2025 OESF Research and Monitoring Intern (3 mo.) – Exempt

Description2025 Olympic Experimental State Forest Research and Monitoring Intern (3 mo.) – Exempt

Recruitment #2025-3-9419/9420

Exempt, Full-time (40 hrs/week), Flexible start date with anticipated employment June-August, 2025

This recruitment will be used to fill 2 positions for an approximate 3-month duration.

Location: Olympic Region – Forks, WA.

Salary:

Undergraduate Junior or lower: $16.86 to $18.65/hr.

Undergraduate Senior: $16.96 to $20.23/hr.

Graduate Students: up to $22.78/hr.

*Housing expected to be provided.Join something GREAT and make a difference!

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Habitat Conservation Plan group in the Forest Resources Division. These two positions will be involved in research and monitoring to help meet DNR’s commitments under the Endangered Species Act and will also work on the co-led DNR/University of Washington on DNR’s Olympic Experimental State Forest. Work conducted by these positions will include conducting juvenile salmonid population estimates (using a backpack electrofisher), stream habitat surveys, water quality sampling, and riparian/upland forest stand surveys. The people selected for these positions will work in 2-4 person crews. Work sites are remote and require strenuous hikes on steep slopes, often carrying heavy sampling equipment. Most work is completed rain or shine under a wide variety of weather conditions. These positions provide an excellent opportunity for current students, graduating seniors, or those accepted to graduate school to gain diverse experience on stream, forest, and fish sampling techniques, while also experiencing the beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Housing is provided for these positions. For additional information, please visit our storymaps on the and riparian programsDutiesResponsibilities:

• Works as part of a team to conduct physical and biological surveys of streams, riparian areas, uplands within the OESF.
• Implements field protocols for sampling and estimating juvenile salmonid abundance and adult spawner estimates. Identifies salmonid species. This data collection includes sampling, analysis, observation, and monitoring of stream salmon population research and monitoring.
• Collects field and instream data on stream morphology, stream water temperature, riparian vegetation and microclimate.
• Collects forest measurement field data such as tree diameter, species identification, tree density, and understory vegetation data.
• Implements field monitoring protocols that must be adhered to, to ensure scientific consistency and confidence in measurements, results and conclusions. This includes both uplands and instream research installation sites. Conducts work under close supervision by agency scientists.
• Operates and maintains field instruments and equipment such as stream flow gauges, stream temperature sensors, wildlife cameras, field data tablets, backpack electro-fishers and 4×4 vehicles.
• Ensures location and installation of sampling instruments are appropriate, installs or relocates sampling instruments when necessary.
• Drives a vehicle on unimproved roads and navigates unmarked road systems, and hikes rugged terrain, and copes with a variety of weather conditions.
• Coordinates with supervisor and region staff on logistics for ongoing fieldwork.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• A currently enrolled or admitted student in an undergraduate or graduate program majoring in Forest Management, Forest Science, Silviculture, Fisheries, Environmental Studies, Ecology or related field.
• A licensed driver with two years of driving experience. Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.
• 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
• College-level coursework in the natural Sciences
• Maintain high standards for safety
• Maintain high standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct
• Contributes to a work environment that embraces diversity and brings together the strengths and perspectives of diverse groups.
• Conveys a clear desire and ability to learn new concepts and skills.
• Shows the ability to turn learned conceptions into practical application.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The assigned duty station may be a district work center, region headquarters office, or the Natural Resources Building. There is also a large component of work done in a forested, open field, or other rugged outdoor setting that may include working around tower climbing operations or active timber logging operations
• Daily traveling to project locations should be expected as fieldwork is a regular expectation of this position. Overnight travel will be required occasionally when working throughout the region
• A valid unrestricted 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.

Desired Qualifications:

Additional qualifications or characteristics that may enhance the effectiveness in performing the job, but that are not required.Desired coursework includes:Wildlife and Fisheries EcologyEcologyField Survey TechniquesGPS/GIS MappingConservation BiologyPlant identificationSilvicultureKnowledge of environmental sampling and data gatheringExperience using Excel and GPSBasic written and oral communication skills.Candidates should have work or recreational experience driving on logging (dirt or gravel) roads. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position – If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!Supplemental InformationApplication Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least two professional references with current telephone numbers- you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts. If you have questions regarding attaching this document please contact

. If you do not attach your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcript your application will not move forward in the application process. * Complete all supplemental questions.

• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at

with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications. Questions? Please contact Kyle Martens at or (360) 902-1272 or e-mail us atPersons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.(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.

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 which 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 benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit

for more information. Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit .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 it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State 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.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 .Check us out on:

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