Forest Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $54,204.00 - $84,516.00 Annually
Location : Clallam County - Port Angeles, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-6-3083-04762
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Straits Engineer, Civil Engineer 2 / Civil Engineer 1 (In-Training)Recruitment #2026-6-3083
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Olympic Region - Port Angeles, WAWork Hours flexibility may be available and consideredSalary: $4,517.00 - $7,043.00 Monthly
Please note: a conditional offer of employment may be made pending completion of the degree within 2 months of the opening date of this posting.
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 06/16/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Olympic Region is actively seeking a Forest or Civil Engineer for the Straits District. The duty station is in Port Angeles, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula. The varied terrain and high rainfall in the Olympic Region provide for many engineering challenges in forest road layout and maintenance. The successful candidate will be in charge of developing road plans for the Straits District Timber Sale Program, which will include evaluating existing roads and structures, locating new road locations, designing new stream crossing structures, and doing harvest system analysis. Qualifying experience for the Professional Engineer License may be signed off on for engineers with the Engineering in Training certification. The position is based in Port Angeles and covers the Straits District, from the West side of Lake Crescent, along the Straits, and down the coast to the Mason County line. The community of Port Angeles has many of the amenities that you expect with a larger town; everything from a movie theater to dining and shopping options. Fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, the mountains and the coast are in the backyard. In this position, you will interact with professionals having diverse talents and skill sets. You will have the opportunity to work frequently with other engineers, foresters, wildlife biologists, GIS professionals, geologists, and heavy equipment operators, to name a few. Collaboration is one of our agency's core goals, and it is our belief that you will benefit by learning while working side by side with others in these fields and other fields as they learn from you.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Detail-oriented project work and consultation
• Manage your own forest road projects from initial scoping to closing out construction
• Collaborating between different working partners in the Region in the process of putting together road and stream crossing projects
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships
• Providing recommendations for actions on bridges, culverts, and other maintenance needs on forest roads
• Providing recommendations on corrections to fish barriers
• Thinking critically and strategically while also meeting project deadlines
• Being part of a dynamic and energetic team.

Qualifications
This may be filled as an in-training position. This is designated as a 12-24-month training plan, with a maximum term of 36 months. If you complete all elements of the training steps in less time, we may waive the remaining time required. Candidates will be considered as Civil Engineer 1 (In-Training) or Civil Engineer 2 (CE2), depending on qualifications.
Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
Civil Engineer 1 (In-Training)
(Salary range: $4,517 - $6,077 per month):

• Bachelor's degree in Forest or Civil Engineering or related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Civil Engineer 2 (CE2)
(Salary range: $5,241 - $7,043 per month):

• Bachelor's degree in Forest or Civil Engineering AND 1 year of professional experience;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of theory, policy, principles and practices of the forest engineering profession as applied to the Northwestern United States (i.e., fundamentals of: markets and economics, sales layout, logging methods, road engineering, water quality, watershed management, fish passage design.
• Experience with timber sales road plan preparation and administration.
• Experience with current forest practice rules, plans, forestry laws & practices, and associated agency policies and WAC's.

Required Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Facilitation and negotiation skills
• 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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The position's assigned duty station is the Olympic Region office in Port Angeles. This is a field engineer position with approximately 60% of the work performed outdoors, alone, and in remote areas. The ability to perform arduous work while traversing steep, rugged terrain under a full spectrum of environmental conditions is necessary. Approximately 30% of the work involved is performed in a typical office setting. The remaining 10% is operating a motor vehicle.
• Travel outside the region for training sessions and wildland fire incidents is necessary, but not exceedingly different than the normal field and office settings described. The employee is eligible for per diem and lodging costs when in travel status, except when provided. A commute will be required to reach most job sites and trainings. The use of an assigned vehicle will be the primary mode of travel. However, the use of specialty vehicles and pool vehicles will be used when specific tasks or efficiency dictates.
• A current, valid driver's license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). 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:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Experience with forest engineering objectives and timber harvest planning.
• Ability to use GIS software to create maps and manage data.
• Knowledge of road design and drafting software such as RoadEng and AutoCad.
• Ability to navigate in the field using maps, a compass, and orthophotos.
• Ability to write professional correspondence and technical documents.
• Familiarity with current software used in word processing, spreadsheets and forestry applications.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact

• Online Application: Apply at (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: 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 these communications.

Questions? Please contact Scott Rose at / (360) 460-5327 or email us at
Persons 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.
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.
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 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 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 DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as social security numbers. 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
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