Natural Resources Technician 3 (Non-Permanent)
Thurston County, WA, USA
Description
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About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a motivated and environmentally focused individual to provide technical support to the Headquarters Restoration Crew within the Environmental Services Office Wetlands Program . In this non-permanent role, you will help manage, develop, maintain, and monitor habitat restoration, fish passage, roadside restoration, and wetland mitigation sites on public lands across Washington State, supporting WSDOT's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable transportation infrastructure. Our top candidates will possess excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, the ability to work collaboratively in both field and office settings, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and resource conservation.
What to Expect
This position performs work that is primarily hands-on outdoor, physical in nature and is completed in varied inclement weather. This includes exposure to hazardous conditions such as working alongside traffic and construction power equipment, using manual and power tools, outdoor weather exposure, slips, trips, falls, and exposure to hazardous materials including trash, petroleum fuels, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Natural Resources Technician 3 will:
- Act as a technical support specialist to implement adaptive management plans to maintain environmentally compensatory mitigation areas and roadside restoration areas.
- Support existing adaptive management plans by planting native vegetation.
- Apply herbicides on restoration, mitigation and roadside sites to control and eradicate noxious weeds and perform manual removal of nuisance and noxious weeds if needed.
- Ensure that Invasive Aquatic Species National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit, DOE, and WSDA regulations are followed during all aquatic or non-aquatic pesticide applications.
- Read and interpret technical work plans, maps, and plan sheets.
- Operate, clean, maintain and store hand tools and small gas or electric power equipment.
- Drive heavy duty trucks transporting materials, supplies, and equipment.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Plant Identification: Ability to accurately identify Washington native plants, nuisance and noxious weeds to help achieve performance standards and permit requirements.
- Herbicide Application & Safety: Skills to apply aquatic and non-aquatic herbicides safely and in compliance with WSDA, DOE, and agency regulations; ability to maintain pesticide records and store/handle chemicals properly.
- Restoration & Habitat Management: Ability to implement adaptive management plans on mitigation and restoration sites, maintain site activities spreadsheets, install native vegetation and erosion control devices.
- Power Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Skills and ability to operate and maintain hand tools, sprayers, and power equipment.
- Teamwork & Communication: Skills to work effectively within a crew, supports supervisors, collaborate with other regional restoration crews, and professionally engage with the public.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- A valid Washington State traffic control flaggers card, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- A valid WSDA pesticide applicators license with public operator and applicable endorsements or, the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to perform heavy manual labor, in dense vegetation, streams, and wet areas with exposure to outdoor inclement weather.
- Ability to traverse uneven, unstable, and/or slippery terrain.
- Ability to read maps, plan sheets, technical work plans and communicate effectively.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Ecological Restoration & Environmental Stewardship: Knowledge of ecological restoration, habitat management, or environmental stewardship principles.
- Restoration & Natural Resource Support: Experience supporting restoration, environmental, or natural resource projects.
- Field Operations & Safety: Ability to safely perform fieldwork and adapt to changing environmental or operational conditions.
- Equipment & Vehicle Operation: Experience pulling trailers and utility terrain vehicle operation experience.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
- This is a non-permanent opportunity, expected to last seven (7) months.
- This position offers limited flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- Travel is an expectation of the position and is required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis. Overnight travel, up to 3 times per month. Travel often is more than 3 hours roundtrip. On rare occasions, travel time may be up to 4 hours one way.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05594n in the subject line.
