Utah / Department of Natural Resources

Agency file

Department of Natural Resources

Source file: Transparent Utah — State Government Payroll / ingested Jun 18, 2026

The Department of Natural Resources protects natural resources and the environment — conservation, parks and wildlife, and environmental regulation.

In 2019, this agency had 2,717 employees with median total compensation of $12,045; the highest distinct record was $209,496.

Year: 2019
Total payroll: $103.2M
Employees: 2,717
Median total: $12,045
Highest record: $209,496

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

-$727$144,158+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How 2019 total compensation is spread across the 2,717 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($12,045) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $22,123 (58%)
Overtime — $967 (3%)
Other — $1,158 (3%)
Benefits — $13,724 (36%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$1,454

$3,567

$12,045

$72,540

$105,372

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $105,372 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $1,454. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Park Ranger Aide

336 · $4,059

Park Ranger Aide

201 · $2,250

Wildlife Technician I

185 · $5,220

Wildlife Technician I

144 · $3,620

Groundskeeper I

93 · $3,287

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Trend

Year over year

How this department's total payroll, headcount, and median pay changed across the 3 published years.

Year	Total payroll	Employees	Median pay
2017	$96.4M —	2,541 —	$12,362 —
2018	$101.9M ▲ 5.8%	2,685 ▲ 5.7%	$12,981 ▲ 5.0%
2019	$103.2M ▲ 1.2%	2,717 ▲ 1.2%	$12,045 ▼ 7.2%

Record list

Employees

Page 2

Ashley Ostraff

Engineering Technician II/Department of Natural Resources

2018 total comp

$50,109

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $28,065
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $95
Benefits: $21,949
Total compensation: $50,109

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Ashley Ostraff serves as a Engineering Technician II within Comp & Excess Pool. Their 2018 pay totaled $50,109.

Steven Keddy

Lead Maintenance/Construction Specialist/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,972

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $25,521
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,462
Benefits: $22,988
Total compensation: $49,972

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Steven Keddy holds the role of Lead Maintenance/Construction Specialist at Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. In 2019, their total compensation was $49,972.

Gavin Young

Fire Technician II/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,952

Sub-department: DNR Forestry, Fire & State Lands
Base pay: $20,569
Overtime: $11,760
Other pay: $1,528
Benefits: $16,096
Total compensation: $49,952

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Gavin Young is a Fire Technician II at Department of Natural Resources within Dnr Forestry, Fire & State Lands. 2019 total compensation came to $49,952.

Matthew Thayn

Lead Maintenance/Construction Specialist/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,943

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $26,470
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $3,502
Benefits: $19,970
Total compensation: $49,943

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Matthew Thayn serves as a Lead Maintenance/Construction Specialist within Comp & Excess Pool. Their 2019 pay totaled $49,943.

George Sommer

Wildlife Recreation Programs Specialist/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,938

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $30,882
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,704
Benefits: $16,352
Total compensation: $49,938

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

George Sommer works as a Wildlife Recreation Programs Specialist for Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. George earned $49,938 in 2019.

Jennifer Winberg

Information Specialist I/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,921

Sub-department: DNR Oil, Gas & Mining
Base pay: $32,219
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $17,702
Total compensation: $49,921

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Jennifer Winberg serves as a Information Specialist I within Dnr Oil, Gas & Mining. Their 2019 pay totaled $49,921.

Stephen Newren

Wildlife Licensing Specialist/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,819

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $31,054
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,338
Benefits: $17,426
Total compensation: $49,819

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Stephen Newren holds the role of Wildlife Licensing Specialist at Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. In 2019, their total compensation was $49,819.

Paul Christensen

Fire Technician II/Department of Natural Resources

2017 total comp

$49,794

Sub-department: DNR Forestry, Fire & State Lands
Base pay: $24,265
Overtime: $10,042
Other pay: $2,733
Benefits: $12,754
Total compensation: $49,794

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Paul Christensen serves as a Fire Technician II within Dnr Forestry, Fire & State Lands. Their 2017 pay totaled $49,794.

Jonathan Abbott

Conservation Officer II/Department of Natural Resources

2017 total comp

$49,766

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $24,363
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,238
Benefits: $23,165
Total compensation: $49,766

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Jonathan Abbott is a Conservation Officer II at Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. 2017 total compensation came to $49,766.

Rhonda Jensen

Office Specialist II/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,622

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $28,741
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,051
Benefits: $18,831
Total compensation: $49,622

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Rhonda Jensen serves as a Office Specialist II within Comp & Excess Pool. Their 2019 pay totaled $49,622.

Samuel Schoppe

Journey Heavy Equipment Operator/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,618

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $26,058
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $893
Benefits: $22,667
Total compensation: $49,618

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Samuel Schoppe works as a Journey Heavy Equipment Operator for Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. Samuel earned $49,618 in 2019.

Jordan Lewis

Automotive Assistant/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,538

Sub-department: DNR Natural Resources Administration
Base pay: $30,950
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $500
Benefits: $18,087
Total compensation: $49,538

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Jordan Lewis works as a Automotive Assistant for Department of Natural Resources within Dnr Natural Resources Administration. Jordan earned $49,538 in 2019.

Jonah Womack

Park Ranger II/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$49,240

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $30,510
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,720
Benefits: $16,010
Total compensation: $49,240

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Jonah Womack holds the role of Park Ranger II at Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. In 2019, their total compensation was $49,240.

Brett Branin

Fire Technician I/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$48,882

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $15,901
Overtime: $17,383
Other pay: $1,028
Benefits: $14,571
Total compensation: $48,882

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Brett Branin works as a Fire Technician I for Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. Brett earned $48,882 in 2019.

James Christensen

Wildlife Biologist II/Department of Natural Resources

2017 total comp

$48,860

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $25,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,918
Benefits: $20,960
Total compensation: $48,860

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

James Christensen works as a Wildlife Biologist II for Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. James earned $48,860 in 2017.

Coral O Riley

Park Ranger II/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$48,607

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $30,600
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,550
Benefits: $16,458
Total compensation: $48,607

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Coral O Riley serves as a Park Ranger II within Comp & Excess Pool. Their 2019 pay totaled $48,607.

Suzanne Steab

Engineering Technician II/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$48,507

Sub-department: DNR Oil, Gas & Mining
Base pay: $27,702
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $20,805
Total compensation: $48,507

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Suzanne Steab is a Engineering Technician II at Department of Natural Resources within Dnr Oil, Gas & Mining. 2019 total compensation came to $48,507.

Thomas Smart

Information Technician/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$48,422

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $33,370
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $331
Benefits: $14,721
Total compensation: $48,422

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Thomas Smart serves as a Information Technician within Comp & Excess Pool. Their 2019 pay totaled $48,422.

Michael Durfey

Wildlife Biologist II/Department of Natural Resources

2017 total comp

$48,351

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $28,061
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $303
Benefits: $19,987
Total compensation: $48,351

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Michael Durfey works as a Wildlife Biologist II for Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. Michael earned $48,351 in 2017.

Edward Vidmar

Water Commissioners & Deputies, Flsa Exempt/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$48,067

Sub-department: Restricted Special Revenue
Base pay: $20,663
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $16,753
Benefits: $10,652
Total compensation: $48,067

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Edward Vidmar works as a Water Commissioners & Deputies, Flsa Exempt for Department of Natural Resources within Restricted Special Revenue. Edward earned $48,067 in 2019.

Rachel Loftus

Engineer II/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$48,060

Sub-department: DNR Water Rights
Base pay: $33,044
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $15,016
Total compensation: $48,060

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Rachel Loftus is a Engineer II at Department of Natural Resources within Dnr Water Rights. 2019 total compensation came to $48,060.

Susan Odekirk

Engineer III/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$48,009

Sub-department: DNR Water Rights
Base pay: $29,432
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $36
Benefits: $18,540
Total compensation: $48,009

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Susan Odekirk serves as a Engineer III within Dnr Water Rights. Their 2019 pay totaled $48,009.

Randy Ryan

Journey Maintenance/Construction Specialist/Department of Natural Resources

2017 total comp

$47,973

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $26,941
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,059
Benefits: $19,973
Total compensation: $47,973

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Randy Ryan works as a Journey Maintenance/Construction Specialist for Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. Randy earned $47,973 in 2017.

Ben Anderson

Engineer III/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$47,923

Sub-department: DNR Water Rights
Base pay: $29,296
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $70
Benefits: $18,558
Total compensation: $47,923

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Ben Anderson is a Engineer III at Department of Natural Resources within Dnr Water Rights. 2019 total compensation came to $47,923.

Carolyn Williams

Office Technician II/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$47,921

Sub-department: DNR Oil, Gas & Mining
Base pay: $29,432
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $18,489
Total compensation: $47,921

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Carolyn Williams is a Office Technician II at Department of Natural Resources within Dnr Oil, Gas & Mining. 2019 total compensation came to $47,921.

Daniel Allen

Forester I/Department of Natural Resources

2017 total comp

$47,844

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $26,035
Overtime: $1,460
Other pay: $87
Benefits: $20,263
Total compensation: $47,844

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Daniel Allen works as a Forester I for Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. Daniel earned $47,844 in 2017.

Anita Candelaria

Accounting Technician III/Department of Natural Resources

2017 total comp

$47,808

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $26,312
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,122
Benefits: $20,374
Total compensation: $47,808

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Anita Candelaria holds the role of Accounting Technician III at Department of Natural Resources within Comp & Excess Pool. In 2017, their total compensation was $47,808.

Kathy Smith

Office Clerk III/Department of Natural Resources

2019 total comp

$47,755

Sub-department: DNR Oil, Gas & Mining
Base pay: $25,023
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $22,733
Total compensation: $47,755

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

Kathy Smith holds the role of Office Clerk III at Department of Natural Resources within Dnr Oil, Gas & Mining. In 2019, their total compensation was $47,755.

Steven Jeffs

Journey Maintenance/Construction Specialist/Department of Natural Resources

2018 total comp

$47,705

Sub-department: Comp & Excess Pool
Base pay: $34,297
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,136
Benefits: $12,272
Total compensation: $47,705

Source-specific fields

Pay Components: [object Object]

At Department of Natural Resources, Steven Jeffs serves as a Journey Maintenance/Construction Specialist within Comp & Excess Pool. Their 2018 pay totaled $47,705.