Entry Level Natural Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $45,732.00 - $61,404.00 Annually
Location : Kittitas County - Ellensburg, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-5-7586-04398
Department: Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Assistant Land Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)Recruitment #2026-5-7586
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Southeast Region - Ellensburg, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and consideredRelocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $3,811.00 - $5,117.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Southeast Region as an Assistant Land Manager in our Agriculture Program.
Become part of a team dedicated to preserving agricultural land in Washington and fostering sustainable management of landscapes and ecosystems while safeguarding resources for the future. This is an entry-level Natural Resource Specialist 1 position for DNR's Agriculture Program that works closely with the region's Land Managers to assist with tasks and duties associated with granting and maintaining agriculture leases in the Southeast Region. The role involves working alongside Land Managers in the field and in the office to monitor and ensure compliance with lease standards. A major aspect of the role is organizing and executing independent field inspections for leases, which includes collecting and entering data, regularly communicating with land managers about compliance matters, and overseeing all reporting requirements for independent fieldwork. The position also helps create, process, and review leases, write and review legal documents, generate reports, formulate rent adjustments, track payments, monitor data in the data management system, and communicate directly with lessees when needed.
Duties
Responsibilities:

• Lease Inspections: Perform standardized inspections utilizing forms, data collection methods, and digital records, including photographs and drone imagery as necessary. Gathers and manages data for both annual and non-annual inspections. Plans and executes extensive independent fieldwork along with all related reporting requirements. Regularly engages with land managers and supervisors to discuss any issues or non-compliance identified during lease inspections.
• Lease and Data System Management: Assists in finalizing renewal documents and reports, overseeing lease compliance, evaluating rent changes, and managing payment tracking. Provides support in processing lease agreements and related documents, including amendments and assignments, while reviewing them for clerical errors and consistency as required. Aids in assessing and monitoring the execution of lease Resource Management Plans to guarantee compliance with ecosystem standards. Coordinates with Land Managers to provide regional support for updates to the agricultural leasing program's information management billing system, ensuring that data such as rental rates and lessee/license information is current, accurate, and relevant.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
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. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• An associate's degree involving major study in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, geology, recreation, or a related natural science field AND (2) two years of professional experience in a related natural resource specialty area;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Required Competencies:

• Working knowledge of Trust Land management theory, principles, and related laws.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, and inclusion and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• Competent in using the Microsoft Office product.
• 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 requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• The assigned duty station will be either the Southeast Regional Office in Ellensburg or the Pasco Workstation. Work is performed in an office (60%) with occasional travel to field locations. The position must be able to work long periods on a computer and on the phone.
• May require occasional travel to meetings, trainings, and to field locations.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Pursuing a degree involving a major in agriculture, natural resource management, and land management.
• Working knowledge of Trust Land management theory, principles, and related laws.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact

• Online Application: Apply at (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 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 Rhetta Cypert at /509-792-0141 or email us at
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the 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.

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,
• 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 for more information.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and 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 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
Check us out on: | | | | |
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...