Recreation, Education, & Enforcement Specialist/Natural Resource Specialist 1
South Puget Sound Region – Tumwater
Recruitment # 2020-06-7878
This is a full-time, Project, Represented Position.
Estimated Appointment Date – August 1, 2020 to February 1, 2022

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

South Puget Sound Region is actively seeking a Recreation/Education & Enforcement (E&E) Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 1) for the Black Hills District Recreation Program. This is a project, full-time position. The duty station is in Tumwater, Washington. The Capitol Forest encompasses approximately 110,000 acres of DNR-managed state trust lands and has 500 miles of open non gated roads, 90 individual campsites, 5 trailheads, 150 miles of trails and 30 recreational events a year. Capitol State Forest is noted to have some of the best cross county trails for mountain biking, equestrian and trail running in the Washington. Additionally there are trails for motorcycles, quads and ebikes. Capitol State Forest is a working forest which provide a stream of revenue to public schools and other trust beneficiaries through timber harvest and other forest products.

This position along with another E&E specialist, participates in outreach and education efforts which includes: enforcement & education of recreation rules under the Washington Administrative code (WAC), organized event compliance, neighborhood contacts, user group and stakeholder meetings. The position engages in volunteer recruitment, training and compliance. The position interacts with DNR Police Services and other law enforcement agencies.

This position is also responsible for implementation and management of recreation facility and trail projects which include: meeting with volunteer stakeholders, drafting permits and assist the recreation manager in developing and presenting recreation related grants. The position assists with project implementation, budgeting, and compliance with applicable RCW, WAC, and agency policies and procedures.

Both functions of the position are highly visible to the public and acts as a point of contact for many user groups, volunteers, visitors, and stakeholders as well as individuals seeking information and/or assistance. This position is responsible for communicating department, region, and district goals, which includes but not limited to: environmental protection, timber sales, recreation, wildland fire control, and various forest management activities.

This position reports to a Recreation Manager (Natural Resource Specialist 3) and interacts with law enforcement agencies from the county, and state agencies including WA DNR. Additionally the position interacts with administrative and other personnel of DNR, correctional crews, other public agencies, and the general public. Work is generated by district and division staff, DNR law enforcement along with outside customers.

What we will trust you with:
Coordination and oversight of education, enforcement, outreach, management of recreational and public access activities, trail stewardship, volunteer coordination, and to educate the general public, neighbors, and recreational users about recreational opportunities, appropriate recreational behavior and rules and regulations.
Implementing incident observation, data collection and posting and maintaining education and enforcement signage. Responsible for writing non-criminal citations if necessary to gain compliance.
Responsible for distributing educational materials on trails and trailheads, implementing outreach activities.
Assist in trail and facility project implementation, budgeting and compliance with applicable RCW, WAC, agency policies and procedures.
Responsibilities include assisting in obtaining county and environmental permits and cost tracking. Perform GPS traverses for projects. Use of several different types of technology, including smart phone or tablet apps for forest orienteering and navigation. The successful applicant will have background check performed by DNR law enforcement.

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:
Demonstrated regard for safety in all aspects of the working environment.
Duties of this position require demonstrated knowledge of a wide variety of recreation management skills, tools, and methods.
Communicating effectively in writing and verbally in both small and large group settings is required.
Familiarity with the principles and practices of recreation management, and how public involvement fits into the landscape, is crucial.
Highly developed planning, writing, oral communication, and public presentations skills including the ability to present information for grants, community groups and effective public contacts.
Fluency in current word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements. 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.
The ability to:
Self-manage
Effectively conduct work and achieve results
Work in a team setting
Foster innovation and change
Develop personal skills
Effectively communicate
Provide excellent internal and external community relations.

Desirable Qualifications:
Familiarity with Washington State Department of Natural Resources recreation, natural areas and trust land management responsibilities and practices.
Prior experience in managing large landscapes with complex levels of recreation and interest.
Additional education specializing in recreation or public use.

The Location

One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office is located in Tumwater, near Olympia and the expansive Capitol State Forest.

Why work for DNR?
At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

What makes DNR a great place to work?
Transitioning to a modern work environment
Mobile work
Infants at work program
Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Work/life balance
Leadership development opportunities
Educational aid and career development stipends
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
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.

Application Process

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.
You must attach the following:
A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
A resume including the names of three to five professional references
Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions? Please contact Philip Wolff at (360) 628-2391, Philip.wolff@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139. DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.