Salary
$51,588.00 – $69,396.00 Annually
Location
Skagit County – Sedro Woolley, WA
Job Type
Full Time – Non-Permanent
Job Number
2025-11-7146-07732
Department
Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date
11/03/2025
Closing Date
11/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
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Description
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Education and Enforcement Warden, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Recruitment #2025-11-7146
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Northwest Region – Sedro-Woolley, WA
Salary: $4,299.00 – $5,783.00 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?
Are you seeking a rewarding career in the outdoors? Do you want the opportunity to serve the citizens of Washington? If you love working in a remote forest environment, value public service, possess practical forestry skills, and have a proven ability to work as an integral part of a small team, look no further.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northwest Region. We are seeking an Education and Enforcement Warden (Natural Resource Specialist 2) to be a vital part of the Northwest recreation team. This position works in the Walker Valley ORV area, the Harry Osborne State Forest, and the Blanchard State Forest within Skagit County. This position often is the initial point of contact with the public utilizing these designated recreational sites. One of the primary functions of this important position is to be a source of information and to educate, as needed, individuals recreating in these DNR landscapes. -
Duties
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Responsibilities:
- Working with the District Recreation Manager, the E&E Warden is responsible for the implementation of the Region’s public use education and enforcement program. This position is directly responsible for education and enforcement activities such as making public contacts, user safety, investigation, and incident reporting. Supports the district’s recreation managers with developing and distributing educational materials on trails and trailheads and implementing outreach activities at local events. Using the Warden’s training, knowledge, and experience, directly enforces compliance with the agency’s recreation and public access rules protecting resources, managing public behavior, and user safety. Attends and represents DNR at interagency committee meetings, user group, focus group, and other similar meetings as required. Responsibilities also include incident investigation, data collection, and compliance with permitted events on department-managed lands. Assists with the design and installation of regulatory and educational signage on DNR land. Documents and reports state land abuse associated with state land covered by this position to the DNR Law Enforcement Officer, County Sheriff, or others for follow-up action. This position works directly with the Region’s Law Enforcement Officers in incident enforcement and investigation on department-managed lands.
- Supports the District Recreation Manager to develop and implement a highly visible, coordinated strategy for the Education & Enforcement Program in the Northwest Region to include public outreach, volunteer recruitment, and tracking and reporting of volunteer hours. Such duties may include developing and implementing a forest watch program in areas where there is no formalized volunteer program. Trains, directs, and evaluates volunteers regarding education and enforcement issues. Responsible for reviewing volunteer time and activity reports, equipment mileage, and maintenance logs, and submitting this information to the Region Recreation Managers. Responds to issues and problems at trailheads and surrounding areas. Coordinates and supervises weekend volunteer activities.
- Assists Region recreation maintenance and operations by inspecting and evaluating trails and facilities after permitted organized events and recommending appropriate remedies. Perform minor trail repairs and maintenance while on trail patrol duties, observe and report trail maintenance needs and resource conditions occurring on trails, trailheads, and surrounding areas. Maintain trailheads and day-use areas. Conducts field inspections and gathers trail data, and prepares reports describing and evaluating trail conditions. Duties can also include recreation sign installation and maintenance.
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Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- Experience using computers, including the use of Excel, Access, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or similar computer software.
- Experience with conflict resolution and defusing tense situations.
- Associate’s degree AND two years of experience in Natural Resources, or similar position, both focused on recreation management and user education and outreach; OR An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Tact and Diplomacy – Ability to respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in a way that reduces or minimizes potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
- Ability to use independent judgment effectively.
- Highly developed writing and oral communication skills and public presentation skills, and the ability to effectively inform and educate user groups, volunteers, and the general public.
- Ability to collect and track work progress metrics to meet reporting requirements of grants and the DNR.
- Familiarity with the principles and practices of recreation management.
- Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment, including but not limited to: chainsaws, small power tools, quads, off-road motorcycles, and mountain bikes.
- Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, in writing and verbally, in both small and large group settings.
- 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 followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- The position’s assigned duty station is located at the Sedro Woolley region office. The majority (80%) of work is performed alone in isolated, unimproved areas. Incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all 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, UTVs, and off-road motorcycles on trails in moderate to difficult terrain. Must be able to cover reasonable distances per day in the field on moderate to very difficult terrain. Must be willing to work alone and in remote terrain and all weather conditions. These duties are accomplished while the employee is working alone, in remote locations, often with no cell service. The employee must exercise independent judgment to make the best decisions possible to protect the department, the resources, and their safety. This occurs often in difficult and potentially dangerous situations, with no backup from law enforcement or other staff.
- Position requires a large majority (90%) of time in the field traveling alone between trailheads, trails, day use areas, and work centers. Most travel will be in the region.
- A 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.
- Must be able to complete and pass ORV safety training within three months of the date of hire.
- Bachelor’s degree in public use, recreation, natural resources, forestry, law enforcement, or a closely related field.
- Familiarity with the Washington Department of Natural Resources’ public use and trust land management responsibilities and practices.
- Law Enforcement experience.
- Familiarity with Washington State RCWs and WACs relating to ORV and Public Use on state land.
- Knowledge of outdoor recreation activities preferred.
- Certification as an ATV or off-road motorcycle trainer.
- Additional education specializing in outdoor recreation or public use.
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Supplemental Information
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Application Requirements:
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:- Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
- Commitment to organizational health and wellness
- Work/life balance
- DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
- Leadership that empowers and supports employees
- Professional development opportunities
- Educational and career development aid
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
- Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
- A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress
- Employer
- State of Washington
- Address
- View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
- Website
- http://www.careers.wa.gov