Natural Areas Manager

NW Region Natural Areas Manager. Natural Resource Specialist 4 (NRS4)
Full-time, Permanent, Represented, position (WFSE)
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5,398.00 – $7,254.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/10/25. 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 Northwest Region as a NW Region Natural Areas Manager. Natural Resource Specialist 4 (NRS4).

The Northwest Region Natural Areas Manager oversees the management of some of the most beautiful areas of Washington in both Natural Area Preserves (NAPs) and Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NRCAs) in the Northwest Region. These spectacular sites literally go from the mountains to the sea, with management occurring in the rugged backcountry of the Morning Star NRCA, the largest NRCA in WA, to the beautiful San Juan Islands. The Northwest Region manages 3,085 acres in five Natural Area Preserves (NAPs) and 39,296 acres in nine NRCAs for a total of 42,381 acres. Twenty of the region’s 23 developed recreation sites and 41 miles of the region’s 121 miles of developed trail are within natural areas. This oversight includes project planning, implementation, and management of all natural areas in the NW Region, including the upcoming Morning Star Natural Area Management Plan.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or conservation-related area of specialty AND four years of work experience in a natural resource-related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience related to collaborative decision-making on land use/land management activities.
• Experience with outcome-based performance measures, as related to program delivery.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and other professional software.
• Knowledge of ecological systems, processes and principles, and practices.
• Understanding of public land management framework, processes, and topical issues.
• Ability to devise strategies and methods to achieve a wide variety of work in remote locations; comfortable working alone in remote, backcountry locations, including inclement weather conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude is necessary to perform routine maintenance and repairs on administrative facilities, including associated systems and equipment, and to enlist the assistance of qualified technicians for more technical elements of such work.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups, both internal and external.
• Accustomed to working independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.