Salary: $42,696.00 – $57,324.00 Annually
Location: Okanogan County – Omak, WA
Job Type: Full-time, Seasonal, Represented position.
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Job Number: 2023-3-7601-03150
Closing: 3/23/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Recruitment: #2023-3-7601-03150
*Anticipated 10 mo. seasonal appointment

The Department of Natural Resources has an exciting opportunity in our Northeast Region. We are looking for a Recreation Warden to join our recreation team based out of Omak, WA. The Recreation program’s vision is to “Provide diverse and high-quality recreational opportunities within Department of Natural Resources landscapes that foster community engagement, promote a strong sense of environmental stewardship, and enrich the quality of life in Washington”. The goals to manage statewide recreation are to:

  1. Promote the safety of the public, DNR employees, and volunteers.
  2. Support enjoyable recreation that is compatible with land management responsibilities
  3. Work in collaboration with volunteers and interested stakeholders to provide engaging recreational opportunities
  4. Manage healthy natural landscapes and working forests that can sustain recreation for current and future generations

This position provides a professional level of education and enforcement duties for the west half of Northeast Region. This position is highly visible to the public and acts as a primary point of contact in the field for visitors, user groups, volunteers, campground hosts and neighbors. The Recreation Warden will help Northeast Region achieve the mission by providing and maintaining public safety and providing resource protection. This is accomplished by investigating, educating the general public, neighbors, and recreational users about recreational opportunities and appropriate behavior, applicable rules and regulations, and determining the appropriate enforcement action if needed.

Duties
Responsibilities:

  • Engage with multiple recreational user groups, the local community and volunteers, educate and enforce applicable recreation and public access laws, rules, policies and procedures pertaining to recreating on State Trust lands.
  • Routinely patrol trail’s and facilities on ORV, foot or mountain bike. 
  • Operate small power tools, a full size pick-up, digital / surveillance cameras, computer, GPS, and various other types of equipment. 
  • Analyze areas of concern, then create and implement program components that emphasize resource protection and user safety to address issues. 
  • Performs light maintenance and minor repairs on trails and at recreation facilities while on patrol, including cleaning sites, facilities, and structures as needed when on site, and updating informational signage at kiosks
  • May be asked to work evenings, holidays and weekends. Attends trainings, meetings and serves on committees as assigned or determined through discussions with the supervisor. This position may be involved in DNR’s emergency fire suppression efforts (voluntary only); if so, successful completion of pertinent training will be required. 
  • Attend monthly district meetings and other formal training sessions on a periodic basis. 
  • Assist other team members on projects as needed or assigned throughout the Northeast Region. 
  • Coordinates and supervises the Campground Hosts, as well as other education and enforcement related volunteer efforts.
  • Oversees special events and acts as point of contact for special use permits and contract compliance
  • Inspect and evaluate trails and facilities before and after permitted organized events. 

Qualifications
Required Qualifications: 

  • An AA degree in natural resources, criminal justice, recreational management or a closely related field, or a minimum of two years professional experience in Natural Resources, Forestry, or law enforcement in natural resource management agency or public municipality or a combination on education and/or experience equivalent.
  • Experience working collaboratively with community members and diverse stakeholders, as well as government and non-profit entities. This includes experience facilitating public meetings and speaking effectively to large groups of people in public settings.
  • Experience with conflict resolution and defusing tense situations.
  • Familiarity with the principles and practices of recreation management, and how public involvement fits into the landscape.
  • Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar computer software.
  • DNR Core Competencies: 
    • Personal Accountability 
    • Value Others 
    • Compassionate Communication 
    • Inspire Others 
    • Commitment to Excellence

Working Conditions:

  • Position’s assigned duty station is the Omak work center. This position is primarily a field position, working approximately 85% in the field and 15% 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 ATV’s on trails in moderate to difficult terrain. Ability to lift in excess of 45 pounds while performing duties.
  • Position requires large majority (85%) of time in the field traveling alone between trailheads, campgrounds, 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 valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. 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.
  • Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  • Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to complete their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (be fully vaccinated against COVID-19) or be approved for a medical or religious exemption and accommodation as a condition of employment. Please note, any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status or having an approved medical or religious exemption and accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved exemption and accommodation. “Fully vaccinated” means the following: An employee is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen) authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA or listed for emergency use, or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization.

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in forest recreation management, criminal justice, natural resource, or related field and two (2) years 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.
  • Law enforcement experience
  • Educational/interpretive/teaching experience
  • Advance First Aid Training
  • ORV, equine, and mountain bike riding skills, as well as strong outdoor skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of software (PowerPoint, photo editing, Excel, Microsoft Project and Word), including experience in the use of GIS and GPS technology and software.
  • Knowledgeable of forest management activities, forest-based land-use law, recreation-use law and practices.

Application Requirements

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position. 
  • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements. 
  • Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
  • Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).  
  • Complete all supplemental questions. 

To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3937508/natural-resource-specialist-1-recreation-warden

Supplemental Information
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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.
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 those 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 benefit 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.

Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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 prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The 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.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 890-2149 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
 
Questions?  Please contact Chris Marcolin at Christopher.Marcolin@dnr.wa.gov, (509) 680-3785 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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.

To Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3937508/natural-resource-specialist-1-recreation-warden

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