Natural Resource Police Officer - Olympia, United States - State of Washington

Description

Natural Resource Police Officer (NRPO)

Recruitment #2023-5-A289

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position

Location: Northeast Region - Omak, WA.

Salary: $5, $7,184.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Natural Resource Police Officers (NRPO) are armed uniformed police officers sworn to enforce the laws of the State of Washington and the Constitution of the United States on all lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Natural Resource Police Officers are committed to protecting public safety, state assets, and the environment. Natural Resource Police Officers are assigned to geographical areas to investigate, identify, and initiate prosecuting those individuals who commit crimes on state-protected lands. Natural Resource Police Officers often work alone in remote areas where they must independently determine the best course of action to effectively resolve a situation. This position reports directly to the Natural Resources Police Sergeant.Responsibilities:

• Identifies and prioritizes areas that experience in-discriminant use to identify violators and/or deter such acts.
• Provides proactive patrols, issues citations and infractions utilizing various methods, such as assigned patrol vehicles and/or off-road vehicles to access areas of remote or limited access.
• Completes reports, collects, and preserves evidence, creates and executes search warrants, and testifies in criminal and civil courts. Attends administrative hearings and collaborates with local, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies in areas of joint jurisdiction or as needed in special cases.
• Conducts complex criminal and civil investigations on lands protected by the Department of Natural Resources such as theft of specialized forest products on state lands.
• Coordinates enforcement patrols with region personnel to address special events or identified issues.
• Assists wildfire investigators with enforcement of Forest Protection laws when requested.
• Maintains cross-agency commission with local, county, state, and federal agencies.
• Works with assigned region staff to provide oversight on signage that enhances compliance and enforcement.
• Works with assigned region staff to identify problem areas and recommend solutions to gain compliance with agency rules and regulations.
• Initiates or participates in public outreach and education activities.
• Works with the Department of Natural Resources Communications and Outreach section to address specific issues through the use of social media outlets.
• Completes monthly reports.
• Maintains and updates computer-aided dispatch logs.
• Provides the required care, upkeep, and maintenance of assigned equipment including but not limited to 4x4 patrol vehicles, firearms, all-terrain off-road vehicles, chainsaws, radios, and other assigned equipment.
• Conducts annual inspections of assigned equipment, including documenting tracked equipment on required forms.
• Attends region meetings if requested.
• Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy per RCW or Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy (BLEEA) per WAC ,
• Four years of experience as a fully commissioned police officer, deputy sheriff, or state trooper.
• Excellent verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must pass a complete background investigation prior to hiring including an in-depth interview, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment drug screening (urinalysis).
• DNR Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• This position works in an outdoor environment to enforce natural resource and criminal laws. Patrols are conducted on land and water and take place at all hours of the day and in all weather conditions. In most cases, the position works alone and in remote areas with limited backup resources available.
• Must be willing to travel long distances and be away from home for extended periods as needed.
• A valid unrestricted driver's license and have 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.
• Prior to hiring, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Currently, background checks are required to be completed at a minimum of every 5 years.
• Must Reside within Okanogan County.

Desired Qualifications

• Lead investigator or detective experience.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in natural resource science, criminal justice, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Forest Management experience.

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past experience relates to them, please contact us at 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 Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- 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 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 Deputy Chief Thomas Martin at / or Sergeant Jason Bodine at / or e-mail us at

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 that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information.

Additional Information

This recruitment may be extended and may also be 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

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 prior to 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 of 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. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

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 NEOGOV toll-free at or email

Check us out on: DNR's website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress