Natural Resources Technician 3 (Non-Permanent)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a motivated and environmentally focused individual to provide technical support to the Headquarters Restoration Crew within the Environmental Services Office Wetlands Program. In this non-permanent role, you will help manage, develop, maintain, and monitor habitat restoration, fish passage, roadside restoration, and wetland mitigation sites on public lands across Washington State, supporting WSDOT's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable transportation infrastructure. Our top candidates will possess excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, the ability to work collaboratively in both field and office settings, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and resource conservation.

Requirements

Plant Identification: Ability to accurately identify Washington native plants, nuisance and noxious weeds to help achieve performance standards and permit requirements.
Herbicide Application & Safety: Skills to apply aquatic and non-aquatic herbicides safely and in compliance with WSDA, DOE, and agency regulations; ability to maintain pesticide records and store/handle chemicals properly.
Restoration & Habitat Management: Ability to implement adaptive management plans on mitigation and restoration sites, maintain site activities spreadsheets, install native vegetation and erosion control devices.
Power Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Skills and ability to operate and maintain hand tools, sprayers, and power equipment.
Teamwork & Communication: Skills to work effectively within a crew, supports supervisors, collaborate with other regional restoration crews, and professionally engage with the public.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
A valid Washington State traffic control flaggers card, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
A valid WSDA pesticide applicators license with public operator and applicable endorsements or, the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor, in dense vegetation, streams, and wet areas with exposure to outdoor inclement weather.
Ability to traverse uneven, unstable, and/or slippery terrain.
Ability to read maps, plan sheets, technical work plans and communicate effectively.

Nice To Haves

Ecological Restoration & Environmental Stewardship: Knowledge of ecological restoration, habitat management, or environmental stewardship principles.
Restoration & Natural Resource Support: Experience supporting restoration, environmental, or natural resource projects.
Field Operations & Safety: Ability to safely perform fieldwork and adapt to changing environmental or operational conditions.
Equipment & Vehicle Operation: Experience pulling trailers and utility terrain vehicle operation experience.

Responsibilities

Act as a technical support specialist to implement adaptive management plans to maintain environmentally compensatory mitigation areas and roadside restoration areas.
Support existing adaptive management plans by planting native vegetation.
Apply herbicides on restoration, mitigation and roadside sites to control and eradicate noxious weeds and perform manual removal of nuisance and noxious weeds if needed.
Ensure that Invasive Aquatic Species National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit, DOE, and WSDA regulations are followed during all aquatic or non-aquatic pesticide applications.
Read and interpret technical work plans, maps, and plan sheets.
Operate, clean, maintain and store hand tools and small gas or electric power equipment.
Drive heavy duty trucks transporting materials, supplies, and equipment.