Recreation Maintenance Steward, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
State of Washington
Skagit County, WA, USA · Sedro-Woolley, WA, USA
USD 4,299-5,783 / month
Description
-
Recreation Maintenance Steward, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Recruitment #2026-5-5410
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent is 06/01/2026 - 06/30/2027
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 05/25/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Recreation Maintenance Steward provides professional and technical level recreational expertise on DNR-managed conservation and trust lands in Northwest Region. This position helps to conserve some of the most beautiful areas of the state while assisting in the management of recreation sites in the San Juan Islands and Cascade Mountains as a member of the Northwest Region Natural Areas work group. The goal is to create sustaining long-term ecosystem protection and productivity through planning, enhancing and managing public use. The viability of these lands will be maintained through effective communication and coordination with those who use and recreate on DNR managed lands. This position helps Northwest Region achieve the mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision making, and excellent planning. The incumbent plans, coordinates and manages work projects, including volunteer work parties and WCC work crews throughout the various landscapes. The incumbent provides field expertise for a variety of tasks, including construction and installation of infrastructure, maintenance of facilities, scheduling of volunteers, decommissioning of unsanctioned trails, and the repair and clean-up of vandalism. In addition, the incumbent assists the Natural Areas Public Use Manager in analyzing and scoping capital projects, preparing grant applications, presenting before granting committees and tracking implementation, including finances. This position works in the office and in the field, under various DNR plans and policies. Duties
Responsibilities:
Facilities Maintenance and Repair:
Direct and perform maintenance activities at developed recreation facilities within the assigned geographic area. Supervise and guide crews that carry out these maintenance activities and undertake operations individually to ensure safe, sustainable public access to facilities and trails. Evaluate, consult with other staff as appropriate, and address current needs and improvements to facilities and infrastructure. Make recommendations to Region and Program staff for new development, significant improvements, or decommissioning of recreation infrastructure.
Project Implementation:
Working in remote, field locations, implement capital and grant funded construction, maintenance, and restoration projects. Utilize appropriate construction techniques to develop, build and renovate recreation facilities such as trails, bridges, boardwalks, signs, camping areas, kiosks, shelters, toilets, etc. Interpret construction drawings, permit requirements, contracts or other technical materials to ensure projects are completed to specification. Schedule project activities to ensure project completion on time and within budget. Operate necessary tools and equipment to perform all phases of layout and construction and/or renovation on recreation facilities. Coordinate logistics to ensure work crews, materials, and tools are available for use in remote work locations.
Work Crew Supervision:
Supervise WCC work crews, volunteers, and other DNR staff assigned to projects for which the incumbent is responsible, either in whole or in part, while conducting operations. Maintain a safe working environment for self, crews and volunteers. Instruct others and lead work during project implementation, demonstrating proper construction techniques and methods to achieve end results.
Project Planning:
Coordinate and conduct efforts to assess the trail systems, camping areas and trailheads at developed recreation sites for needed repairs, renovation or new development. Assist the Natural Areas Public Use Manager in planning, drafting, and presenting Capital proposals and grant applications. In collaboration with the Natural Areas Public Use Manager, take the lead in assessing complex issues and problem areas associated with public use; identify solutions and resolve concerns, as needed.
Communications and Outreach:
Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external partners, including conservation and recreation interest groups. Represent the Department in response to constituent and business partner inquiries, and when interacting with the public involving sensitive, complex issues related to recreation on DNR-managed lands. Provide information and education to groups about the department and its programs. Participate in the distribution of information to the recreating public through placement of signage, outreach to user groups, and information broadcast by agency communications staff.Qualifications
-
Required Qualifications:
- An Associate’s Degree in natural resources, outdoor recreation, planning, or a related field;
AND one year of professional related experience;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience working collaboratively with multiple organizations and/or agencies in a collaborative environment.
- Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, and the general public on natural resources related recreation.
- Working knowledge of forest management activities and State trust land responsibilities.
- Experience with project planning and management, such as writing planning documents and preparing cost estimates.
- Experience in public outreach and education.
- Working knowledge of GPS systems and basic GIS principles.
Required Competencies:- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Dedication to a Safe Workplace
- Communications Effectiveness
- Team Leadership
- Customer Focus
- 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 assigned duty station is the Northwest Region Office. Approximately 25% of the work is performed in an office setting, and the balance is performed in the field. Field work may be performed alone or with other DNR staff, WCC crews, volunteers, contractors, or others, in remote, backcountry areas. Many different terrain conditions, distances, and weather conditions will be experienced in the normal course of routine fieldwork. Must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must be able to cover reasonable distances per day in the field, covering moderate to difficult terrain. Must be able to operate off-road vehicles/equipment as part of normal duties.
- Position requires travel to remote locations in NW Region, with occasional overnight stays (e.g., camping in backcountry locations). Occasional day, overnight, and weeklong travel to Olympia and other locations for meetings, trainings, etc. is also required.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in outdoor recreation management or other natural resources management;
AND one year of professional program development and management experience. - At least one year of experience supervising and evaluating contractor or work crew performance.
- Ability to provide presentations to the public and other agency staff.
- Know how to use power tools and other common trail maintenance equipment.
- Experience with project scoping and conceptualization, including leading and coordinating design work, identifying regulatory requirements, and drafting proposals.
- Ability to plan and prioritize work.
- Fluency in current word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
- Experience with boat operations and maintenance in a marine environment.
- Experience working with helicopter external load operations, including packaging loads, organizing operations, and communicating with helicopter pilots.
- An Associate’s Degree in natural resources, outdoor recreation, planning, or a related field;
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.
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.
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

