Recreation Maintenance Steward, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)

State of Washington•Skagit County - Sedro Woolley, WA

8d•$4,299 - $5,783•Hybrid

About The Position

The Recreation Maintenance Steward provides professional and technical level recreational expertise on DNR-managed conservation and trust lands in Northwest Region. This position helps to conserve some of the most beautiful areas of the state while assisting in the management of recreation sites in the San Juan Islands and Cascade Mountains as a member of the Northwest Region Natural Areas work group. The goal is to create sustaining long-term ecosystem protection and productivity through planning, enhancing and managing public use. The viability of these lands will be maintained through effective communication and coordination with those who use and recreate on DNR managed lands. This position helps Northwest Region achieve the mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision making, and excellent planning. The incumbent plans, coordinates and manages work projects, including volunteer work parties and WCC work crews throughout the various landscapes. The incumbent provides field expertise for a variety of tasks, including construction and installation of infrastructure, maintenance of facilities, scheduling of volunteers, decommissioning of unsanctioned trails, and the repair and clean-up of vandalism. In addition, the incumbent assists the Natural Areas Public Use Manager in analyzing and scoping capital projects, preparing grant applications, presenting before granting committees and tracking implementation, including finances. This position works in the office and in the field, under various DNR plans and policies.

Requirements

An Associate’s Degree in natural resources, outdoor recreation, planning, or a related field; AND one year of professional related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Experience working collaboratively with multiple organizations and/or agencies in a collaborative environment.
Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, user groups, and the general public on natural resources related recreation.
Working knowledge of forest management activities and State trust land responsibilities.
Experience with project planning and management, such as writing planning documents and preparing cost estimates.
Experience in public outreach and education.
Working knowledge of GPS systems and basic GIS principles.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Dedication to a Safe Workplace
Communications Effectiveness
Team Leadership
Customer Focus
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.
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 (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).
This position requires driving as an essential function.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in outdoor recreation management or other natural resources management; AND one year of professional program development and management experience.
At least one year of experience supervising and evaluating contractor or work crew performance.
Ability to provide presentations to the public and other agency staff.
Know how to use power tools and other common trail maintenance equipment.
Experience with project scoping and conceptualization, including leading and coordinating design work, identifying regulatory requirements, and drafting proposals.
Ability to plan and prioritize work.
Fluency in current word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Experience with boat operations and maintenance in a marine environment.
Experience working with helicopter external load operations, including packaging loads, organizing operations, and communicating with helicopter pilots.

Responsibilities

Direct and perform maintenance activities at developed recreation facilities within the assigned geographic area.
Supervise and guide crews that carry out these maintenance activities and undertake operations individually to ensure safe, sustainable public access to facilities and trails.
Evaluate, consult with other staff as appropriate, and address current needs and improvements to facilities and infrastructure.
Make recommendations to Region and Program staff for new development, significant improvements, or decommissioning of recreation infrastructure.
Working in remote, field locations, implement capital and grant funded construction, maintenance, and restoration projects.
Utilize appropriate construction techniques to develop, build and renovate recreation facilities such as trails, bridges, boardwalks, signs, camping areas, kiosks, shelters, toilets, etc.
Interpret construction drawings, permit requirements, contracts or other technical materials to ensure projects are completed to specification.
Schedule project activities to ensure project completion on time and within budget.
Operate necessary tools and equipment to perform all phases of layout and construction and/or renovation on recreation facilities.
Coordinate logistics to ensure work crews, materials, and tools are available for use in remote work locations.
Supervise WCC work crews, volunteers, and other DNR staff assigned to projects for which the incumbent is responsible, either in whole or in part, while conducting operations.
Maintain a safe working environment for self, crews and volunteers.
Instruct others and lead work during project implementation, demonstrating proper construction techniques and methods to achieve end results.
Coordinate and conduct efforts to assess the trail systems, camping areas and trailheads at developed recreation sites for needed repairs, renovation or new development.
Assist the Natural Areas Public Use Manager in planning, drafting, and presenting Capital proposals and grant applications.
In collaboration with the Natural Areas Public Use Manager, take the lead in assessing complex issues and problem areas associated with public use; identify solutions and resolve concerns, as needed.
Develop and foster collaborative partnerships with diverse internal and external partners, including conservation and recreation interest groups.
Represent the Department in response to constituent and business partner inquiries, and when interacting with the public involving sensitive, complex issues related to recreation on DNR-managed lands.
Provide information and education to groups about the department and its programs.
Participate in the distribution of information to the recreating public through placement of signage, outreach to user groups, and information broadcast by agency communications staff.

Benefits

Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.