Natural Resource Police Officer; NRPO

Recruitment #2026-6-7173

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (Coalition) | Pacific Cascade Region – Battle Ground, WA (must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties upon hire)

Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered. Relocation Compensation may be available and considered.

Salary: $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly (includes a general wage increase of 2% for all state employees effective July 1, 2026).

Natural Resource Police Officers are armed, uniformed police officers sworn to enforce the laws of the State of Washington and the Constitution of the United States on all lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. They protect public safety, state assets, and the environment, and investigate, identify, and initiate prosecution of those who commit crimes on state‑protected lands.

The position reports directly to the Natural Resources Police Sergeant.

• Identifies and prioritizes areas that experience indiscriminate use to identify violators and/or deter such acts.
• Provides proactive patrols, issues citations and infractions using patrol vehicles and off‑road vehicles to access remote or limited access areas.
• Completes reports, collects and preserves evidence, creates and executes search warrants, and testifies in criminal and civil courts. Attends administrative hearings and collaborates with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies as needed.
• Conducts complex criminal and civil investigations on lands protected by the DNR, such as theft of specialized forest products on state lands.
• Coordinates enforcement patrols with regional personnel to address 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 provide oversight on signage that enhances compliance and enforcement.
• Identifies problem areas and recommends solutions to gain compliance with agency rules and regulations.
• Initiates or participates in public outreach and education activities.
• Uses social media outlets to address specific issues in partnership with the DNR Communications and Outreach section.
• Completes monthly reports.
• Maintains and updates computer‑aided dispatch logs.
• Provides care, upkeep, and maintenance of assigned equipment, including 4x4 patrol vehicle, firearms, all‑terrain off‑road vehicles, chainsaws, radios, and other assigned equipment.
• Conducts annual inspections of assigned equipment and documents tracked equipment 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 (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy per RCW , or Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy (BLEEA) per WAC , or a Washington CJTC‑recognized basic law enforcement certificate from another state.
• Four years’ 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 requests are followed.
• 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).
• Must reside within Cowlitz, Clark, or Skamania Counties upon hire.
• Position works in an outdoor environment to enforce natural resources and criminal laws; patrols are conducted on land and water and take place at all hours and all weather conditions. The position often works alone and in remote areas with…