Education & Enforcement Warden, Natural Resource Specialist
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Ellensburg, Washington
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $4,299 - $5,783 per month |
| Benefits | http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html |
| Deadline | Jan 20, 2026 |
Education & Enforcement Warden, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent appointment is March 2026 - June 2027
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 1/13/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Responsibilities:
- Engage with recreationists, volunteers, and the local community on state trust lands while positively representing the agency
- Educate & enforce recreation and public access laws, rules, policies, and procedures on state trust lands
- Issue warnings and citations for violations of recreation laws and regulations
- Patrol DNR trails and recreation facilities
- Investigate and address unauthorized or illegal activities occurring at specific assigned geographic areas and other DNR-managed lands throughout the district
- Document, assess, and make recommendations on enforcement as well as facility and trail maintenance needs
- Provide an informational enforcement presence at user group meetings and organized events
- Serve as a resource for law enforcement staff, search and rescue efforts, and emergency response crews
- Document program accomplishments, incident investigation, data collection, and post and develop educational signage
- Operate small power tools, 4WD pick up, surveillance cameras, computer, GPS, and other types of equipment
- This position works independently in the field
Required Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree AND two years of experience in a natural resource or closely related field;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience using computers and processing software, including the use of Excel, Access, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience with conflict resolution and defusing tense situations.
- Tact and Diplomacy – Ability to respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in a way that reduces or minimizes potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
- Actively strives to understand the people involved and the data before making judgments and acting.
- Patiently waits for others to absorb information and share their views before acting.
- Demonstrates tact and skill in dealing with people with viewpoints outside of mainstream thinking.
- Uses behaviors and language in dealing with people that are appropriate for workplace situations.
- Positively works through difficult or awkward interpersonal situations.
- Ability to use independent judgment effectively.
- Highly developed writing and oral communication skills and public presentation skills, and the ability to effectively inform and educate user groups, volunteers, and the general public.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
| Category | Environmental Education , Outdoor Recreation |
| Tags | Park Ranger , Trail Maintenance |