Salary

$67,992.00 – $91,464.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time – Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-5-A362-04036

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Division

Recreation & Conservation

Opening Date

05/12/2026

Closing Date

5/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

 


Working Title

Natural Areas Planner, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3)
Recruitment #2026-5-A362
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Natural Resources Building – Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $5,666.00 – $7,622.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 05/19/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you interested in a career that allows you to shape future conservation land management of the most intact, naturally functioning ecosystems throughout Washington state? Do you want to be part of the team protecting these sites in perpetuity… forever? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Natural Areas Program Environmental Planner to help guide scientifically based conservation management of the department’s statewide system of natural areas, currently totaling 169,000 acres at 97 sites throughout the state. 

The Natural Areas Program is part of DNR’s Recreation and Conservation Division that supports public use and conservation across 3 million acres of state-owned lands, implementing four DNR programs: Recreation, Natural Areas, Natural Heritage, and Conservation Acquisitions. The Natural Areas Program manages 39 natural resources conservation areas (NRCAs) and 58 natural area preserves (NAPs) for the protection and restoration, where necessary, of native ecosystems and rare plants and animals. The program coordinates and promotes educational and research access on natural areas, while offering low-impact recreation in NRCAs. The division’s Natural Heritage Program houses the state’s expertise and data on rare species and rare or high-quality ecological communities, with more than 7,000 data records of species and ecosystems statewide across all ownerships. The division’s Conservation Acquisitions Program secures grants and appropriations for transacting about $40 million in easements or land acquisitions at any given time under a number of state and federal conservation programs. The Recreation Program supports all types of public access to the department’s forested and other lands, including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, motorcycling, ATV trail riding, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing, among others. 

The Natural Areas Program planner works with DNR ecologists and land managers statewide to create or update site-specific or programmatic management plans. In partnership with other programs in DNR’s Recreation and Conservation Division, this position assesses planning needs, determines appropriate planning processes and timelines, oversees the work of interdisciplinary project teams, coordinates public involvement and review of draft products, and formulates recommendations to be incorporated into management plans approved by department managers and the Commissioner of Public Lands. 

To be successful in this position, you not only need a working knowledge of environmental planning methods, natural resources management, and public engagement practices, but you also need to be a leader with the responsibilities indicated below.

 

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Coordination of multiple interdisciplinary, multi-location project teams to meet identified timelines 
  • Researching, or directing research, into conservation land management law and practices 
  • Assembling and summarizing or describing data, maps, laws and policies, and other written works for analysis by department staff and the public as part of the plan-writing process 
  • Creating the work-group and community-based environments that lead to scientifically sound and socially supported conservation and recreation management plans. 

 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources planning, natural resources management, restoration ecology, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • An additional 2 years of professionally related experience in natural resources planning, natural resources management, restoration ecology, environmental sciences, biological sciences, or a related field.
Required Competencies: 
  • Working knowledge of GIS technology and graphic design.
  • Writing and communications skills.
  • Ability to conceive and implement a management planning process to create solutions with a wide array of DNR agency ecologists and land managers, public partners, and state or local agency officials.
  • 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

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Office – 80%, Field-visits to region offices or DNR natural areas or public meetings – 20%.  (These percentages will fluctuate based on the needs of the program.)
  • Travel is required periodically as a function of this position.
  • 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:
  • Experience working collaboratively with ecologists or land managers, agency partners, public lands user groups, and the general public on natural resources or conservation issues.
  • Experience working with natural resources-based land use, environmental policy, and recreation-use policy and practices, such as: NEPA, SEPA, NRCA, or NAP management plans, Natural Heritage plans, recreation plans, or landscape conservation plans.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. We are invested in acquiring the best and most innovative candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. It is important you consider and clearly communicate within your application materials how your education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience transfer to this position and the qualifications. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Don’t hesitate to apply!

 

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

  • 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.
Questions?  Please contact Jayana Marshall at Jayana.Marshall@dnr.wa.gov / (360) 789-3062 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
  • 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 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and 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 DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as social security numbers. 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 with 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

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Employer
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website
http://www.careers.wa.gov