NW Region Natural Public Use Manager, Natural Resource Specialist ; NRS

NW Region Natural Areas Public Use Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

Recruitment #2026-1-3157
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location:

Northwest Region
- Sedro-Woolley, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2/3/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our NW Region as the NW Region Natural Areas Public Use Manager.

This position provides senior‑level recreation expertise and leadership on DNR‑managed Natural Areas landscapes throughout the Northwest Region, including Cattle Point NRCA, Cypress Island NRCA, Lummi Island NRCA, Morning Star NRCA, and Point Doughty NAP, and on San Juan Island recreation sites outside Natural Areas landscapes, including Griffin Bay on San Juan Island and Upright Channel on Lopez Island. Within these landscapes, the guidance of the NW Region Natural Areas Manager, the incumbent independently plans and coordinates the recreation program, including landscape‑level recreation planning, volunteer coordination, coordination and oversight of Washington Conservation Corp (Puget Sound Corp) crews, resource allocation, and project management for the Natural Areas Program.

This position helps the Northwest Region achieve DNR’s mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision making, on‑the‑ground participation, and excellent planning. In addition, the incumbent prepares grant applications, presents before granting committees, and tracks implementation, including finances.

• Project Management: Work independently to provide senior‑level project management for operations, capital, and grant‑funded projects. Identify, research, prioritize, plan, and implement a wide variety of projects in the various Natural Areas landscapes throughout the Region, and at DNR‑managed recreation sites in the San Juan Islands.
• Public Use Planning, Management, and Landscape Stewardship: Conduct senior‑level recreation management and planning. Plan, prioritize, and direct work related to maintenance and operations activities on trails, and at campgrounds, picnic areas, interpretive sites, etc., within Natural Areas throughout the Northwest Region, and at San Juan Islands recreation properties.
• Supervision: Supervise, evaluate, and mentor subordinate recreation staff, which could include staff such as recreation stewards, technicians, and education wardens.
• Outreach, Education, and Relationship Building: Work to resolve sensitive recreation‑related issues with a variety of partners. Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to find creative and innovative solutions compatible with conservation objectives. Represent the department’s interests when interacting with the public where there are sensitive, complex issues, including unauthorized or incompatible uses or proposals. Acts as the department’s representative related to constituent or business partner inquiries.
• Site Maintenance and Construction: Directs and performs maintenance and construction of public‑use facilities, including trails, bridges, restrooms, tables, small buildings, signs, etc.

• A bachelor’s degree in natural resources or a related field AND a minimum of two years of work experience in the following areas:
  • Professional work experience in recreation, natural resources, or a related field;
  • Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, and the general public on natural resources related to recreation;
  • Experience working with recreation use policy in forest land or conservation lands settings, including work related to SEPA, Forest Practices, County, and other permitting processes.
  • OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with independently planning and prioritizing work and allocating resources.
• Well‑developed experience…