Assistant Land Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS 1)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 considered. Relocation 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 DN - Rrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.