Derelict Vessel Removal Program , Natural Resource Specialist ; NRS

Derelict Vessel Removal Program Support, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)

Recruitment #2025-12-P498
• Full‑time, Project, Represented position (WPEA)
• Anticipated Project appointment February 2026 – June 2027
•

Location:

Natural Resources Building, Olympia, WA
• Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
• Salary: $3,811.00 – $5,117.00 Monthly
• Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/6/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites applications for an exciting opportunity within the Aquatics Resources Division:
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. Derelict or abandoned vessels pose a risk to public safety and the health of Washington’s marine and freshwater ecosystems. Since 2002 the program has removed over 3,160 abandoned or neglected vessels from Washington waterways.

• Apply program knowledge, guidelines, and research in preparing vessel removal work requests, contracts, and interagency agreements for DVRP and VTiP.
• Manage DVRP and VTiP requests for quotes, communicate with staff and contractors on bids, announce successful bidders, and provide contract information to staff and management.
• Provide technical assistance to contractors, reviewing work progress, products, and invoices per program guidelines and policies.
• Maintain and update program materials, including website content, program guidelines, outreach materials, and templates for letters and contracts.
• Aide program staff in developing and submitting grant applications and maintaining and monitoring grants for compliance.
• Liaise with state, local, tribal, and federal agencies and contractors, providing analysis, research, and guidance on policy, legal, and technical aspects of the DVRP/VTiP and contract issues.
• Build relationships and conduct program training for authorized public entities.
• Prepare vessel custody notices and track timelines for DNR‑led removals in accordance with state law.
• Use Department of Licensing, social media, Accurint database, and USCG Documentation Center to conduct computer searches for information on derelict vessel owners.
• Draft and send initial custody and "pre‑custody" letters to owners of potentially derelict or abandoned vessels.
• Assist program staff in coordinating the removal and deconstruction of vessels, seeking input on site‑specific environmental issues and required permits or other considerations; search through Department of Enterprise Services 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 tracking information.
• Experience in customer service.
• Knowledge of contracting laws, state contracting policies, agreements, business and professional services practices, trends, 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 teamwork.
• Commitment to fostering an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, public records retention, and request processes.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• 90% of this job is performed in an office setting, with the remaining 10% in and around vessels.
• Frequent travel to vessels, primarily in Western Washington.

• Experience with commercial marine vessel salvage and disposal.
• Experience evaluating programmatic objectives in…