Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
State of Washington
Skagit County, WA, USA · Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA
USD 4,299-5,783 / month
Posted on May 6, 2026
Description
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Restoration Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)Location: Northwest Region - Sedro Woolley, WA
Recruitment #2026-5-P505
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Project is June 2026 - June 2027
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredSalary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 MonthlyWant to join something GREAT and make a difference?Are you interested in playing an active role in reducing the impacts of marine debris and facilitating habitat restoration throughout the Salish Sea? The Washington Department of Natural Resources is looking for a Restoration Specialist to independently plan and implement the Marine Debris Removal Program within the Aquatic Resources Restoration Program.
This position provides professional restoration leadership on State-Owned Aquatic Lands (SOAL). Within these landscapes, and under the guidance of the Restoration Manager, the incumbent develops partnerships, negotiates access, and manages the removal of marine debris, creosote, and large debris. This position plans removal projects for and directs the work of the full-time six-person Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew based out of Snohomish County. In addition, the incumbent develops and manages Limited Public Works contracts as needed for larger debris removals. A successful candidate will have an interdisciplinary understanding of coastal processes, salvage techniques, worksite and crew management, and excellent customer service working with the public.
Duties
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Responsibilities:
- Provide advice and operational guidance/support to DNR staff, state and local governments, and members of the public regarding the removal of debris from the aquatic environment.
- Coordinates with local marine-resource entities, Tribal governments, and other state/federal agencies to identify priority target areas.
- Manages and operates vessels, heavy equipment, and facilitates transport and trailering of large quantities of marine debris.
- Acts as lead sawyer and manages a suite of chainsaws and other power tools.
- Communicates with private landowners to obtain access to shorelines not managed by a public entity. Develops and manages landowner access agreements.
- Negotiates amount and conditions for in-kind contributions from federal, tribal, state, and local government agencies that participate in creosote and other hazardous waste removal operations alongside the Marine Debris Removal Program.
- Designs and implements Best Management Practices and Task Hazard Analysis for the removal of hazardous material from State-Owned Aquatic Lands and adjacent properties.
- Implements safety program consistent with Labor & Industries recommendations.
- For Public Works contracts, evaluates plans and develops contract specifications; evaluates proposals/bids; conducts field inspections and contract compliance; and reviews and approves plans, pay requests, and other submittals. Ensures projects are implemented within contract time and budget constraints.
- Manages all assigned projects to ensure timely completion within allotted budget, consistent with applicable rules, permit conditions, and agency policies and procedures.
- Takes the lead in holistic landscape level planning and triage as it relates to diffuse marine debris removal.
- Provides public outreach to communities regarding creosote and marine debris removal.
Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree or equivalent education with the following specialties: natural resource management, forestry, geography, marine science, other sciences, engineering, land use, and environmental planning;
AND 1 year of experience performing technical and paraprofessional duties related to natural resource management activities such as restoration, clean up, water quality, habitat protection, marine resources, or marine operations;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience leading work crews, including facilitating on- the-job training.
- Experience operating class 1 motor vessels (vessels 16 to 25 feet in length).
- Experience with troubleshooting, maintaining, and operating equipment such as power tools, remotely operated vehicles, cars, trucks, and vessels.
Required Competencies:- Independently plan and prioritize work and allocated resources.
- Capacity to direct and perform physical labor on a daily basis.
- Proficiency with a computer and software such as Microsoft Word or Excel.
- Speak and write clearly and succinctly.
- Experience collaborating on complex and contentious issues in an active respectful, cooperative, and professional manner.
- 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 work environment is split roughly evenly between the office and the field. Most fieldwork involves being on, over, or adjacent to water. Many projects involve working over uneven terrain and steep slopes for long hours and in a variety of weather conditions. Projects also involve working around heavy equipment, vessels, and helicopters. Some fieldwork involves travel by small motorboat, either as crew or captain.
- Travel involving overnight stays (1-2 trips/month) will be required. The geographic area includes all of the Puget Sound’s marine and estuarine shorelines.
- 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, an Occupational/Restricted Driver License 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.
- Obtain and maintain a certified vessel operator certificate or equivalent.
- A bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use and environmental planning, or public policy.
- Experience working alone and independently in remote locations.
- Experience operating, working, and maintaining heavy equipment and power tools.
- Familiarity with or participation in the Washington Conservation Corps (Washington Conservation Corps).
- Experience with ArcGIS and GPS technology.
- Academic study of or work experience following the principles and practices of environmental restoration and natural resource management.
- Experience working for or with other environmental protection or natural resource agencies.
- Associate’s degree or equivalent education with the following specialties: natural resource management, forestry, geography, marine science, other sciences, engineering, land use, and environmental planning;
Supplemental Information
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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.
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 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 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.
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