Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $125,021 - $145,823 Annually
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $125,021 - $153,499 annually

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment anytime after 8/25/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Would you like to be part of an organization committed to a bright future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive? Are you ready to meet the challenges of a changing climate and ever-increasing demands on our natural resources? Do you hold equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice as important values that are vital to mission accomplishment? Do you enjoy helping others grow and reach their full potential? Well, this may be your dream job! We are the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), looking for the right person to lead the 427 permanent, non-permanent, and seasonal employees who comprise DNR’s Northeast Region.

What we will trust you with:

• Lead the team that delivers DNR’s mission in the Northeast Region: manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
• Safeguard the health, well-being, and productivity of the Region staff.
• Demonstrate safety as the Region’s highest operational priority.
• Infuse principles and practices of equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice into all aspects of Region operations.
• Support, inspire, and guide the Region staff as they work to accomplish DNR’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Commissioner of Public Lands’ chief representative within the geographic boundaries of the Northeast Region.
• Serve as a member of DNR’s Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide outstanding leadership for a Region staff of 184 permanent, 21 non-permanent, and 222 seasonal employees.
• Oversee the implementation of DNR’s natural resource management and protection programs within the Region.
• Implement a proactive workplace safety program to improve employee safety awareness and reduce accidents and injuries.
• Lead and coach the implementation of DNR’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice initiatives by Region staff.
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships and communications with elected officials, local governments, Indian Tribes, regional offices of other state and federal agencies, and stakeholder groups.
• Develop and ensure proper utilization of a $49 million biennial operating budget.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree AND 10 years of professional-level experience with a demonstrated progression in leadership responsibilities in the areas of natural resource management and personnel management;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Key Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of organizational leadership principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement and change management practices and processes.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of natural resource management.
  • Knowledge of wildfire prevention and suppression practices, and the Incident Command System (ICS).
  • Familiarity with Washington's Forest Practices Act and Rules.
  • Familiarity with Washington State‘s legislative process.
• Key Skills:
  • Experience-based ability to lead a large organization.
  • Strong commitment to ethical leadership and the goals of equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
  • Experience-based ability to create a positive work environment, build morale, and elicit sustained superior job performance.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Experience-based ability to guide a team through deadline and workload pressures, and to resolve competing workload demands.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to solve tough problems.
  • Experience-based ability to develop and implement large budgets.
  • Strong safety awareness and orientation.
• 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:

• Work is typically performed in an office setting or meeting rooms. Occasional field trips occur, and trips to visit fire lines are common.
• Schedule varies greatly. Core work hours are 0800-1630. There are numerous evening meetings to attend each month. During fire season, the position is on call 24/7 and works evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.
• Position requires travel to Olympia for meetings every other month. On average, 5 nights per month are spent in travel status (much more during fire season).

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of natural resource management issues in the Pacific Northwest.
• Awareness of Washington’s Indian Tribes, tribal sovereignty, and treaty rights.
• Familiarity with principles and practices of labor unions and collective bargaining.
• Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) as these apply to DNR.

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:

• 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 Lenny Young at leonard.young@dnr.wa.gov/360-628-4200 or e-mail 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 that 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 may also be 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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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