Description

Natural Resource Specialist 1, Education and Enforcement Trail Steward
Recruitment #2023-3-7145
Full-time, Project, Represented position
Anticipated Project is: April - October 2023
Location: Pacific Cascade Region- Battle Ground, WA
Salary: $3,558.00 - $4,777.00 Monthly

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you someone who loves the outdoors, and is passionate about recreation opportunities in Southwest Washington? Do you have previous law enforcement experience? Natural Resource interpretation experience? Park Ranger experience? Do you enjoy helping people? If you enjoy the outdoors, appreciate a remote natural environment, have good practical outdoor skills with a proven ability to work independently and in a team environment, then this job may be for you!

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has an immediate opening for a grant supported Education and Enforcement Trail Steward, non-commissioned, in the Pacific Cascade Region. This position is primarily responsible for overseeing the education and enforcement efforts for the recreation program in the Pacific Cascade Region. The Education and Enforcement Trail Steward is critical to maintaining public safety and providing resource protection throughout the regions recreation trails and facilities in the Yacolt Burn State Forest and other DNR managed land in Southwest WA. This position is highly visible to the public and acts as a primary point of contact in the field for visitors, user groups, volunteers, campground hosts, and area neighbors. This position is grant funded and guaranteed through October 2023. Additional funding may extend appointment through October 2025.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Educate the public on the rules, regulations, polices and producers of recreating on state trust lands.
• Works cooperatively with volunteers to develop, coordinate and implement an organized Forest Watch program.
• Enforce rules and regulations including writing citations and warnings.
• Work collaboratively with all types of user groups, community members and diverse groups representing all forms of recreation as well as non-profit entities.
• Documenting program accomplishments; incident investigation; data collection; posting educational signage; and compliance of permitted events on department managed lands.
• Provides an informational enforcement presence at user group meetings and organized events; and serves as a valuable resource for law enforcement staff, search and rescue efforts, and emergency response crews
• Routinely patrols trails and facilities on ORV’s, foot or mountain bike.
• Performs light maintenance and minor repairs on trails and at recreation facilities while on patrol, including cleaning sites, facilities, and structures as needed when on site, updating informational signage at kiosks.
• Assist with grant management and development.
• Assist with field and office tasks to gather data, and provide reports.
• Assist other team members on projects as needed or assigned throughout the Pacific Cascade Region.
• Use Geographic Information System (GlS) software and data gathering in the field.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• An Associate’s degree in forest recreation management, criminal justice, forest management or related natural resource field; and one year of professional experience at the entry level.
  OR a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.
• Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, and the general public on natural resources related recreation.
• Experience and ability to work collaboratively with all types of people, community members and diverse stakeholders, as well as government and non-profit entities. This includes demonstrated ability to facilitate public meetings and speak effectively to large groups of people in public settings.
• Experience with conflict resolution and defusing tense situations.
• Teamwork and/or Self-Management – Ability to work alone and in a team environment.
• Position requires demonstrated ability to :
  • Align services with agency business needs;
  • Provide outstanding support services to customers.
  • Work effectively in a team environment;
  • Remain flexible in an changing environment;
  • Maintain a positive and professional attitude;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Position Specific Competencies:
  • Dedication to a Safe Workplace
  • Communications Effectiveness
  • Team Leadership
  • Customer Focus
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment :

• Primarily a field position, working approximately 85% in the field and 15% in the office. Individual must be able to traverse and drive in uneven rugged terrain under all weather conditions. Sustained vehicle operation for long periods of time (2-4+ hours). Sustained outdoor work (4-6+ hours) in adverse weather conditions. The position will require operating a four-wheel drive vehicle on highway and forest roads, as well as trail hiking, mountain biking, and riding ATV’s on trails in moderate to difficult terrain.
• Requires some traveling alone between work/field sites in the region. Travel and overnight stay is required for training. During some training assignments, lodging and meals may be provided in a camp and/or dormitory environment.
• Must be 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. 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
• Must be able to pass Basic Enforcement Training during the probationary period.
• Successful completion of ATV safety training.
• Successful completion of DNR Trailer towing training.
• Maintain limited police powers qualifications related to recreation on DNR managed lands.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to complete their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines (be fully vaccinated against COVID-19) or be approved for a medical or religious accommodation as a condition of employment. Please note, any offer of employment is contingent and no start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. “Fully vaccinated” means the following: An employee is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax) or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson (J&J)/Janssen) authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA or listed for emergency use, or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in forest recreation management, criminal justice, natural resource, or related field and two (2) years of professional field experience in forestry, resource or park management (state or federal), natural resources recreation management or in a closely related natural resource field.
• Law enforcement experience.
• Ability and experience interacting with volunteers/stakeholders to accomplish program goals.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of recreation management, and how public involvement fits into the landscape.
• Advance First Aid Training.
• ORV, equine, and mountain bike riding skills, as well as strong outdoor skills.
• Advanced knowledge of software (PowerPoint, photo editing, Excel, Microsoft Project and Word), including experience in the use of GIS and GPS technology and software.
• Knowledgeable of forest management activities, forest-based land-use law, recreation-use law and practices; and the HCP.

Supplemental Information

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.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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 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 Requirements:

• 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.
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

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 prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The 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 of 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.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

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Questions? Please contact Sharon Steriti at sharon.steriti@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.