Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator, Environmental Planner 3 (EP3)
Recruitment #2026-9-A307
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/24/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Recreation and Conservation Division as the Recreation Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator. The Recreation and Conservation Division supports public use and conservation on over three million acres of DNR-managed lands by implementing DNR’s Recreation, Natural Areas, Natural Heritage, and Conservation Acquisitions programs. The Recreation Program supports all types of public access to department-managed lands, including hiking, mountain biking, horse, motorcycle and ATV trail riding, camping, boating, wildlife viewing and others. This access occurs on over 230 recreation sites, including 1,300 miles of trails and 80 campgrounds across state trust lands and DNR-managed natural areas.
This position provides centralized, statewide planning, project management, and coordination for the volunteer and recreational signage programs, two critical, public-facing DNR programs. It also manages Recreation’s statewide cooperative agreements and contracts with partner organizations. The volunteer program supplements limited staff resources to engage volunteers in trail and facility maintenance, trash cleanup, ambassadorship, and more. This position has duties related to both agency-wide and Recreation-specific volunteers. The recreational signage program plans, develops, and prints signs to ensure public safety, reduce agency risk, communicate rules and laws, and to educate users about DNR lands and management responsibilities where public use is promoted and facilitated.Responsibilities:
Manage Recreational Sign Program
- Determining appropriate signage that balances region management objectives with other considerations and requirements (legal risk, public safety, user experience, consistency, adherence to standards, policies, rules, statutes, etc.)
- Managing and tracking all sign and map orders from intake through delivery.
- Serving as central point of contact and coordinator between client (regions), vendors, and agency subject matter experts involved with recreation sign and map creation and orders.
- Gathering input from staff for program modifications and planning/managing projects to implement those modifications.
- Creating, modifying, or assisting in the development of documents including standards, policies, procedures, guidelines, manuals, etc. through collaborative work with region recreation managers, communications staff, division staff, and contractors.
- Supporting staff to implement signage policy documents and resource materials.
- Developing and/or launching tracking tools for tracking agency volunteers, including training staff on their use.
- Managing records for recreation program volunteers requiring specialized training and approvals.
- Setting schedules and creating processes for submission of agency-wide volunteer hours.
- Compiling and submitting quarterly agency-wide volunteer data for internal and external audiences to support mandatory reporting requirements, reports to funders, and to support funding and policy requests to the legislature.
- Managing application processes for Forest Watch and Camp Host volunteers.
- Develop and coordinate recognition system for recreation volunteers.
- Serving as recreation program and agency main point of contact for volunteer topics.
- Gathering input from staff for program modifications and planning/managing projects to implement those modifications.
- Developing, updating, and maintaining the agency-wide Volunteer Manual, policy documents, and guidelines in accordance with agency policy development processes.
- Developing, updating, and maintaining recreation volunteer reference materials and handbooks.
- Supporting staff to implement volunteer policy documents and resource materials through the creation of procedures and guidelines.
- Collaborating with recreation volunteer managers to create or improve tools to increase success and efficiency of volunteer management, including Camps Hosts, Forest Watch and Trailhead Ambassadors.
- Developing and/or updating processes and guidance for the recruitment and support of Campground Hosts.
- Creating, reviewing, updating, and managing statewide cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, and service contracts with recreation partners.
- Managing cooperative agreement-based work orders generated by region project managers, including reviewing, providing feedback, and stewarding the process with DNR’s procurement office.
- Managing Interagency Agreements related to volunteer support or management across jurisdictions.
- Serving as the primary point of contact with DNR’s procurement office for any contracts within the scope of position duties.
- Represents DNR on work groups and advisory councils, including those organized by the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, the Recreation and Conservation Office, and others as needed.
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
- Bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation, natural resource sciences, public administration, environmental studies, or a related field AND three (3) years of relevant professional experience;
OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. - Knowledge of:
- Current trends in outdoor recreation management, laws, policies, and programs.
- Volunteer management best practices
- Project management principles, tools, and techniques
- Accustomed to and competent with a range of technologies including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud-based collaboration tools, including the ability to learn new tools.
- High attention to detail.
- Manage multiple complex tasks at once, setting work priorities for self and teams, and completing tasks on time.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
- Accustomed to researching, interpreting, and applying agency laws, regulations, and policies.
- Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts, and information to a variety of people and groups.
- 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 ensure requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- Primarily office setting with occasional independent travel to remote outdoor locations statewide, for the purpose of site visits and meetings. Telework for office duties may be approved by the supervisor.
- Occasional travel.
- A current, valid driver’s 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.
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
- Knowledge and/or experience with recreational signage.
- Experience directly managing and training volunteers.
- Experience with contract management and work order development.
- Knowledge of public lands management for multiple uses.
- Knowledge of tribal sovereignty and environmental justice, including understanding historical and present-day context.
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.
- Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
- Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
- References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
- Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
- Email Communication: 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 these communications.
Questions? Please contact Sam Hensold at sam.hensold@dnr.wa.gov/360-515-6470 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.
- 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.
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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Listed under Environmental Science & Engineering jobs.