Natural Resource Police Officer; NRPO

Natural Resource Police Officer (NRPO)

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (Coalition).

Location:

Pacific Cascade Region – Battle Ground, WA (must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties). Salary range: $5,779.00 – $7,774.00 Monthly.

• Identifies and prioritizes areas that experience indiscriminate use to identify violators and deter such acts.
• Provides proactive patrols, issues citations and infractions utilizing various methods, including use of assigned patrol vehicles and off‑road vehicles for remote access.
• Completes reports, collects and preserves evidence, creates and executes search warrants, testifies in criminal and civil courts, attends administrative hearings, and collaborates with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies.
• Conducts complex criminal and civil investigations on DNR protected lands, such as theft of specialized forest products.
• Coordinates enforcement patrols with regional personnel for special events or identified issues.
• Assists wildfire investigators with enforcement of Forest Protection laws when requested.
• Maintains cross‑agency commission with local, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Works with assigned region staff to oversee compliance signage and identify problem areas, recommending solutions.
• Initiates or participates in public outreach and education activities.
• Collaborates with the DNR Communications and Outreach section on social media issues.
• Completes monthly reports and maintains computer‑aided dispatch logs.
• Provides required care, upkeep, and maintenance of assigned equipment (4x4 patrol vehicle, firearms, all‑terrain vehicles, chainsaws, radios, etc.).
• Conducts annual inspections of assigned equipment and documents on required forms.
• Attends regional meetings if requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy, or Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy, or a 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.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
  
  Personal Accountability;
  Value Others;
  Compassionate Communication;
  Inspire Others;
  Commitment to Excellence.

• Must successfully pass a complete background investigation before hire (interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, pre‑employment drug screening).
• Upon hire, must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties.
• Position works in an outdoor environment at all hours and in all weather conditions, often alone and in remote areas.
• 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; license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted.
• Must provide driving record for all states held in past three years.

• Lead investigator or detective experience.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in natural resource science, criminal justice, or related field.
• Forest management experience.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

The Washington State 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 with disability, persons over 40, veterans, military spouses, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.