Natural Resource Police Officer

Natural Resource Police Officer (NRPO)
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5,779.00 – $7,774.00 Monthly

The salary range listed includes a general wage increase of 2% for all state employees effective July 1, 2026.  

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 6/22/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Identifies and prioritizes areas that experience indiscriminate use in order to identify violators and/or deter such acts.
• Provides proactive patrols, issues citations and infractions utilizing various methods, such as the use of assigned patrol vehicles and/or off-road vehicles to access areas of remote or limited access.
• Completes reports, collects and preserves evidence, creates and executes search warrants, and testifies in criminal and civil courts.  Attend administrative hearings and collaborate with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies in areas of joint jurisdiction or as needed in special cases.
• Conducts complex criminal and civil investigations on lands protected by the Department of Natural Resources, such as theft of specialized forest products on state lands.
• Coordinates enforcement patrols with regional personnel to address special events or identified issues.
• Assist wildfire investigators with the enforcement of Forest Protection laws when requested.
• Maintains cross-agency commission with local, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Works with assigned region staff to provide oversight on signage that enhances compliance and enforcement.
• Works with assigned region staff to identify problem areas and recommend solutions to gain compliance with agency rules and regulations.
• Initiates or participates in public outreach and education activities.
• Works with the Department of Natural Resources Communications and Outreach section to address specific issues through the use of social media outlets.
• Completes monthly reports.
• Maintains and updates computer-aided dispatch logs.
• Provides the required care, upkeep, and maintenance of assigned equipment, including but not limited to 4×4 patrol vehicle, firearms, all-terrain off-road vehicles, chainsaws, radios, and other assigned equipment.
• Conducts annual inspections of assigned equipment, including documenting tracked equipment on required forms.
• Attends regional meetings if requested.
• Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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. 

• Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy per RCW 43.101.200;
  OR Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy (BLEEA) per WAC 139.05.210;
  OR A Washington CJTC-recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.
• Four years’ experience as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer, deputy sheriff, or state trooper.

Required Competencies: 

• Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communication 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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Must successfully pass a complete background investigation before hire to include an in-depth interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
• Upon hire, must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties.
• This position works in an outdoor environment to enforce natural resources and criminal laws. Patrols are conducted on land and water and take place at all hours of the day and in all weather conditions. In most cases, the position works alone and in remote areas with limited backup resources available.
• Must be willing to travel long distances and be away from home for extended periods as needed.
• 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.