Dive Team Training Officer, Natural Resources Specialist 5 (NRS5)
Recruitment #2025-7-7223
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Tumwater, WA
Work Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $5,812.00 - $7,817.00 Monthly
**Review of applications is ongoing. **We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 07/30/2025. 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 Executive Management Law Enforcement Division as a Natural Resource Specialist 5 Dive Team Training Officer.
The Training Officer supervises a team of Compliance Officers/Divers who oversee enforcement of contractual agreements for the State Wild Stock Commercial Geoduck Fishery. The Training Officer ensures DNR objectives, regulatory standards for the DNR Dive Team, and contracts are met, and serves as an agency expert for commercial diving and geoduck fishery field compliance. This position is one of two Dive Team Supervisors reporting to the Geoduck Operations Manager of the Geoduck Fishery Compliance Section within the Natural Resource Police unit of DNR, and is responsible for development and implementation of DNR's comprehensive Commercial Dive Team training program. The Training Officer plans dive operations and oversees fishery compliance, training, and special projects. The incumbent regularly interacts with all dive team members, their supervisory chain of command, purchasers, harvesters, members of the public, tribes, and state and federal agencies.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Field supervisor serving as the agency expert and supervisor for all statewide commercial diving activities. One of two supervisors for a team of 10 compliance field crew. The compliance team oversees the state's Wild Stock Commercial Geoduck Fishery, facilitates and enforces contractual agreements with partners, and performs various underwater assessments for managing state-owned aquatic lands.
- Develops and implements the annual training plan. Conducts training in accordance with the training plan and ensures staff are familiar with and conduct training related to the Diving Manual, L&I, and OSHA regulations as they pertain to commercial diving. Responsible for Annual Refresher training for program staff each year. Supports the Dive Team Safety Officer by understanding and implementing all related sections of WACs, RCWs, CFRs, and applicable industry standards as pertain to commercial diving operations.
- The position must retain status as an active diving member of the Dive Team.
- In coordination with the Dive Equipment and Regulatory Manager, this position is responsible for Dive Locker facility upkeep, including supporting dive safety, building maintenance, and worker safety requirements. Ensure the Dive Locker remains safe, well-organized, sanitary, and a functioning work site.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A combination of four years of education and/or paid work experience in aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, business, criminal justice, geology, or a related natural science.
- Experience in supervisory, management, and organizational principles, and personnel systems. Supervises diverse teams of individuals and dive operations in the role of Dive Supervisor / Designated-Person-In-Charge (DPIC).
- Experience operating a vessel in marine waters. Knowledge of USCG regulations pertaining to navigation.
- Expert knowledge of Commercial Diving Regulations (WACs, RCWs, and CFRs), and industry standards related to commercial diving activities and life support equipment maintenance requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to present findings in written and oral formats to colleagues and managers.
- 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:
- This position's assigned duty station is the Blue Mountain Dive Locker near Tumwater, WA. This position works within the Dive Locker and is regularly assigned to work on a vessel in a variety of weather conditions and occasionally works in the Natural Resources Building.
- This position travels regularly. The employee is eligible for per diem and lodging costs when in travel status, except when provided.
- A valid unrestricted driver’s license and 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.
- Must pass an annual dive physical performed by a licensed physician with a board certification in Hyperbaric Medicine.
- Must complete a minimum of twelve (12) dives annually to maintain Dive Team status.
- This position has been identified as "safety sensitive," and the successful candidate is subject to pre-employment and reasonable suspicion drug testing.
- This position requires an employee to operate vessels on the water.
- Complete a DNR-approved boater safety education course, vessel operations task book, and pass a skills test to be fully qualified.
- Must pass a pre-employment dive evaluation, demonstrating aquatic abilities.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the state's Geoduck Fishery, including DNR's harvest agreements, regulatory permits, the Commercial Wild Stock Geoduck Fishery Management Plan and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, and the Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Commercial Wild Stock Geoduck Fishery (HCP). Understanding of the DNR Dive Manual.
- General working knowledge of Tribal Treaty Rights in Washington State as part of the "Boldt" and Rafeedie" decisions.
- Background in contract administration.
- Knowledge of Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Health regulations pertaining to the harvesting and transporting of shellfish.
- Completed an accredited ADC commercial dive school, or equivalent training, or possesses a current Instructor level certification from a professional teaching agency that enables the candidate to train and certify scuba divers. Five years of documented equivalent training or experience can be substituted for required education/training.
- A valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and 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!
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 dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
- **Apply online: **at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- **Letter of interest: **describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- **Resume: **that details your experience and qualifications.
- **References: **3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. 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 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 those communications.
Questions? Please contact Aaron Howard at (360) 480-4802 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.
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 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.
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 www.uscis.gov.
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 before 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 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.
Washington Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer.