Natural Resource Technician

Natural Resource Technician

Anticipated 10 month Non-permanent employment

Location: Northeast Region – Omak and Colville, 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 04/12/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

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.

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, gather GPS data using GIS products and analyze 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.

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.

Required Competencies: 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess effective self-management and the necessary skills to work within a team setting.

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:

• 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.