NW Region Natural Areas Public Use Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

Full Job Description

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/3/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our NW Region as the NW Region Natural Areas Public Use Manager.

This position provides senior-level recreation expertise and leadership on DNR-managed Natural Areas landscapes throughout the Northwest Region, including Cattle Point NRCA, Cypress Island NRCA, Lummi Island NRCA, Morning Star NRCA, and Point Doughty NAP, and on San Juan Island recreation sites outside Natural Areas landscapes, including Griffin Bay on San Juan Island and Upright Channel on Lopez Island. Within these landscapes, under the guidance of the NW Region Natural Areas Manager, the incumbent independently plans and coordinates the recreation program, including landscape-level recreation planning, volunteer coordination, coordination and oversight of Washington Conservation Corp (Puget Sound Corp) crews, resource allocation, and project management for the Natural Areas Program. This position helps the Northwest Region achieve DNR's mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision-making, on-the-ground participation, and excellent planning. In addition, the incumbent prepares grant applications, presents before granting committees, and tracks implementation, including finances.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

Project Management: Work independently to provide senior-level project management for operations, capital, and grant-funded projects.

Identify, research, prioritize, plan, and implement a wide variety of projects in the various Natural Areas landscapes throughout the Region, and at DNR-managed recreation sites in the San Juan Islands.

Public Use Planning, Management, and Landscape Stewardship: Conduct senior-level recreation management and planning.

Plan, prioritize, and direct work related to maintenance and operations activities on trails, and at campgrounds, picnic areas, interpretive sites, etc,.

within Natural Areas throughout the Northwest Region, and at San Juan Islands recreation properties.

Supervision: Supervise, evaluate, and mentor subordinate recreation staff, which could include staff such as recreation stewards, technicians, and education wardens.

Outreach, Education, and Relationship Building: Work to resolve sensitive recreation-related issues with a variety of partners.

Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to find creative and innovative solutions compatible with conservation objectives.

Represent the department’s interests when interacting with the public where there are sensitive, complex issues, including unauthorized or incompatible uses or proposals.

Acts as the department’s representative related to constituent or business partner inquiries.

Site Maintenance and Construction: Directs and performs maintenance and construction of public-use facilities, including trails, bridges, restrooms, tables, small buildings, signs, etc.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in natural resources or a related field AND a minimum of two years of work experience in the following areas:
  • Professional work experience in recreation, natural resources, or a related field;
  • Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, and the general public on natural resources related to recreation;
  • Experience working with recreation use policy in forest land or conservation lands settings, including work related to SEPA, Forest Practices, County, and other permitting processes.
  • OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with independently planning and prioritizing work and allocating resources.
• Well-developed experience in planning, writing, oral communication, and public presentation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in both small and large group settings.
• Experience writing planning documents, preparing cost estimates, supervising and coordinating design work, negotiating with public officials, and diverse agency staff.
• Experience with GPS systems and basic GIS principles.
• Experience directing and performing physical labor, including design, installation, and/or construction of recreation facilities such as trails, bridges, tables, small buildings, signs, and the like.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation management, and the important role of public involvement in program implementation.
• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
• 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:

• Attend, complete, and pass an off-road motorcycle and ATV safety program.
• Obtain certification to operate boats (generally includes completion of the U.S. Dept of Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course and completion of the NW Region Boat Operator’s Task Book).

Position's assigned duty station is the region office. Approximately 50% of the work is performed in an office setting, and the balance is performed in the field.

Field work may be performed alone or with other DNR staff, WCC crews, volunteers, contractors, or others, in remote, backcountry areas.

Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

• Position requires travel to remote locations in the NW Region, with occasional overnight stays (e.g., camping in backcountry locations). Occasional day, overnight, and weeklong travel to Olympia and other locations for meetings, training, etc. is also required.

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:
• Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, project management, or related area of specialty.
• At least two years’ experience supervising and evaluating employee or work crew performance.
• Experience operating small boats ( 15-26 feet) in the marine environment.
• Experience in recreation trail and facility maintenance and construction techniques and practices, including the use of various tools and equipment typically used for such work.
• Experience with project management, including scoping, design, cost estimation, and implementation.
• Experience with contracts and contract management.
• Experience in conservation lands management.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Additional Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
• 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: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
• 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 info@governmentjobs.com 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 Tristan Currin at Tristan.currin@dnr.wa.gov/360-522-6434 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service 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, visit here to learn more
• 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 http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html 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 www.uscis.gov.

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 CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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