Description
Assistant Division Manager, Projects & Planning, WMS
Recruitment #2025-10-7091
Full-time, Permanent, WMS2, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $8,404.00 - $9,801.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,404.00 - $10,318.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/9/25. 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 Asset Management Division as an
Assistant Division Manager for the Projects and Planning Section.
The Projects and Planning section is comprised of project managers, planners, writers, outreach specialists, and technical experts who coordinate and produce plans and guidance documents that ensure consistent stewardship of resources on DNR-managed lands. Examples include forest land plans, conservation strategies, implementation procedures, and EISs. The section’s work depends on close collaboration with Division Manager, Executive Management, Uplands Leadership Team, division and region staff, and subject matter experts, as well as cooperative relationships with other state and federal agencies, trust beneficiaries, Tribes, legislators and staff, Board of Natural Resources, conservation and recreation partners, and the public. All section activities are in support of Uplands authorities and responsibilities, including maintaining sustained revenue flow from trust lands, the provision of functional habitat, and resource protection across all DNR-managed lands.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Facilitates, designs, and implements strategic planning for State Uplands key initiatives, including Sustainable Harvest Calculations, Trust Land Performance Initiative, and Habitat Conservation Plan
- Identifies needs for the development of policies and procedures for the Uplands program.
- Manages scoping, analysis, and production of environmental impact analysis of policies, plans, and procedures.
- Manages development and communication of materials to present reports, assessments, milestones to steering committees, technical teams, executive management, legislative committees, Board of Natural Resources, trust beneficiaries, Tribes, and other interested parties to strategic planning efforts on state trust lands.
- Supervise a staff of 6 employees, assigning and prioritizing work.
- Develop, monitor, and report on budget and deliverables.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental planning, or a related field in natural resources, AND a minimum of 3 years’ experience with supervising staff, managing projects, and applying land use or natural resource plans; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
- Experience leading major projects and motivating teams to achieve goals.
- Must have excellent verbal communication skills, including experience communicating both orally and in writing, with the ability to convey technical information in non-technical terms.
- Experience delivering presentations to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Experience interacting strategically and effectively with a diverse set of collaborators, including natural resource managers, policymakers, scientists, private landowners, environmental groups, neighbors, tribes, and agency representatives.
- Experience in public outreach and building stakeholder relationships.
- Knowledgeable in principles of public participation and collaborative processes.
- Demonstrated experience in resolving disputes among multiple partners.
- Experience using a variety of problem-solving techniques and collaborative approaches to identify and evaluate alternative courses of action.
- 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.
- Additional position-specific key behaviors required to perform the duties described above:
- Promotes teamwork and shared successes.
- Detail-oriented.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Receptive to new ideas and adaptable to change
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
- The assigned duty station is in the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, where most of the time (95%) will be spent indoors. The building environment consists of a cubicle workstation with a computer in an open area that is subject to loud noises from nearby conversations, telephones, ventilation, and white noise.
- Hazards:** While in an office setting, this position does not encounter any hazardous chemicals. However, while in the field, there may be experiences of trip and fall hazards, overhead hazards, equipment hazards, and occasional contact with hazardous chemicals.
- The position requires minimal travel, typically 5% or less, from Olympia to one of the six regions of the state or to meeting locations within Olympia or nearby cities/towns. Overnight travel is necessary for visiting some regional offices and field locations due to long travel distances. Agency vehicles are available for use.
Occasionally (5% Or Less), Time May Also Be Spent In Various Regions Participating In Site Visits, Which May Include Field Site Settings.
Desired Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree, PHD, or certificate involving forestry, environmental planning, related natural resources field, community outreach, or environmental justice.
- A strong knowledge of DNR policy documents (State Lands HCP and Policy for Sustainable Forests, for example).
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!
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: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
- 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 Susan Beall at susan.beall@dnr.wa.gov/564-250-3868 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
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information
.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03
Please select which of the following best describes your education and/or experience:
- I have a bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental planning, or a related field in natural resources AND a minimum of 3 years’ experience with supervising staff, managing projects, and applying land use or natural resource plans.
- I have a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental planning, or a related field in natural resources AND a minimum of 3 years’ experience with supervising staff, managing projects, and applying land use or natural resource plans.
- None of the above.
04
Do you have experience leading major projects and motivating teams to achieve goals?
05
Do you have excellent verbal communication skills, including experience communicating both orally and in writing, with the ability to convey technical information in non-technical terms?
06
Do you have experience delivering presentations to both scientific and non-scientific audiences?
07
Do you have experience interacting strategically and effectively with a diverse set of collaborators, including natural resource managers, policymakers, scientists, private landowners, environmental groups, neighbors, tribes, and agency representatives?
08
Do you have experience in public outreach and building collaborative relationships?
09
Do you have demonstrated experience in resolving disputes among multiple collaborators?
10
Do you have experience using variety of problem-solving techniques and collaborative approaches to identify and evaluate alternative courses of action?
11
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?
12
Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
- www.dnr.wa.gov
- www.careers.wa.gov
- WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
- Governmentjobs.com
- Monster
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
- College/university website/career fair
- Handshake
- Newspaper
- Direct Email Notification
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
- Professional/Personal Network
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Zip Recruiter
- Diversity Jobs
- Facebook
- Other (please specify below)
13
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
