Senior Forester - Level III

The Forester will support the Tribe’s work to promote forest health and diversity and sustainable harvests from Snoqualmie Tribe forested lands. The Forester will assist and be responsible for planning, recommending, and implementing strategies for forest regeneration, growth, and health while balancing environmental, economic, and cultural factors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Level I – Forest Coordinator

• Assist the Tribe’s staff and contractors who are conducting forest restoration activities including wildfire fuel reduction, thinning, and replanting.   

• Assist with arranging appropriate coordination of logistics such as road use agreements, gate keys, vehicle equipment checks, and briefings on safety, remote medical emergencies, and radio/GPS communications.  

• Assist with establishing and maintaining a tracking system for forest products harvested by Tribal Members to inform sustainable management to meet Tribal Member needs from the Forest for the long term.   

• Help develop policies and assist with educating staff and Tribal Members about the need for safety precautions and culturally appropriate forest activities.   

• Actively monitor, identify, and coordinate with external parties offering relevant and beneficial training or educational opportunities relating to management of the Ancestral Forest and Tribal Member access and connection to the Forest.   

• Collaborate with the Tribal Lands Resource Engagement (TLRE) team in promoting and sharing of indigenous knowledge among Snoqualmie Tribal Members to strengthen relationships between Tribal Members and the Ancestral Forest.   

• Assist TLRE staff with advising Tribal staff and contractors who are working on environmental monitoring and forest restoration projects within the Ancestral Forest so that indigenous knowledge is incorporated into forest management activities and forest treatments are protective of plants, animals, and features that are culturally critical for Snoqualmie people.  

• Work with the Ancestral Forest Interdisciplinary Team  to oversee any road maintenance or site disturbance activities in the Forest to ensure DAHP review and compatibility with other forest uses and monitor and report Forest road conditions. 

• Assist other Tribal staff in developing databases and maps related to the Ancestral Forest that protect Tribal sensitive information.  

• Support all Forest work programs including Uplands, Tribal Lands Resource Engagement, Wildland Fire, Restoration, Wildlife, Water Quality, and others as needed.   

• Responsible for maintaining any vehicles and equipment inventory that may be provided for work-related uses in accordance with Tribal policies and procedures. 

• Escort contractors on Tribal Lands and across easement roads. The Tribe values its commitment to community service and the well-being of its members. In recognition of this, each employee may be expected to perform duties from time to time which may not be related to their regular responsibilities. 

Level II - Forester

Performs all duties of Level I, plus:

• Assist experienced forestry staff with developing a vegetation management plan.
• Assist experienced forestry staff with forestry and silviculture projects and work closely with the Forest Interdisciplinary Team to collaborate on forest management activities.
• Participate in forest health and forest regeneration projects. Especially with field work and data collection efforts to help assess survival rates, tree growth, and site occupancy
• Assist experienced forestry staff with forestry fieldwork to include stand assessments, layout, and inventory that are consistent with silvicultural practices and structured to meet the Tribe’s goals and objectives.
• Assist the STAF interdisciplinary team with implementing vegetation management strategies and forest health monitoring.
• Participate in sustainable and ecologically sound forest management and restoration activities.
• Assist with mapping needs.

Level III – Senior Forester

Performs all duties of Level I and II, plus:

• Serve as the Tribe’s expert in silviculture and forest sciences and work closely with the Ancestral Forest Interdisciplinary Team to collaborate on forest management activities.
• Develop a vegetation management plan to promote healthy growth of diverse species that are priorities for the Tribe and consistent with the Tribe’s Forest Management Plan.
• Plan and manage forest health and forest regeneration projects to maximize survival rates, tree growth, and site occupancy. Project responsibility will include plant nursery orders, grower contracts, and planting crews.
• Conduct timber reconnaissance and inventories of forest stands and logging units, evaluate stand conditions and environmental considerations, and recommend appropriate silvicultural prescriptions and stand treatments.
• Design and layout prescriptions for commercial and non-commercial timber harvests that are consistent with silvicultural practices and structured to meet the Tribe’s goals and objectives.
• Conduct timber sale cruises and volume estimates to prepare forest units for market.
• Prepare and submit applications for forest practice permits to state and/or federal standards.
• Prepare and administer contracts for forestry work in compliance with the Tribe’s financial and other internal policies and procedures.
• Work with other Tribal staff to obtain and analyze forest condition data and maintain accurate forest timber inventories.
• Prepare forestry activity reports to comply with Tribal and grant requirements.
• Monitor tree health and forest conditions for survival, wildlife damage, insects, and diseases, and recommend intervention strategies. 
• Provide technical expertise and advice to Tribal community members and staff. Participate in community outreach activities and events.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• The Tribe values its commitment to community service and the well-being of its members. In recognition of this, each employee may be expected to perform duties from time to time which may not be related to their regular responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Level I –

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions in stressful, fast-paced situations.
• Ability to make critical decisions while following tribal procedures and direction.
• Knowledge and ability to use computer programs to input inventory data, perform data analysis, and model outcomes including timber growth and yield.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to learning and safeguarding Snoqualmie Tribal cultural and traditional practices, specifically including knowledge of traditional planting and harvesting across the Tribe’s ancestral lands.   

• Must be knowledgeable about forest plants, animals, and habitats, and be familiar with the best management practices for restoring and protecting forest ecosystems.   

