For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3382068/natural-resource-specialist-2

Salary- $46,644.00 – $62,748.00 Annually

Responsibilities:
Provide project planning, management and operations specific to the Walker Valley Off-Road Vehicle Area. This includes planning for field operations, coordination and supervision of work parties, WWC crews, or similar contract crews, to build, improve and repair trail systems, trail heads and infrastructure such as bridges, kiosks and covered shelters in developed recreation areas.   Conduct field assessments to analyze and identify recreation maintenance needs for the Walker Valley ORV trail system. This includes making priority decisions to address public safety and correcting or preventing environmental damage due to motorized public use. This requires communication and coordination with forestry staff and communication with recreation users of Walker Valley, related organized user groups, and neighboring property owners.

Provide oversight for WCC or other contracted resources and volunteer work parties as necessary to complete projects.  This includes planning and assignment of work, and evaluating project outcomes for desired performance.  All while maintaining a safe working environment for self and crews, and enforces agency safety guidelines as well as L&I and OSHA rules related to employee and volunteer activities in the workplace.

Conduct public outreach and coordinate volunteer projects and efforts within the context of the Walker Valley ORV Area. In coordination with the district recreation manager, develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to find creative and innovative solutions. Build and maintain public/private partnerships with regional recreational and outdoor interest groups. Work collaboratively with local recreation groups on common issues and programs. Provide information and education to groups about the department and its programs and issues.  Coordinate the distribution of recreation information to the public through placement of signage, outreach to user groups, and broadcasting information using division communication staff.

Trails and Facilities Maintenance and Operations. Work directly on-the-ground both independently and with contract crews (e.g. WCC crews) and volunteers doing field/trail maintenance.  Responsible for overseeing and directing maintenance of recreation facilities and infrastructure within the Walker Valley ORV Area utilizing all available resources. Within assigned spending parameters, utilize existing contracts for sanitation services that are commonly used at the Walker Valley ORV Area.  Evaluate, recommend, address current needs and improvements and direct the work of and guide crews that carry out these operations. Ensure public access to facilities and trails and maintain and/or improve their condition in a sustainable and safe manner.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in public use, recreation, natural resources, forestry, law enforcement or closely related field; OR Associate Degree and three years of experience at a Natural Resource Technician 2 level position, both focused on recreation management and user education and outreach; OR A combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to the above as demonstrated in the individual’s application material.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multiple DNR programs and other agencies or similar experience collaborating with multiple groups.
  • Skills and ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, and the general public on natural resources related recreation.
  • Must be able to cover reasonable distances per day in the field covering moderate to difficult terrain. Must be able to ride an off road vehicle on established difficult to easy multiple use trails.
  • Working knowledge of forest management activities and State trust land responsibilities.
  • Ability to conduct public outreach and education.
  • Experience communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Experience using word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
  • Working knowledge of GPS system and basic GIS principals.
  • Experience working alone and independently in remote locations.
  • Experience planning and prioritizing work.
  • Experience with preparing written reports, memos, forms records and field notes.
  • Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
  • The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a WSDA Pesticide Applicators License.
  • A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
  • All employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Vaccination status will be verified at the time an offer of employment is made. An accommodation may be available for individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, based on the essential functions of this position.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

  • Bachelor’s degree involving major study in outdoor recreation management or other natural resources management and two years of professional program development and management experience.
  • At least two years’ experience supervising and evaluating employee or work crew performance.
  • Ability to provide presentations to public, other agency staff.
  • Know how to use power tool and other common trail maintenance equipment.
  • Ability to prepare project cost estimates for supplies and resources, and supervise WCC and other contract crews.
  • At least two years’ experience working with forest- based land-use policy and recreation-use policy and practices such as: SEPA, Forest Practice Rules, HCP, PSF, etc.
  • Fluency in current word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software presentations to public, other agency staff.