Water Access Area Technician - Natural Resource Technician 3 - Permanent

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in Lacey, WA seeks a Water Access Area Technician. The role supports safe, accessible recreational spaces by performing outdoor maintenance, vegetation management, and facility upkeep across WDFW lands and waters.

Responsibilities include cleaning facilities, operating equipment, and ensuring safety along access areas and wildlife areas. Qualifications include 2 years related habitat or natural resource work, or an associate degree in a related field,

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in habitat management, land management, agriculture, or natural resource operations.
• An Associate’s degree (or higher) in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2.
• At least six (6) months of experience operating equipment such as vehicles, ATVs or trailers.
• At least six (6) months of experience with hand and power tools in outdoor, construction, or habitat work settings.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Forklift Operation Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Chainsaw Operation within 1 year of hire.
• Obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED Training Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Washington State Public Operator Pesticide license within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Remove garbage and debris from restroom facility.
• Clean and brush out cobwebs and insects from structures including windows and windowsills.
• Clean and sanitize toilets/urinals, handrails, door handles/locks.
• Restock restroom with toilet paper.
• Inspect door locks, door handles and window. Report to supervisor if broken or not working properly.
• Remove or cover graffiti inside and/or outside of structures.
• Wash off moss or mildew from restroom facility.
• Walk Access Sites and Wildlife Areas to pick-up litter, trash debris, and illegally dumped materials.
• Independently perform vegetation management on WDFW owned and operated lands.
• Brush, weed eat, and trim of overgrowth and vegetation.
• Raking and blowing leaves.
• Hand pulling or spraying weeds and vegetation.
• Mix, spray, broadcast, and store chemicals. Keeping records of chemical use and inventory.
• Remove fallen trees or debris from roads, boat ramps, and parking areas.
• Operate trucks, ATV’s, leaf blowers, weed eaters, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, chippers, chain saws, pumps, brush cutters, rotary mowers, pressure washers, power tools and other specialized equipment used in construction and maintenance.
• Conduct safety and maintenance activities:
• Report potential hazardous debris or spills to supervisor.
• Clean, repair or establish walkways, paths and trails for pedestrian safe accessibility.
• Repair docks, railings, and facilities.
• Clean, repair, replace and post signs.
• Repair potholes and conduct grading activities in parking lots and roadways.
• Inspect and repair fences and gates.
• Paint and other exterior maintenance of buildings.

Skills

Habitat management

Land management

Outdoor maintenance

Operating equipment

Hand and power tools

Education

Associate’s degree in natural resource management or related field

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource field (related)

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

Description

Title- Water Access Area Technician

Classification- Natural Resource Technician 3

Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent WDFW Program- Wildlife Program Duty Station- Lacey, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Maintenance at Kress Lake – Photo Credit: WDFW

Maintain and improve Water Access Areas to maintain safe, accessible, and well-kept recreational spaces for the public.

With your experience with hand and power tools, you will perform outdoor maintenance and repairs, control invasive vegetation, and inspect public-use areas for safety and cleanliness.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Water Access Area Technician will,

Independently provide maintenance on WDFW owned and operated lands and facilities:

• Remove garbage and debris from restroom facility.
• Clean and brush out cobwebs and insects from structures including windows and windowsills.
• Clean and sanitize toilets/urinals, handrails, door handles/locks.
• Restock restroom with toilet paper.
• Inspect door locks, door handles and window. Report to supervisor if broken or not working properly.
• Remove or cover graffiti inside and/or outside of structures.
• Wash off moss or mildew from restroom facility.
• Walk Access Sites and Wildlife Areas to pick-up litter, trash debris, and illegally dumped materials.

Independently perform vegetation management on WDFW owned and operated lands.

• Brush, weed eat, and trim of overgrowth and vegetation.
• Raking and blowing leaves.
• Hand pulling or spraying weeds and vegetation.
• Mix, spray, broadcast, and store chemicals. Keeping records of chemical use and inventory.
• Remove fallen trees or debris from roads, boat ramps, and parking areas.
• Operate trucks, ATV’s, leaf blowers, weed eaters, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, chippers, chain saws, pumps, brush cutters, rotary mowers, pressure washers, power tools and other specialized equipment used in construction and maintenance.

Conduct safety and maintenance activities:

• Report potential hazardous debris or spills to supervisor.
• Clean, repair or establish walkways, paths and trails for pedestrian safe accessibility.
• Repair docks, railings, and facilities.
• Clean, repair, replace and post signs.
• Repair potholes and conduct grading activities in parking lots and roadways.
• Inspect and repair fences and gates.
• Paint and other exterior maintenance of buildings.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

• Work involves potential hazards such as tripping, falling, and other risks associated with operating small and large equipment in outdoor environments, on boats, and near or in water.
• Stand or traverse on foot for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks.
• Walk, lift, bend, and stoop on uneven terrain and while carrying up to 40 pounds of tools and/or equipment.
• Must be able to safely drive on primitive roads under varying weather conditions including 4 x 4 trucks, utility and large frame tractors, construction equipment, ATVs and UTVs. Load and transport heavy equipment and operate vehicles for long periods of time (2-4+hours).
• Must be able and willing to safely perform tasks in or around water, stand in waist deep water to repair ramps and docks.
• This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Thursday, 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 40 hours per week. Some variation for seasonal workloads, environmental conditions or public health and safety needs. Nighttime or weekend work on an as needed basis.

Travel Requirements: Frequent single-day trips to work sites throughout the region. Extensive driving time between Access Areas daily. Infrequent overnight travel to other areas of Washington, for up to one (1) week at a time, may occur to attend conferences, training and assist with fieldwork.

Tools and Equipment: Trucks, ATV’s, leaf blowers, weed eaters, hydraulic dump trailers, tractors, chippers, chain saws, pumps, brush cutters, rotary mowers, pressure washers, common gas and electric power and hand tools, and other specialized equipment and power tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Customer Interactions: Daily interaction with hunters, fishers, dog walkers, hikers, boaters, swimmers and other WDFW Wildlife Area, Access Area and Enforcement staff. May include interactions with individuals experiencing anger, distress, or frustration.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1: Two (2) years of experience in habitat management, land management, agriculture, or natural resource operations.

Option 2: An Associate’s degree (or higher) in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, agriculture, environmental science, or a closely related field.

Option 3: One (1) year of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2.

In addition to the options above, the following are required:

• At least six (6) months of experience operating equipment such as vehicles, ATV’s or trailers.
• At least six (6) months of experience with hand and power tools in outdoor, construction, or habitat work settings.

Certifications/Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Forklift Operation Certification within 1 year of hire.

Chainsaw Operation within 1 year or hire.

Obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED Training Certification within 1 year of hire.

Washington State Public Operator Pesticide license within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience with:

• Operating and maintaining heavy equipment
• Vegetation management techniques and strategies
• Operating, and performing routine maintenance on small engines (such as chainsaws, blowers, weed eaters).
• Basic carpentry and repairs
• Fence construction and repair
• Basic plumbing and electrical systems
• Safely applying herbicides and pesticides.
• Hazardous tree removal

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [e-mail].
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone [phone] or email [e-mail], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at [phone] or [e-mail].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [e-mail] and reference job #2026-08847.

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