Recreation Technician, Natural Resource Technician 3 (NRT3)

Full Job Description

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $3,393.00 - $4,517.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 04/12/2026. 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 Northeast Region. We are looking to add two, non-permanent Recreation Technicians to our Recreation program. One position will assist recreation in Colville, WA and the other will work with the recreation team in Omak, WA.

The Recreation program’s vision is to “Provide diverse and high-quality recreational opportunities within Department of Natural Resources landscapes that foster community engagement, promote a strong sense of environmental stewardship, and enrich the quality of life in Washington”. The goals to manage statewide recreation are to:

1. Promote the safety of the public, DNR employees, and volunteers
2. Support enjoyable recreation that is compatible with land management responsibilities
3. Work in collaboration with volunteers and interested partners to provide engaging recreational opportunities
4. Manage healthy natural landscapes and working forests that can sustain recreation for current and future generations

These Recreation Technician positions are crucial in meeting the agency mission and program vision by providing a variety of technical duties and the day-to-day field operations of existing trails, campgrounds, trailheads and construction of new recreation trails and facilities over multiple locations within the Northeast Region.

If you are someone with a passion for recreation and are interested in assisting with the maintenance of Northeast Region’s multiple recreational lands, please consider applying for this position.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Conducting field inspections of facilities and trails to ensure health and safety conditions are met to include:
  • Cleaning and restocking campground restrooms; including cleaning toilets, handrails, floors, and restocking toilet paper, etc.
  • Picking up litter and debris in and around the campground and trail systems.
  • Cleaning out liter and ash from firepits in campgrounds.
• Write and review reports and drawings, gathers GPS data using GIS products and analyzes data to create work maps, manage and evaluate projects in the field.
• Operate and maintain various hand tools, power tools, ATV, and small earth moving equipment in order to implement trail maintenance/construction activities.

In consultation with the Recreation Forester, this position may also coordinate/lead in the supporting/monitoring/supervising and organizing of projects/work parties with Washington Conservation Corps (WCC), volunteer groups, correction crews and maintenance crews.

Projects and/or work parties include things such as: stream/ecological restoration, recreation trail maintenance, construction and decommissioning, recreation trail bridges installation and decommissioning, culvert repair and installation.

• The Recreation Technicians will routinely meet and interact with the public and must be able to inform them regarding agency rules, goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• An Associate’s degree in natural resources and one year of experience in land management or a combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of recreation management, and how public involvement fits into the landscape.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for conducting basic facility maintenance and repairs.
• Experience operating and performing routine maintenance on chainsaws, quads, motorcycles, small excavators, and other light equipment, as well as hand tools common to trail and facility maintenance and repairs.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess effective self-management and the necessary skills to work with in a team setting.
• 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 is primarily a field position, working approximately 95% in the field and 5% in the office.

Individual must be able to traverse and drive in uneven rugged terrain under all weather conditions. Sustained vehicle operation for long periods of time (2-4+ hours).

Sustained outdoor work (4-6+ hours) in adverse weather conditions.

The position will require operating a four-wheel drive vehicle on highway and forest roads, as well as trail hiking, and riding ATVs on trails in moderate to difficult terrain.

Position requires large majority (95%) of time in the field traveling alone between trailheads, trails, day use areas, and work centers. Most travel will be in region. Travel and/or overnight stays may be required at times to attend trainings and meetings.

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:

• Listed desirable qualifications that are supported and documented in the PDF.
• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in forest recreation management, natural resource, or related field and one year of professional field experience in forestry, resource or park management (state or federal), natural resources recreation management or in a closely related natural resource field.
• Journeyman level carpentry skills.
• Understanding of grant application and implementation processes.
• Experience working with volunteers or experience as a volunteer.
• Experience in map reading and orienteering skills, using maps, compass, GPS, Trimble recon devices.
• Planning, construction, and maintenance as related to outhouses, kiosks, pavilions, septic systems, wells, water systems, recreation bridges and other outdoor recreation related sites, facilities, and structures.
• Knowledge of: DNR and USFS trail design standards; maintenance standards and various maintenance activities associated with recreation facilities, including trails, trailheads, campgrounds and day-use facilities; and methods and practices of construction activities.
• Familiarity with Washington Department of Natural Resources public use and trust land management responsibilities and practices.
• ORV, equine, hiking, and mountain bike riding skills, as well as strong outdoor skills.
• Conflict resolution experience.

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 Luke Coots at Luke.Coots@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 640-0968 or Oscar Medina at Oscar.Medina@dnr.wa.gov / (509) 640-8305 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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