Water Access Area Technician - Natural Resource Technician 3 - Permanent - 2026-08847

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington, working through the Water Development and Fisheries Wildlife (WDFW) Wildlife Program in Lacey, WA, seeks a Water Access Area Technician to maintain safe, accessible recreational spaces. The role requires hands-on outdoor maintenance, vegetation control, and facility inspections to keep access sites clean and user-friendly.

The incumbent will operate trucks, ATVs and various power tools, perform safety-focused repairs, and support environmental stewardship across lands and

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in habitat management or natural resource operations.
• Associate’s degree in natural resource management or related field.
• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Technician 2.
• At least six months of experience operating equipment such as vehicles, ATVs or trailers.
• At least six 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.
• First Aid/CPR/AED Training Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Washington State Public Operator Pesticide license within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and independently perform maintenance on WDFW lands and facilities.
• Remove garbage and debris from restrooms and facilities.
• Clean and sanitize toilets, urinals, handrails, doors and windows; restock supplies.
• Inspect and repair doors, locks, signs and graffiti; report issues to supervisor.
• Operate a range of equipment including trucks, ATVs, leaf blowers and power tools.
• Perform vegetation management: brush, weed eat, rake, spray weeds, store chemicals; manage debris.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Education

Associate’s degree in natural resource management or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Trucks

ATVs

Chainsaws

Pumps

Job 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!

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:

The following are agency provided/facilitated:

• 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