• A conscientious commitment to safety. Must maintain current emergency response training and be available during duty hours to assist in emergencies in the Forest.  

• Possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.  
• Must be willing to support the Tribal Wildland Fire response team and will be encouraged to train and participate in the Tribe’s wildland fire preparedness and cultural burning activities.

• A commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, particularly in relation to Snoqualmie Tribal traditions and ancestral lands. 

Level II & III –

Requires the position requirements of level I, plus:

• Advanced understanding of silviculture strategies, forest ecology, and sustainable forest management and demonstrate respect for Indigenous Knowledge. Knowledge of mensuration, forest biology, ecology, and silviculture.
• Knowledge of forest management theory, including timber management planning and silviculture.
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest tree species, markets, and forest economics, plant nutrition, propagation, reforestation, inventory, water quality protection measures, and noxious weed control.
• Knowledge of site productivity and desired stocking levels of forest types on the west slopes of the Cascade Mountains and stand treatments that can be employed to achieve desired stocking levels.
• Knowledge of remote sensing and geoprocessing tools and procedures to design and plan forest management projects.
• Ability to compile and analyze data, prepare maps, graphs, and technical narratives, and write comprehensible technical reports with summaries of evaluations and findings.
• Demonstrated skill in contract preparation, administration, and reporting.
• Knowledge of forest operation methods
• Knowledge of timber sale administrative procedures to interpret and attain compliance with contract requirements and provisions.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to form and maintain effective working relationships, to be a successful leader, and a contributing team player.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective community engagement.

• Familiarity with laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Tribe’s management of forest lands including Washington State Forest Practices Act and Timber, Fish & Wildlife regulations, Bureau of Indian Affairs regulations, and the Tribal Forest Protection Act.
• Strong navigation/orienteering and remote forest safety skills.

• Ability to work safely in challenging terrain and weather.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Education Required:

Level I, II & III-  

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, biology, conservation biology, or related field or a combined equivalent of education and experience that demonstrates the abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Practical experience and at least 3 years of working in forestry or in a similar capacity pertinent to the skills required for this position may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience Required:

Level I -

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in cultural practices, forestry, conservation, or natural resource management is required.
• Experience working in a remote forest setting is required.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or tribal governments is required.
• Proficiency in identifying forest plants, animals, and habitats is required.

Level II-  

• Minimum of one (4) years of forestry experience across professional, volunteer or internship environments.

Experience Preferred:  

• Experience in radio or satellite remote communication systems.

Level III -

• Minimum of four (4) years of professional forestry experience with specific silvicultural duties including preparation of forest health and timber sale projects, timber growth modeling, and cruise data compilation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of silvicultural science as well as respect for Indigenous Knowledge.
• Demonstrated skill in developing and maintaining close, productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated desire and enthusiasm for taking initiative, solving problems, and developing strategies.

Experience Preferred:

• Five or more years of professional forestry and silviculture experience.
• Experience working with Tribal governments managing a Tribal forestry program or project.
• Experience in radio or satellite remote communication systems.
• Experience supporting a safe workplace in a remote forest environment.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license without restrictions and minimum two years of driving experience in remote forest terrain on primitive logging road conditions.
• May be required to obtain an Herbicide Applicator’s License if needed to oversee herbicide contract crews. (Level II)

Other Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a thorough background and character investigation including fingerprint background.
• Must agree to be subject to the Tribe's Controlled Substance and Alcohol Testing Policy to include pre-employment screening.

Location:

• Tribal offices are located in Snoqualmie, WA, but much of the work will occur in the Sultan, WA to Index, WA areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands are consistent with working in forested environments and rugged terrain.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment is a combination of field and office work and includes the ability to work safely and efficiently within a rugged forested landscape. Tribal offices are in Snoqualmie, WA, but much of the work will occur in the Sultan, WA to Index, WA areas.

This position requires an ability to safely work long hours in inclement weather. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, as well as warm weather, severe winter weather, steep slopes, and brushy field conditions. Field work for this position includes hiking off-trail and carrying field supplies and other equipment on uneven terrain.

This position may also include controlled burning and fire suppression, and therefore smoke exposure. Appropriate PPE will be provided.

TRIBAL PREFERENCE POLICY:

The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe follows the Tribal Hiring Preference as outlined in tribal policies, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO). TERO sets forth certain hiring preferences for qualified individuals who are enrolled in a federally recognized Indian tribe, as well as, in some cases, preference for certain family members of those individuals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Compensation will be determined based on experience and starts at $42.66 - 46.92 per hour. 
• This position is a full-time position and employment is at will.  

Location: 

• Snoqualmie, WA

Benefits: 

• First of the month following date of hire - competitive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance benefits for all regular full-time employees.           
• After 90 days - 401k retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%. 
• Paid Holidays - Up to 18 paid holidays are offered every calendar year, which includes the workdays between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. 
• Paid Time Off – Employees accrue 12+ days sick and vacation leave respectively. Increases based on years of service. 

Additional Perks: 

• Additional time off opportunities available including bereavement, military, parental and jury duty. 
• Childcare subsidy for children enrolled full-time in the Snoqualmie Tribe Child Development Center. 
• Employee discounts at Snoqualmie Casino (tickets/events, gift shop and restaurants), Salish Lodge & Spa (rooms, spa & dining) and Crescent Market (gas discount card).
• Third party perks include movie tickets, theme parks, shows and attractions & more.  
• Employee assistance plans.