DNR is seeking Forest Engineering Interns to work directly with our engineering staff to provide expertise on roads, stream crossings, and harvest system analyses. Our ideal candidates have an interest in industrial forestry or natural resources, want to push themselves to learn new skills, have a strong aptitude for problem solving, and want to apply their skills in an outdoor environment. Further your personal growth and future opportunities by joining our team of engineers in a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes knowledge sharing and professionalism.

The internship program is designed to give students valuable networking possibilities, and educational and real-world experience in a variety of duties. As a DNR intern, you'll assist with or directly produce projects to manage our forest-road infrastructure, support decisions on timber sales, and design repairs for fish barriers.

Interns will have a chance to review their training plans and give input on the learning objectives they desire to meet during their internship. Our goal is that your experience and training in this program will lead to possibilities for full-time employment with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Responsibilities:

Road location survey and design.
Road inventory and assessment.
Timber sale reconnaissance.
Timber sale layout.
Harvest system analysis.
Bridge and culvert site survey.
Fish passage structure design.
Construction compliance.
GIS and GPS mapping techniques.
Multi-discipline exposure and communication.

Required Qualifications:

A full-time student (12+ credits/quarter) majoring in Forest Engineering, Forest Operations, Forest Management, Civil Engineering or related field and will be returning to school in a following quarter/semester. OR a graduate student.
Physically able to work alone or as part of a team in undeveloped, remote or back-county landscapes and terrain in all weather conditions.
A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
At least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position is based in an office/fieldwork setting and requires in-person attendance/interactions with no option for full-time telework. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. No start date will be approved until you verify your status.

Desired Qualifications:

Desired course work includes:
Low-volume road design
General surveying
Timber harvesting or harvest operations
Computer aided drafting (e.g. AutoCAD)
Hydrology or fluid dynamics
Soil mechanics
Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office, Adobe and ArcGIS.
Basic written and oral communication skills.
Candidates should have work or recreational experience driving on logging roads.

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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

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:

Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Requirements:

To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
Attach a letter of interest describing your interest in this internship and what you expect to gain from this internship.
Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
Provide three to five professional or professor references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
Attach an unofficial copy of your transcripts.
Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The 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.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Questions? Please contact Tom Szymoniak at (360) 902-1215, Tom.szymoniak@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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 CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.