Washington State ESD
Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2 Recruitment #2025-10-A320 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/17/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Join DNR
– The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Recreation and Conservation Division as a
Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2 . Are you interested in conserving the most intact, naturally functioning ecosystems, including rare plant and animal species, throughout Washington state? Do you want to be part of the team protecting these sites in perpetuity? DNR is looking for a Natural Areas Steward to help with management and restoration on the department’s system of natural areas, currently totaling over 173,000 acres at 97 sites throughout the state. The Natural Areas Program is part of DNR’s Recreation and Conservation Division that supports public use and conservation across 3 million acres of state-owned lands, implementing four DNR programs: Recreation, Natural Areas, Natural Heritage, and Conservation Acquisitions. The Natural Areas Program manages 39 NRCAs and 58 NAPs, protecting and restoring native ecosystems and rare plants and animals. The program coordinates educational and research access to natural areas, while offering low-impact recreation in NRCAs. The division’s Natural Heritage Program houses state expertise and data on rare species and ecological communities, with more than 7,000 data records. The division’s Conservation Acquisitions Program secures grants and acquisitions for easements or land acquisitions, and the Recreation Program supports public access to the department\'s lands for hiking, biking, horse riding, motorcycling, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Natural Areas Steward works with program ecologists and land managers to implement scientifically based management, restoration, and monitoring on preserves and conservation areas in western Washington and occasionally elsewhere in the state. Under the lead program ecologist, this position typically works as part of a 2 to 3-person crew and may help direct volunteers and partners. To be successful, you need working knowledge of native species and ecosystems in Washington state, plus experience with natural resource management and restoration practices. Responsibilities: Implement invasive species control and surveys on DNR-owned natural areas, including herbicide applications, mowing, and mechanical removal Coordinate and implement restoration practices on natural areas, including native seed collection, planting, prescribed fire fuel break preparations, and falling small trees Participate in prescribed burns per National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualifications Use GIS and GPS to map natural area features and treatments Monitor ecological features and effects of land and resource management actions, including identifying plants using a technical key, recording data in plots, and conducting botanical and faunal surveys Required Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree with a major in conservation biology, botany, plant ecology, restoration ecology, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. One year of technical experience in a related natural resource field, including six months of habitat restoration or invasive plant control projects Experience with invasive species control, including application of commercial herbicides, and knowledge of choosing appropriate methods in various scenarios Knowledge of ecological principles and ecosystem processes, including those of western Washington Knowledge of ecological field data collection techniques Knowledge of keeping records and taking field notes Ability to oversee volunteers to achieve program goals Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices Ability to perform duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: Duty station is Olympia. Field work (~90%) with some travel to remote locations. Must be able to work independently in undeveloped, remote landscapes and traverse uneven terrain. Ability to mix and apply herbicides without supervision is required. Some travel throughout western Washington; occasional overnight trips up to once per month. Infrequent statewide travel may occur for meetings. A valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Finalists may need to provide driving records. Desired Qualifications: Current, valid Pesticide Applicator’s License Plant identification using a dichotomous key (preferably Hitchcock & Cronquist’s Flora of the Pacific Northwest) Experience in rare plant surveys and plant monitoring techniques Experience with GPS and basic spreadsheet or database programs Advanced knowledge of western Washington flora and invasive species Experience with restoration projects in prairie-oak, conifer forest, and wetland ecosystems of western Washington Experience with GIS-based applications Application Information: Questions about qualifications may be directed to DNRrecruiting at the following email: DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Application Requirements: Apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on APPLY) Letter of interest describing your qualifications Resume detailing experience and qualifications References (optional at submission; finalists will provide at least 3) Do not attach documents with photos or private information Complete all supplemental questions Applicants may be contacted via email for interview information; monitor your email and junk folder Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended to fill similar vacancies for up to sixty days DNR does not use E-Verify; for more information see uscis.gov Veterans: attach DD-214 or other verification; black out SSN Equal Opportunity Employer : The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, BIPOC, people with disabilities, veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Check status after applying by logging into your account. For technical difficulties, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov About the Department of Natural Resources At DNR, we aim to protect lands and waters through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Vision: lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our Mission: manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters for present and future generations. Core Values include Safety and Well-Being, Public Service, Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving, Leadership and Teamwork. DNR offers comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and support for employees.
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Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2 Recruitment #2025-10-A320 Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Salary: $3,477.00 - $4,632.00 Monthly Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/17/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Join DNR
– The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Recreation and Conservation Division as a
Natural Areas Steward, Agricultural Research Technologist 2 . Are you interested in conserving the most intact, naturally functioning ecosystems, including rare plant and animal species, throughout Washington state? Do you want to be part of the team protecting these sites in perpetuity? DNR is looking for a Natural Areas Steward to help with management and restoration on the department’s system of natural areas, currently totaling over 173,000 acres at 97 sites throughout the state. The Natural Areas Program is part of DNR’s Recreation and Conservation Division that supports public use and conservation across 3 million acres of state-owned lands, implementing four DNR programs: Recreation, Natural Areas, Natural Heritage, and Conservation Acquisitions. The Natural Areas Program manages 39 NRCAs and 58 NAPs, protecting and restoring native ecosystems and rare plants and animals. The program coordinates educational and research access to natural areas, while offering low-impact recreation in NRCAs. The division’s Natural Heritage Program houses state expertise and data on rare species and ecological communities, with more than 7,000 data records. The division’s Conservation Acquisitions Program secures grants and acquisitions for easements or land acquisitions, and the Recreation Program supports public access to the department\'s lands for hiking, biking, horse riding, motorcycling, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Natural Areas Steward works with program ecologists and land managers to implement scientifically based management, restoration, and monitoring on preserves and conservation areas in western Washington and occasionally elsewhere in the state. Under the lead program ecologist, this position typically works as part of a 2 to 3-person crew and may help direct volunteers and partners. To be successful, you need working knowledge of native species and ecosystems in Washington state, plus experience with natural resource management and restoration practices. Responsibilities: Implement invasive species control and surveys on DNR-owned natural areas, including herbicide applications, mowing, and mechanical removal Coordinate and implement restoration practices on natural areas, including native seed collection, planting, prescribed fire fuel break preparations, and falling small trees Participate in prescribed burns per National Wildfire Coordinating Group qualifications Use GIS and GPS to map natural area features and treatments Monitor ecological features and effects of land and resource management actions, including identifying plants using a technical key, recording data in plots, and conducting botanical and faunal surveys Required Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree with a major in conservation biology, botany, plant ecology, restoration ecology, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. One year of technical experience in a related natural resource field, including six months of habitat restoration or invasive plant control projects Experience with invasive species control, including application of commercial herbicides, and knowledge of choosing appropriate methods in various scenarios Knowledge of ecological principles and ecosystem processes, including those of western Washington Knowledge of ecological field data collection techniques Knowledge of keeping records and taking field notes Ability to oversee volunteers to achieve program goals Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices Ability to perform duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: Duty station is Olympia. Field work (~90%) with some travel to remote locations. Must be able to work independently in undeveloped, remote landscapes and traverse uneven terrain. Ability to mix and apply herbicides without supervision is required. Some travel throughout western Washington; occasional overnight trips up to once per month. Infrequent statewide travel may occur for meetings. A valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Finalists may need to provide driving records. Desired Qualifications: Current, valid Pesticide Applicator’s License Plant identification using a dichotomous key (preferably Hitchcock & Cronquist’s Flora of the Pacific Northwest) Experience in rare plant surveys and plant monitoring techniques Experience with GPS and basic spreadsheet or database programs Advanced knowledge of western Washington flora and invasive species Experience with restoration projects in prairie-oak, conifer forest, and wetland ecosystems of western Washington Experience with GIS-based applications Application Information: Questions about qualifications may be directed to DNRrecruiting at the following email: DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Application Requirements: Apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on APPLY) Letter of interest describing your qualifications Resume detailing experience and qualifications References (optional at submission; finalists will provide at least 3) Do not attach documents with photos or private information Complete all supplemental questions Applicants may be contacted via email for interview information; monitor your email and junk folder Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended to fill similar vacancies for up to sixty days DNR does not use E-Verify; for more information see uscis.gov Veterans: attach DD-214 or other verification; black out SSN Equal Opportunity Employer : The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, BIPOC, people with disabilities, veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Check status after applying by logging into your account. For technical difficulties, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov About the Department of Natural Resources At DNR, we aim to protect lands and waters through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Vision: lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our Mission: manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters for present and future generations. Core Values include Safety and Well-Being, Public Service, Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving, Leadership and Teamwork. DNR offers comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and support for employees.
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