Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $5,501.00 - $7,400.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 6/19/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Aquatic Resources Division as a Sea Level Rise Coordinator. Join us and help shape how state-owned aquatic lands are used, restored, and protected as part of our unique aquatic leasing system. This work will directly support our efforts as the stewards of state-owned aquatic lands, ensuring that the processes for managing use agreements align with our environmental goals, as well as build agency capacity for sea level rise plannings.

This limited-duration (2-year) position will provide important subject matter expertise and guide the development of climate resilience plans and policies within DNR Aquatics. The main task will be to serve as the independent project manager for a grant-funded project to engage local governments, Tribes, agency partners, and other partners to conduct a case study evaluation of SLR adaptation through nature-based solutions (NBS) at aquatic leaseholder sites in three Puget Sound watersheds. The overall goal of this project will be to advance SLR planning and adaptation in DNR’s leasing program and across shoreline jurisdictions. This position will report to the Environmental Policy Lead on the Aquatics Policy team but will be expected to represent the department and coordinate closely with other DNR teams, as well as with staff from other state agencies, Tribal and local governments, non-profits, and/or interested organizations.

Join our team at the DNR Aquatics Division and help grow your career in land management, environmental policy, and relationship building!
Responsibilities:

• Work independently to plan, direct, and coordinate the HSIL-funded project: “Incorporating Sea Level Rise Resilience into DNR’s Aquatic Leasing Program: Case Studies and Recommendations”, which entails consultation with staff from various DNR programs and external partners including local jurisdictions, Tribes, and state agencies to plan and develop land management and policy guidance related to sea level rise (SLR) planning.
• Work with a cross-jurisdictional team to identify sites with the highest risk of SLR impacts and greatest potential for nature-based solutions. This includes synthesizing SLR exposure data, assisting with habitat vulnerability assessments, and gathering community priorities to identify appropriate sites for the case studies.
• Manage the project’s external Advisory Team, including representatives from Tribal governments, local jurisdictions, ports, and state agencies. Organize bimonthly virtual meetings, coordinate an annual in-person summit, prepare agendas, and record meeting summaries.
• Lead outreach and engagement efforts with communities and external partners in case studies and broader project activities. Support the development of public-facing materials such as fact sheets and visualizations that communicate SLR impacts and nature-based solutions opportunities.
• Co-lead the development of a research paper summarizing project findings and offering policy and procedural recommendations for interjurisdictional SLR adaptation.
• Work to integrate SLR and nature-based solutions considerations into updated habitat stewardship measures for DNR’s aquatic land use authorizations. Review existing policies, incorporate scientific findings from the case studies, and draft new or revised guidelines that promote resilience and ecological integrity.
• Assist with tracking grant deliverables, compiling quarterly and final reports, and reporting grant progress to project funders.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in land use; urban, coastal, environmental, or natural resource planning; landscape architecture; environmental law; public administration with an environmental emphasis; climate science, or closely related field AND Two years of professional experience in land use, environmental or natural resources planning, or program development;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience facilitating virtual and in-person workshops.
• Experience observing, analyzing, and interpreting agency policy, spatial and environmental data, and scientific research.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to independently interpret climate and land planning research and apply relevant agency policy to develop management recommendations.
• Ability to provide technical writing that is clear, concise, precise, and accurate for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to professionally conduct internal and external outreach and communication related to the programs, policies, and plans developed by the DNR core team. This includes the ability to effectively communicate both in small and large group settings and competently represent DNR’s mission and goals.
• Ability to collaborate on internal and external issues in an active, respectful, cooperative, and professional manner. Includes the ability to receive feedback from others.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties 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:

• Natural Resources Building, 3rd floor, in an open cubicle setting, and/or teleworking from home.
• One annual in-person summit per year.

Desired Qualifications:

• A master’s degree with a major emphasis in land use, urban, coastal, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, environmental law, and public administration with an environmental emphasis; climate science, or closely related field AND Two years of professional experience in land use, environmental or natural resources planning, or program development.
• Knowledge of online and library sources and databases of information about SLR and nature-based solutions in Washington State and the US.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of: climate impacts and resilience, adaptation planning, natural resource management, and aquatic habitat science.
• Experience working with natural resource or natural resource management/environmental protection agencies at the local, state, tribal, or federal levels.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations and policies affecting the management of aquatic lands.
• Experience with landscape-scale planning, including knowledge of grid-based GIS analysis techniques to predict outcomes or answer questions that support aquatic land management.
• Experience working with multimedia such as ESRI StoryMaps, photography, and videography to create communication tools centered on storytelling.

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, 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: 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 Brittany Poirson at Brittany.poirson@dnr.wa.gov/360-791-9814 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.

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