Natural Resource Police Officer; NRPO

Natural Resource Police Officer (NRPO)

Recruitment #2026-6-7173. Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (Coalition).

Location:

Pacific Cascade Region - Battle Ground, WA (upon hire, must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties). Work hours and relocation compensation may be considered. Salary: $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly (includes 2% wage increase effective July 1, 2026).

• Identify and prioritize areas of indiscriminate use to locate violators and deter violations.
• Provide proactive patrols, issue citations and infractions using assigned patrol vehicles and off‑road vehicles for remote or limited access areas.
• Complete reports, collect and preserve evidence, create and execute search warrants, and testify in criminal and civil courts.
• Attend administrative hearings and collaborate with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies on joint jurisdiction or special cases.
• Conduct complex criminal and civil investigations on lands protected by the Department of Natural Resources, such as theft of specialized forest products.
• Coordinate enforcement patrols with regional personnel to address special events or identified issues.
• Assist wildfire investigators with enforcement of Forest Protection laws when requested.
• Maintain cross‑agency commission with local, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Work with assigned region staff to provide oversight on signage that enhances compliance and enforcement.
• Work with assigned region staff to identify problem areas and recommend solutions to gain compliance with agency rules and regulations.
• Initiate or participate in public outreach and education activities.
• Work with the Department of Natural Resources Communications and Outreach section to address specific issues through the use of social media outlets.
• Complete monthly reports.
• Maintain and update computer‑aided dispatch logs.
• Provide required care, upkeep, and maintenance of assigned equipment, including patrol vehicle, firearms, all‑terrain off‑road vehicles, chainsaws, radios, and other assigned equipment.
• Conduct annual inspections of assigned equipment and document tracked equipment on required forms.
• Attend regional meetings if requested.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy per RCW , OR Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy per WAC , OR a Washington CJTC‑recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.
• Four years of experience as a fully commissioned law enforcement officer, deputy sheriff, or state trooper.

• Excellent verbal, non‑verbal, and written communication skills.
• 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 follow requests.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Must successfully pass a complete background investigation before hire, including an in‑depth interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and pre‑employment drug screening (urinalysis).
• Upon hire, must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties.
• Position works in an outdoor environment to enforce natural resources and criminal laws. Patrols occur on land and water at all hours and in all weather conditions. The position typically works alone in remote areas with limited backup resources.
• Must be willing to travel long distances and be away from home for extended periods as needed.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience are required. State drivers must possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted.

• Lead investigator or detective experience.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in natural resource science, criminal justice, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Forest Management experience.

• Online…