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

Washington State Health Care Authority
Olympia, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/23/2027

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:

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 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov.
  • 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 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-08847.


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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Salary.com Estimation for Water Access Area Technician - Natural Resource Technician 3 - Permanent - 2026-08847 in Olympia, WA
$75,347 to $97,230
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