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Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2

State of Washington

State of Washington

Thurston County, WA, USA
USD 3,477-4,632 / month
Posted on Oct 11, 2025

Description



Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2
Recruitment #2025-10-A320
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly


Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/17/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Recreation and Conservation Division as a Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2.

Are you interested in a career that allows you to conserve the most intact, naturally functioning ecosystems, including rare plant and animal species, throughout Washington state? Do you want to be part of the team protecting these sites in perpetuity… forever?

DNR is looking for a Natural Areas Steward to help with management and restoration efforts on the department’s system of natural areas, currently totaling over 173,000 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 to 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 several state and federal conservation programs. The Recreation Program supports all types of public access to the department's forest and other lands, including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, motorcycling, ATV trail riding, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing, among others.

The Natural Areas Steward works with program ecologists and land managers to implement scientifically based management, restoration, and monitoring practices on preserves and conservation areas throughout western Washington and occasionally in other parts of the state. Under the direction of the lead program ecologist, this position typically works as part of a 2 to 3-person crew and occasionally helps direct volunteers and partners working on natural areas. To be successful in this position, you need a working knowledge of native species and ecosystems in Washington state, as well as experience and knowledge with natural resource management and restoration practices.

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Implement invasive species control and surveys on DNR-owned natural areas, including herbicide applications, mowing, and mechanical removal
  • Coordinate and implement restoration practices on natural areas, including native seed collection, planting, prescribed fire fuel break preparations, and falling small trees
  • Participate in prescribed burns per National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualifications
  • Use GIS and GPS technology to map natural area features and treatments
  • Monitor ecological features and effects of land and resource management actions, including identifying plants using a technical key, recording data in plots, and conducting botanical and faunal surveys.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a major study in conservation biology, botany, plant ecology, restoration ecology, or a closely related field;
    OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • One year of technical experience in a closely related natural resource field. This must include six months of experience implementing habitat restoration or invasive plant control projects.
  • Experience with invasive species control, including application of commercial herbicides, and an understanding of how to choose the best method in various scenarios.
  • Knowledge of ecological principles, and an understanding of ecosystem processes – including those regarding ecosystems of western Washington.
  • Knowledge of ecological field data collection techniques.
  • Knowledge of how to keep records and take field notes.
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently oversee volunteers to accomplish program goals.
  • 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:
  • Position’s assigned duty station is Olympia. Work performed is field work (approximately 90%) with some travel to remote locations. Must be able to execute assigned projects independently without direct supervision. Field visits require the physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested, or backcountry landscapes and terrains and the ability to traverse uneven terrain. The ability to mix and apply herbicides without supervision is required.
  • Some travel throughout western Washington will be required. Occasional overnight trips may be necessary up to once per month. Occasional requests for overnight travel statewide to attend other region or all program staff meetings may occur infrequently.
  • 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.
Desired Qualifications:
  • A Current, valid Pesticide Applicator’s License.
  • Ability in plant identification, including the ability to use a dichotomous key (preferably Hitchcock & Cronquist’s “Flora of the Pacific Northwest”).
  • Experience conducting rare plant surveys and using plant monitoring techniques.
  • Experience using a GPS and familiarity with computer spreadsheet or database programs.
  • Advanced knowledge & familiarity with the flora of western Washington and a working knowledge of the invasive species present in western Washington.
  • Experience conducting restoration projects in western Washington prairie-oak, conifer forest, and wetland ecosystems.
  • Experience working with GIS-based computer applications.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. 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 David Wilderman at David.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov/360-628-1492 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 VisionOur 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 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 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.

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