Position Overview

Application Deadline: April 26, 2026

Salary: $75,108 – $100,980 Annually

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in civil or forest engineering

Experience Required: Two or more years in forest engineering

Description

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources manages and protects the state’s lands and waters through sustainable practices and public service. The agency supports forest health, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship across diverse landscapes.

This role supports the Northeast Region by overseeing forest road engineering, timber sale infrastructure, and fish passage projects. The position combines technical design, fieldwork, contract management, and team leadership to ensure compliance with forest practices and infrastructure standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review timber sale road plans and construction contracts
• Provide technical expertise for road planning, cost estimating, and project implementation
• Review road plans prepared by engineering staff for compliance and accuracy
• Identify and mitigate fish passage barriers within regional infrastructure
• Manage all phases of fish blockage mitigation including assessment, design, permitting, and construction
• Coordinate with tribes, agencies, and stakeholders on permitting and project implementation
• Design solutions for forest road maintenance, repair, and abandonment
• Conduct field reconnaissance, inspections, and monitoring activities
• Perform bridge, road, and culvert inspections
• Manage regional inventory databases for roads and infrastructure
• Develop maintenance and repair prescriptions for public works and timber sale projects
• Supervise engineering staff and equipment operators
• Approve leave requests, timesheets, and travel authorizations
• Conduct annual employee evaluations

Minimum Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, forest engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrate at least two years of forest engineering experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Show experience in timber harvesting, forest road layout, and logging practices
• Demonstrate knowledge of forest practices regulations
• Demonstrate experience interpreting and producing technical plans, maps, and specifications
• Show experience in contract development and administration for construction projects
• Demonstrate knowledge of construction equipment, costs, and operations
• Maintain proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Demonstrate ability to work in compliance with laws, regulations, and public records requirements
• Hold a valid driver’s license and meet state driving requirements
• Demonstrate ability to work in field conditions and traverse uneven terrain

Preferred Qualifications

• Hold Professional Engineer registration
• Demonstrate proficiency in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, TraversePC, ROADENG, or similar tools
• Demonstrate experience with surveying equipment and GPS systems
• Show leadership and supervisory experience

Additional Notes

• Full-time, permanent position based in Colville, Washington
• Hybrid work flexibility may be available
• Approximately 50 percent fieldwork and 50 percent office work
• Travel required for meetings, training, and project work
• Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and professional development opportunities
• Position may involve occasional evening or weekend work

How to Apply

Apply online through the Washington State careers portal. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and complete all supplemental questions. Finalists may be asked to provide references.