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Posted: February 6, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Recreation Steward, Maintenance Mechanic 1

State of Washington

Dept. of Natural Resources

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$4,410 - $5,117

per month

Closes

February 23, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves maintaining and operating recreation sites on state lands, such as campgrounds and trails, while controlling weeds and interacting with visitors and volunteers.

A good fit would be someone who enjoys outdoor work, has hands-on experience with tools and vehicles, and is comfortable communicating with the public in a professional way.

It's ideal for a self-motivated person passionate about preserving natural areas for safe recreation.

Key Requirements

  • Two years of experience in natural resources or recreation-related fields
  • Experience in recreation maintenance, including operating power tools, off-road vehicles, and equipment
  • Ability to professionally handle interactions with the recreating public
  • Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office
  • Self-starter requiring minimal supervision with strong organizational skills
  • WA State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice

Full Job Description


Working Title

Recreation Steward, Maintenance Mechanic 1
Recruitment #2026-2-5552
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Southeast Region - Ellensburg, WA
Work Hour flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,410.00 - $5,117.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/15/26. 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 Southeast Region as a Recreation Steward.

The Recreation Steward will help promote safe and sustainable recreation on DNR-managed lands. This position provides maintenance and operations to recreation facilities, including campgrounds, trails, and trailheads. The position performs noxious weed control within recreation sites and along Green Dot Roads. This position is a project leader in the planning and implementation of recreation maintenance tasks. The position is highly visible to the public and acts as a point of contact for recreationists, volunteers, and user groups.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
  • Independently perform routine recreation site maintenance in DNR recreation sites and dispersed recreation areas in DNR’s Southeast Region.
  • Independently transport, operate, and maintain equipment, including, but not limited to, excavator, 4x4 truck, ATV, UTV, skid spray unit, snowmobile, trailers, hand and power tools.
  • Independently perform noxious weed control within recreation sites and dispersed recreation areas. Maintain the required WA State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License and associated paperwork.
  • Perform or schedule regular required maintenance on assigned and program equipment and tools.
  • Work with the two Natural Resources Technician III to coordinate work between one another, maintain communication, and ensure quality and consistency between recreation sites.
  • Maintain and enhance relationships with the public, user groups, volunteers, and agency staff.
  • Position may assist with planning, attending, and potentially leading volunteer/ user group work activities, educational events, and periodically work with school-age children.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
  • Two (2) years’ experience working in a natural resources or recreation-related field.
  • Experience working in recreation maintenance, such as operating power tools, off-road vehicles, and equipment.
  • Experience dealing with and able to handle members of the recreating public in a professional manner.
  • Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office.
  • Self-starter who requires minimal supervision.
  • Effective organizational skills and ability to follow through on assignments.
  • 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:

This position’s assigned duty station is the DNR Southeast Region Office.

Work is performed in an indoor or office setting (10%) and alone in isolated, unimproved natural areas throughout Washington (90%).

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

Must be able to bend, lift, and carry appropriate tools and equipment (up to 50 pounds) on field assignments, as needed, to conduct assigned tasks.

  • This position requires the majority (90%) of the time in the field, traveling alone between sites within the Southeast Region. Moderate amounts of overnight travel will be 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:
    • Experience with DNR Recreation WACs and policies.
    • Experience speaking at group events or club meetings.
    • Strong relationships with local volunteer groups.
    • Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.
    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 Jarod Whaley at Jarod.Whaley@dnr.wa.gov/509.607.4878 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.

    Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 2/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/7/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5227491