South Maintenance Technician, Natural Resources Technician ; NRT

South Maintenance Technician, Natural Resources Technician 3 (NRT3)

Recruitment #2026-6-7143 | Full-time, Project, Represented position (WPEA) | Anticipated Project is:
July 2026 - October 31, 2027 |

Location:

Southeast Region - Yakima, WA

Salary: $3,738.00 - $4,980.00 Monthly (includes a general wage increase of 2% effective July 1, 2026).

The DNR Southeast Region Recreation Program is seeking a Natural Resource Technician 3 to help promote safe and sustainable recreation on DNR-managed lands. This position provides maintenance to recreation facilities, including campgrounds, trails, and Trailheads. The role is highly visible to the public and serves as a point of contact for recreationists, volunteers, and user groups. Responsibilities include engaging the public to answer questions, educate users on applicable laws and rules, and maintain recreation sites for all to enjoy.

• Independently perform routine recreation site maintenance in DNR recreation sites and dispersed recreation areas in Yakima County.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules to meet current and future needs in the recreation sites and dispersed areas.
• Cut brush, trees, and other vegetation within recreation sites.
• Independently transport, operate, and maintain equipment, including, but not limited to, an excavator, a 4x4 truck, ATV, UTV, skid spray unit, snowmobile, trailers, hand and power tools.
• Perform noxious weed control within recreation sites and dispersed recreation areas.
• Engage with recreationists to answer questions and educate users on applicable laws and rules.
• This position works independently in the field throughout the year.

• Experience performing technical or paraprofessional duties relating to land use, transaction, and lease development; OR three years of experience as a general repairer or equivalent.
• Experience in maintaining and operating power tools such as chainsaws, brush cutters, and tracked wheelbarrows.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for developing and maintaining recreation trails and facilities.
• Familiarity with reading maps and navigating by GPS.

• Strong writing and oral communication skills, including public presentation skills, and the ability to effectively inform and educate user groups, volunteers, and the public.
• 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.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Position's assigned duty station is the Ahtanum Guard Station. Work is performed in an indoor or office setting and alone in isolated, unimproved natural areas throughout Washington. The incumbent must be able to traverse uneven terrain in all weather conditions and move up to 50 lbs.
• Position requires the majority of the time spent in the field, traveling in an agency-assigned work vehicle. Overnight travel may be required for meetings, trainings, and work assignments.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted. This position requires driving as an essential function; finalists will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• UTV/ATV, Snowmobile, and Trailer Operators certification. These certifications will be made available to the incumbent once hired.

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in business management, accounting, real estate, agriculture, aquatic land studies, police sciences, or other business, law enforcement, or natural resource studies; OR any combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Familiarity with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ public use and trust land management responsibilities and practices.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of recreation management.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment, including but not limited to chainsaws, small power tools, quads, off-road motorcycles, and mountain bikes.

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 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.