be contacted by email for interview scheduling. Accommodations, Veterans' preference, and EEO statements are provided as part of the official posting. See the department’s website for benefits information and contact details. For assistance with the application process, please contact CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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North Central Natural Resource Conservation Services Conservation Planner, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3) Location: Omak, WA | Full-time, project, represented position (WFSE) Anticipated project is November 2025 - August 2027. Work hours and partial telework flexibility may be available and considered. Relocation compensation may be available and considered. Salary: $5,666.00 - $7,622.00 monthly. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/10/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? This is one of three similar project positions with locations in Olympia, Colville, and Omak. You must apply separately to each location. Position context
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resilience Division as a
NRCS Conservation Planner
in Omak. This role supports restoring forest ecosystems and assisting small private forest landowners in Washington State by delivering conservation on private lands and accessing financial resources. The Conservation Planner expands technical and financial support for non-industrial small forest landowners by providing NRCS services within the Service Forestry Program. Responsibilities
Develop new, long-lasting partnerships with landowners in the assigned service area who are interested in NRCS technical and financial assistance programs. Provide consultation, program guidance, and expertise on federal NRCS programs to support forest landowners, including leveraging state and federal resources to achieve forest health and resilience goals. Provide environmental planning consultative services for DNR or other programs, including coordination with related projects within the work area. Identify priority landscapes and engage in forest health and resilience priorities as defined by DNR and NRCS, aligning with both agencies’ strategic plans. Engage landowners hesitant about NRCS programs; work one-on-one to develop land management plans and advise on qualification for NRCS financial assistance (e.g., EQIP). Prepare and approve conservation plans with clients, NRCS District Conservationists, and staff; review management plans and provide environmental planning input for forest management practices and silvicultural treatments. Contribute to Conservation Practice Inventory and Evaluations and develop implementation requirements for forest management practices addressing identified resource concerns. Inform program applicants about eligibility requirements and assist with applications, including AGI verification. Assist in cost data collection, contract processing, and open obligations; support environmental plans and measure progress toward plan objectives. Ensure accuracy of environmental contract administration documents from application to contract completion. Manage NRCS program contracts, including annual reviews, compliance documentation, and communication with participants. Track client eligibility with Farm Services Agency and other program requirements; enter and monitor contract documents and actions. Recommend policy and programmatic improvements for the Service Forestry Program and potential integration of NRCS delivery to non-industrial small forest landowners. Coordinate with DNR programs and external partners to develop outreach materials and present to landowners and professionals; author informational articles for outreach. Teach forestry topics for extension and education programs and provide certification services as eligible (e.g., American Tree Farm Program). Develop reports and maintain data documentation in NRCS systems; participate in training and professional development to maintain credentials (e.g., SAF Certified Forester). Collaborate with staff to maintain knowledge of technology, data collection, and related duties. Required Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in natural resource planning, environmental planning, forestry, forestry education, biology, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related field AND at least three years of professional forest management experience in the Pacific Northwest; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in silvicultural and forest management practices in the Pacific Northwest, including road design, timber management planning, reforestation methods, and harvest boundaries. Experience using forestry tools and GIS (ArcGIS Pro, Survey 123, Field Maps) to document work and convey information to non-technical audiences. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with the public and professionals; ability to manage deadlines and priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with GIS and mapping tools. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice; ability to foster inclusive work environments. Compliance with applicable laws and public records retention requirements. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence. Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment
Work is performed indoors and in field settings; ability to walk over steep, uneven terrain in various weather conditions statewide is required. Travel within the assigned area and statewide; multi-day trips with overnight stays, up to several nights per month; ability to drive long distances in varied conditions is required. Must meet federal qualification standards for the General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series 0401. Education must meet American Tree Farm Inspector requirements; valid Public Pest Control Consultant and Certified Tree Farm Inspector certifications or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment. NRCS conservation planner certification or ability to obtain; Plan at Level I within 6 months and Level III within 18 months. Valid unrestricted driver's license and driving experience; finalists may need driving records from all states of licensure in the past 3 years. Desired Qualifications
Graduate degree in related natural resources fields. Experience with NRCS programs (EQIP, CSP) and providing technical assistance to landowners. Experience developing Forest Stewardship Plans or Forest Management Plans; experience working with small forest landowners. Knowledge of Forest Practices rules and related policies. Application and Equity Information
Questions? Contact DNR Recruiting at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Application requirements include online application, a letter of interest, resume, references, and completion of supplemental questions. Do not attach documents with sensitive information. Finalists may be contacted by email for interview scheduling. Accommodations, Veterans' preference, and EEO statements are provided as part of the official posting. See the department’s website for benefits information and contact details. For assistance with the application process, please contact CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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