Natural Resource Technician

Natural Resource Technician

Location: Southeast Region – Ellensburg, WA
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 04/09/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region Recreation Program is seeking a Natural Resource Technician 3 to help promote safe and sustainable recreation on DNR managed lands. This position provides maintenance to recreation facilities including campgrounds, trails and trailheads. The position is highly visible to the public and acts as a point of contact for recreationists, volunteers, and user groups. It will engage the public to answer questions, educate users on applicable laws and rules, and maintain recreation sites for all to enjoy.

Responsibilities:

• Independently perform routine recreation site maintenance in DNR recreation sites and dispersed recreation areas in Kittitas and Chelan Counties and the Columbia Basin.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules to meet current and future needs in the recreation sites and dispersed areas.
• Cut brush, trees and other vegetation within recreation sites.
• Independently transport, operate and maintain equipment including, but not limited to, excavator, 4×4 truck, ATV, UTV, skid spray unit, snowmobile, trailers, hand and power tools.
• Perform noxious weed control within recreation sites and dispersed recreation areas.
• Engage with recreationists to answer questions and educate users on applicable laws and rules.
• This position works independently in the field throughout the year.

Required Qualifications: 

• One year of experience working in a Natural Resources or recreation related field.

Required Competencies: 

• Highly developed writing and oral communication skills and public presentations skills, and the ability to effectively inform and educate user groups, volunteers, and the general public.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Position’s assigned duty station is the 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.
• Position requires the majority (90%) of the time in the field traveling alone between sites within Kittitas and Chelan counties and the Columbia Basin. 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.
• UTV/ATV, Snowmobile and Trailer Operators certification. These certifications will be made available to the incumbent once hired. Failure to gain these certifications may be grounds for dismissal.
• Obtain a WA State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public use, recreation, natural resources, forestry and law enforcement.
• Familiarity with Washington Department of Natural Resources public use, and trust land management responsibilities and practices.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of recreation management.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including but not limited to chainsaws, small power tools, quads, off-road motorcycles and mountain bikes.