Watershed Steward, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3)

Salary: $67,992.00 – $91,464.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-9-P494-06405
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 09/11/2025
Closing Date: 9/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Watershed Steward, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3)
Recruitment #2025-9-P494
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WFSE)
Anticipated Project is October 2025 – March 2026
Location: Natural Resources Building – Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $5,666.00 – $7,622.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Aquatic Resources Division as a Watershed Steward, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3). This position will support projects advancing salmon recovery, watershed health, and climate resilience both on and off DNR lands as part of the Watershed Resilience Program team. The successful candidate will lead programmatic efforts in the South Puget Sound watersheds (Puyallup-Chambers Creek and Nisqually) and support Snohomish Watershed projects as needed. They will coordinate with internal and external partners to plan and implement habitat assessment, monitoring, restoration, and resilience projects. They will lead a diverse suite of projects, supporting grant management, outreach, and communication, while also helping to analyze and disseminate spatial and environmental data.

Duties

Responsibilities:

Serve as the WRP lead in the South Puget Sound, driving implementation of the WRP objectives on the ground within the Nisqually and Puyallup-Chambers Creek Basins
Plan and implement Watershed Resilience Program projects and initiatives
Participate in team coordination, communications, and strategic planning
Coordinate with Tribal co-stewards and internal and external partners, including state agencies, local governments, conservation districts, and nonprofits.
Conduct scientific data collection and analysis, including in rough terrain in forested and aquatic habitats.
Collect and analyze spatial data via GIS
Contract and grant scoping, writing, and management for local, state, and federal grants

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, environmental planning, public administration, or public policy with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field, AND at least two years of professional experience in natural resources, environmental science, environmental planning, public administration, or public policy with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field.
OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience leading and facilitating an interdisciplinary team or work groups to achieve desired and productive outcomes.
Experience with Microsoft Office, or equivalent, programs (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex or controversial information in a way that is understandable and nonconfrontational.
Skills in managing multiple work assignments and priorities on varied time scales.
Skills to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships, to build rapport and partner with local, state, and federal governmental agencies, tribes, and the public regarding issues on habitat protection and restoration.
Strong organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize workload and maximize efficiency.
Skills to identify and act on opportunities to improve, streamline, and re-invent work processes.
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.
Emotional Intelligence Skills:
- Collaborative and productive
- Honest and transparent
- Tactful and politically sensitive
- Professional, polite, and courteous
- Accessible, timely, and responsive
DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

Work is performed indoors in an office or classroom environment as well as in sometimes isolated, unimproved areas, aquatic habitats, and forest land, which may include inclement weather or access on over-water structures or watercraft.
Travel is required about 25% of the time and is typically local or regional (western Washington) to meet with partners, conduct business, or attend or provide training.
A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and two years of driving experience. 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.

Desired Qualifications:

A master’s degree in natural resource or environmental science, natural resource or environmental planning, or public administration or public policy with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field.
At least three years of professional experience in natural resource or environmental science, natural resource or environmental planning, or public administration or environmental policy.
Experience applying knowledge of Washington fish and wildlife biology, habitat science, and ecology to anticipate fish, wildlife, and habitat needs, potential impacts, and likely remedies.
Experience using negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Experience with web or online communication platforms.
Experience with data tracking, data analysis, and spatial mapping systems (GIS).
Knowledge of the watershed restoration and management, or experience in riparian health or forest health.
Knowledge of natural resource laws, policies, and programs and how these affect and/or enable fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation in Washington State, and the ability to interpret and apply them to achieve expected results.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

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 DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (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: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
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 info@governmentjobs.com 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.

Questions? Please contact Rachel Benbrook at rachel.benbrook@dnr.wa.gov/360-918-1028 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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 Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s 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 state’s 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.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

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, 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 http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional 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 www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Employer: State of Washington

Address: View Job Posting for Agency Information, View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website: http://www.careers.wa.gov

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