Forest Environmental Planner

Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary, dependent on qualifications; sign on bonus up to $10,000 with agreement; full benefit package that includes full health insurance (no premium for individuals), 401k w/match, generous vacation & sick leave, and 16 paid holidays; optional participation in wildland fire program. Hybrid work optional.

Employment Status: Full time, Permanent

Closing Date: Open until filled

General Description: The Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR), located on Washington State’s scenic Olympic Peninsula, includes approximately 160k acres of timberland producing 47 million board feet annually. The Quinault Division of Natural Resources is seeking an experienced professional forest environmental planner to oversee and ensure full implementation of the Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR) Forest Management Plan (FMP) and all affiliated documents (Environmental Assessment and Biological Opinion). This position will work with internal and external agencies to support the whole lifecycle of the forest from seed harvest, tree growing, reforestation, and timber harvest.

Primary Functions:

• Provides support and communication between Environmental Protection department and Forestry.
• Leads interdisciplinary team between Environmental Protection and Forestry.
• Monitors all National Environmental Policy Acts (NEPA) and maintains formal documentation for projects related to NEPA.
• Leads, coordinates, and administers archeology contracts related to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Maintains all federal permits and reports related to the Endangered Species Act and “Biological Opinions” as they relate to Forestry and Environmental Protection.
• Writes and submits necessary reports to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service annually.
• Schedules and conducts field reviews for new timber harvests operations.
• Maintains current and accurate tracking of all information relating to US Fish & Wildlife ESA/Biological Opinion requirements.
• Advises senior management and Business Committee on all levels of Forestry planning needs and opportunities; reports on programs success and needs on a regular basis.
• Works with internal and external groups to develop programs to secure and encourage support in the implementation of relevant programs; develops specific recommendations to address education needs.
• Collaborates with management, professional, technical, and support staff in the development and implementation of program functions to achieve stated goals and objectives.
• Participates in and hosts regular meetings to ensure communication between staff and forestry-related activities.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures relating to the effective operation of assigned area’s operations and ensures the accomplishment of these policies and procedures.
• Identifies priorities and targets; devises realistic planning and needs assessment.
• Builds and maintains relationships with public and/or private entities, agencies, organizations, and the public on matters appropriate to the areas of responsibility; coordinates with other units of the Nation to achieve overall objectives, priorities, and timeliness.
• Develops techniques and standards for evaluation of program activities; ensures that programs comply with Quinault and other governmental regulations, ordinances, laws, grants, policies, and other guidelines.
• Writes comprehensive and concise verbal and written reports, to assist senior management and the Business Committee, for internal and external use.
• Establishes and maintains an effective system of communication within the organization and builds and fosters effective working relationships with others.
• Represents the Nation at national, state, and local meetings/conferences to promote and explain the Nation’s objectives.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Prepares and administers contracts for assigned project areas.
• Conducts professional field, project, and analytic activities and provides expertise as needed.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources or related field.
  • Two (2) years of experience in natural resources withone year’s experience in natural resource planning experience preferred.

• A.S. degree with major study in forest management, forest science, or related biological field.
  • 5 years progressively responsible experience in professional natural resource management activities, of which 2 years must have been in a lead project position.

• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• A valid driver’s license is required.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Policies, functions, and responsibilities of the Quinault Indian Nation.
• Principles and practices of administration, financial, and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of forestry, ecology, and silviculture.
• Modern forest management trends.
• Sources of federal, state, local, and private funding for the Nation’s programs.

Skill in:

• Providing leadership in the development and delivery of forestry programs.
• Organization skills and detail oriented.
• Budget development and administration, financial planning, and cost control.
• Forest analytics.
• ArcPro.
• The use of industry-related field equipment and gear.
• Office software and industry-related applications.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Serve as technical advisor to senior management.
• Establish and maintain adequate service levels and cost controls for department services.
• Prepare comprehensive and concise reports and plans.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Speak persuasively before groups.
• Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and lift up to 50 pounds. Close vision ability necessary.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with occasional outdoor work. Employee may occasionally be exposed to dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens. On occasion, employee will be exposed to natural weather conditions; hazard materials; high risk / potentially dangerous situations; and hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. The use of protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is regularly necessary. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Overnight travel, evening, and/or weekend work is occasionally required.