Vessel Turn-in Program Specialist, Natural Resources Specialist ; NRS

Vessel Turn-in Program Specialist, Natural Resources Specialist 2 (NRS2)

Recruitment #2025-12-P499. Position type:
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WPEA). Appointment:
February 2026 – June 2027.

Location:

Natural Resources Building, Olympia, WA. Salary: $4,299.00 – $5,783.00 monthly.

Work hours:

flexible; partial telework may be available.

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.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Aquatics Resources Division as a Vessel Turn-in Program Specialist. The goal of the Vessel Turn-in Program is to prevent boats from becoming derelict or abandoned, protecting water quality and public safety.

• Manage vessel disposal through the Vessel Turn-in Program (VTiP). Work with the VTiP supervisor on public meetings and outreach, and coordinate application review and vessel disposals.
• Perform inspections on vessels, field and office surveys, studies of vessel location, and risk to human safety and the environment with specialized knowledge of shipwrecking processes.
• Conduct background research on vessel location, design, construction materials, ownership, history, disposal options, and methods.
• Use professional knowledge to evaluate vessel condition, combine findings with research, and develop removal and disposal plans. Create bid requests and interagency agreements for vessel removal work.
• Ensure contractor compliance with environmental permits, laws, and regulations; work with contractors to correct deficiencies. Negotiate, review, and approve contractor work progress, products, and billings.
• Compile and issue request for proposals and WA Department of Enterprise Services contract forms for DNR-sponsored removals; assess bids and obtain Division Manager approval.
• Administer contracts by monitoring contractor performance and assuring compliance with DNR permits.
• Audit contractor invoices.
• Reconcile spending with the program’s account and Program Manager.
• Conduct public meetings and outreach regarding the VTiP.
• Develop program materials and templates.
• Respond to inquiries about the program from contractors and the public, assessing situations over the phone and recommending actions based on current law and policy.
• Manage the vessel database; create and run queries to detect trends and changes.
• Prepare documents for review by the Attorney General’s Office in support of appeals and bad debt write‑offs.
• Leverage continuous process improvement ideals to increase efficiency, such as batching vessels, and plan for future program and legislative changes.

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Suite and other software used for reporting or tracking information.
• Experience with customer service.
• Experience reading and applying laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in real time in a fast‑paced environment.
• Sound judgment in performing assigned tasks.
• Commitment to fostering a culture honoring diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
• Perform duties consistently with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention policies.
• DNR Core Competencies
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• 80% office, 20% field activities. Field work includes boat yards and state waters (salt and fresh). Occasional water reconnaissance by land or boat.
• Occasional travel required (monthly) for reconnaissance, meetings, contract management, and presentations. Some marine travel (on‑water work) may be required.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. DNR requires a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted. Applicants must provide a driving record from all states held in the past three years.

• Experience with commercial marine vessel salvage…