
Seed Adaptation Planner, Environmental Planner 4 (EP4)
- Olympia, WA
- $6,259-8,415 per month
- Permanent
- Full-time
Recruitment #2025-8-P489
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE)
Anticipated Project is October 2025 - June 2027
Location: Olympia, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $6,259.00 - $8,415.00 MonthlyReview of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/4/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Do you have a background in reforestation and forest genetics? Are you interested in using your skills to help us plan for adjustments to our reforestation program to deal with climate change and post-fire recovery?The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity in our Forest Resources Division to do just that. You will collaborate with our genetics and seed program staff, our tree nursery, and our field silviculturists to address the topics of seed sourcing and supply, nursery capacity and challenging planting site conditions. This is a two-year project position located in the capitol city of Olympia. The work will be staged, with initial focus on seed supply. As that planning is completed, the focus will shift to nursery and field operations. This is a great opportunity to increase your familiarity with the “reforestation pipeline” as it exists in the Pacific Northwest.DutiesResponsibilities:
- Develop a statewide seed adaptation strategy for DNR trust lands and other managed forests in Washington, in coordination with DNR's Forest Resilience Division as well as managers and specialists representing Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Private interests.
- Create a program initiative that improves coordination among forest nurseries and land managers to help ensure adequate seedling supply in average years and allow rapid expansion of capacity in times of high seedling need, such as following major wildfires.
- Develop a plan to improve tree establishment success on harsh sites across ownerships, such as post-wildfire planting in eastern Washington. Coordinate input from managers and specialists from Federal, State, University, Tribal, NGOs, and Private forestry organizations.
- Develop and implement mechanisms to share the strategies and plans listed above with forest managers of all ownership types.
- Master's degree in forest genetics or silviculture, with graduate-level coursework in forest genetics and tree breeding AND three years of professional experience working in a forest genetics program;
- Operational experience with forest regeneration.
- Knowledge of planning processes, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies related to reforestation in Washington.
- Ability to reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make recommendations.
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively through speaking and writing.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- This position is primarily in the office, but also on forest sites, orchard blocks, and nurseries when working with operational staff to improve understanding of their processes and challenges.
- This position required occasional overnight travel throughout the state.
- 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.
- PhD in forest genetics or silviculture, ideally with graduate-level coursework in forest genetics and tree breeding. A PhD counts for 2 years of the required experience.
- Three years of operational experience with forest regeneration (can be concurrent with other experience).
- Experience or education in a forest nursery or other horticultural setting.
- Familiarity with forest types and practices common in the Pacific Northwest.
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. 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.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at
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.
- 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 includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit
This recruitment may be extended and 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 before 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 with 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email .Check us out on: