Natural Areas Planner, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3)
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Job Location:
Thurston County, WA - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 67992 - 91464
Posted on:
17 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Description
- Natural Areas Planner Environmental Planner 3 (EP3)Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Recruitment #2026-5-A362
Full-time Permanent Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Natural Resources Building - Olympia WA
Salary: $5666.00 - $7622.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing.We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 05/19/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference
Are you interested in a career that allows you to shape future conservation land management of the most intact naturally functioning ecosystems throughout Washington state Do you want to be part of the team protecting these sites in perpetuity forever The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for aNatural Areas Program Environmental Plannerto help guide scientifically based conservation management of the departments statewide system of natural areas currently totaling 169000 acres at 97 sites throughout the state.
The Natural Areas Program is part of DNRs 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 natural resources conservation areas (NRCAs) and 58 natural area preserves (NAPs) for the protection and restoration where necessary of native ecosystems and rare plants and animals. The program coordinates and promotes educational and research access on natural areas while offering low-impact recreation in NRCAs. The divisions Natural Heritage Program houses the states expertise and data on rare species and rare or high-quality ecological communities with more than 7000 data records of species and ecosystems statewide across all ownerships. The divisions Conservation Acquisitions Program secures grants and appropriations for transacting about $40 million in easements or land acquisitions at any given time under a number of state and federal conservation programs. The Recreation Program supports all types of public access to the departments forested and other lands including hiking mountain biking horse riding motorcycling ATV trail riding camping boating and wildlife viewing among others.
The Natural Areas Program planner works with DNR ecologists and land managers statewide to create or update site-specific or programmatic management partnership with other programs in DNRs Recreation and Conservation Division this position assesses planning needs determines appropriate planning processes and timelines oversees the work of interdisciplinary project teams coordinates public involvement and review of draft products and formulates recommendations to be incorporated into management plans approved by department managers and the Commissioner of Public Lands.
To be successful in this position you not only need a working knowledge of environmental planning methods natural resources management and public engagement practices but you also need to be a leader with the responsibilities indicated below. Duties
Responsibilities:
- Coordination of multiple interdisciplinary multi-location project teams to meet identified timelines
- Researching or directing research into conservation land management law and practices
- Assembling and summarizing or describing data maps laws and policies and other written works for analysis by department staff and the public as part of the plan-writing process
- Creating the work-group and community-based environments that lead to scientifically sound and socially supported conservation and recreation management plans.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelors degree in natural resources planning natural resources management restoration ecology environmental sciences biological sciences or related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- An additional 2 years of professionally related experience in natural resources planning natural resources management restoration ecology environmental sciences biological sciences or a related field.
Required Competencies:- Working knowledge of GIS technology and graphic design.
- Writing and communications skills.
- Ability to conceive and implement a management planning process to create solutions with a wide array of DNR agency ecologists and land managers public partners and state or local agency officials.
- 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
- Office - 80% Field-visits to region offices or DNR natural areas or public meetings - 20%. (These percentages will fluctuate based on the needs of the program.)
- Travel is required periodically as a function of this position.
- A current valid drivers license and two years of driving experience. Additionally 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. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
- Experience working collaboratively with ecologists or land managers agency partners public lands user groups and the general public on natural resources or conservation issues.
- Experience working with natural resources-based land use environmental policy and recreation-use policy and practices such as: NEPA SEPA NRCA or NAP management plans Natural Heritage plans recreation plans or landscape conservation plans.
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents please contact .
- Apply online:at (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest:describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required desired and special requirements.
- Resume:that details your experience and qualifications.
- References:Referencesare optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers including your current or most recent supervisor.
- Important:Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number year of birth etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through theWashington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.
About the Department of Natural Resources(DNR).
At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washingtons lands and communities through diversity equity and inclusion.
Our Vision Our actions ensure a future where Washingtons lands waters and communities thrive.
Our Mission Manage sustain and protect the health and productivity of Washingtons lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:- Safety and Well-Being Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service We value and respect the public we serve and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving We solve our states most pressing challenges through innovative thinking dedication and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
- Commitment to organizational health and wellness
- Work/life balance
- DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council Womens Employee Resource Group Veterans Employee Resource Group etc.)
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups visit here to learn more
- 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. Visit for more information.
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information please visit.
Veterans wishing to claim Veterans preference please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy) NGB 22 or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
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.
Once you submit your online application you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating accessing or completing your application call or 1- or email.
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