Derelict Vessel Removal Program , Natural Resource Specialist ; NRS

Derelict Vessel Removal Program Support, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) (Recruitment #2025-12-P498) – State of Washington

Full‑time, Project, Represented position (WPEA). Anticipated project appointment:
February 2026 – June 2027.

Location:

Natural Resources Building – Olympia, WA. Salary: $3,811.00 – $5,117.00 monthly. Work hours and partial telework flexibility may be available and considered. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Aquatics Resources Division as a Derelict Vessel Removal Program Support (NRS1). This position provides program support in administration, data entry, document reviews, phone calls, mailing legal documents, and assisting the program manager with reviewing invoices.

• Applies program knowledge, program guidelines, and research in the preparation of vessel removal work requests, contracts, and interagency agreements for DVRP and VTiP.
• Manages DVRP and VTiP requests for quotes. Communicates with staff and contractors on bids; works with staff to announce apparent successful bidders. Provides information on contracts and interagency agreements to staff and management.
• Provides technical assistance to contractors. Reviews contractor work progress, products, and invoices per program guidelines and policies.
• Maintains and updates program materials, including the website content, program guidelines, public outreach materials, and templates for letters and contracts.
• Aides program staff in developing and submitting grant applications. Maintains and monitors grants to ensure compliance.
• Liaises with state, local, tribal, and federal agencies and contractors and provides analysis, research, and guidance on policy, legal, and technical aspects of the DVRP/VTiP and contract issues. Works with program staff to provide analysis, research in both legal and technical aspects of the DVRP/VTiP.
• Build relationships and conduct program training for authorized public entities.
• Prepares vessel custody notices and tracks timelines for DNR‑led removals in accordance with state law.
• Drafts and sends initial custody and “pre‑custody” letters to owners of potentially derelict or abandoned vessels.
• Assists program staff in coordinating the removal and deconstruction of vessels. Seeks input from team members on site‑specific environmental issues and required permits or other considerations. Searches through Department of Enterprise Services (DES) contractors for appropriate entities.

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field: OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office applications and other software products used for generating reports and/or tracking information.
• Experience in customer service.
• Knowledge of contracting laws, state contracting policies, agreements, etc.; business and professional services, practices, and trends; and sources of supply and cost factors, contract terminology, and development.
• Accustomed to conveying ideas and information, both verbally and in writing.
• Accustomed to encouraging and facilitating working as a team.
• 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

• Experience with commercial marine vessel salvage and disposal.
• Experience evaluating programmatic objectives in consideration of law and policy.
• Experience acquiring permits for aquatic operations and knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations (state, local, and federal).
• Experience writing and managing state, federal, and interagency contracts and is proficient in interpreting and enforcing contract terms.
• Technical experience in the development, administration, or termination of contracts is preferable.
• 24‑hour HAZWOPER Certification.