Deputy Supervisor, Forest Practices & Aquatic Resources
State of Washington
People & HR, Operations
Thurston County, WA, USA
USD 138,528-170,076 / year
Posted on Aug 10, 2025
Description
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Deputy Supervisor, Forest Practices & Aquatic ResourcesWork Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Recruitment #2025-8-7929
Full-time, Permanent, Exempt, Non-represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA.
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $138,528 - $161,568
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $138,528 - $170,076
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity to contribute to work that ensures a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our mission is to protect Washington State's natural resources for current and future generations, and we’re looking for a talented, dynamic team member to carry out that mission and strengthen our strategies. We are committed to making DNR a great place to work and serve Washington’s lands and communities. At DNR, we believe there is not just one path to success. Whoever you are or wherever you come from in the world, there is a place for you here. We are looking for someone who values public service and understands that we must continue to innovate to fulfill our duties as public stewards and solve our state’s most pressing challenges. If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment that encourages you to think big and share your strengths, we invite you to apply! As the Deputy Supervisor for Forest Practices and Aquatic Resources, you will serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner and report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Duties
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Responsibilities:
- The Deputy Supervisor provides leadership, oversight, and support to the two FPAR divisions to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of statewide programs and services consistent with DNR’s mission and strategic plan. This position is a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), which advises the Commissioner of Public Lands, provides strategic direction and oversight for agency-wide priorities, and advances DNR’s fiscal and policy priorities with the Governor and State Legislature.
- Serve as the Commissioner’s appointee on various boards, commissions, and other forums.
- Work collaboratively with other members of the ELT to inform and implement the Commissioner’s vision and strategic goals for the agency and solve complex agency-level problems.
- Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to analyze state and federal legislative and regulatory proposals for potential implications for FPAR divisions and determine appropriate agency action. Review and approve any written materials representing DNR’s position on legislative and/or policy matters, including legislative bill proposals and/or agency-sponsored legislation related to FPAR Divisions.
Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a large, complex, and highly represented organization, OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
- Experience in strategic leadership, precise communication, effective negotiation, and persuasive advocacy.
- Experience-based ability to create a positive work environment, build morale, and elicit sustained superior job performance.
- Proven ability to develop staff skills by effectively coaching, mentoring, and training.
- Strong commitment to ethical leadership and the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, belongin,g and environmental justice practices.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- Key Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of natural resource management principles, strategies, and science, in both a conservation and production context.
- Effective in building strong relationships and trust with key contributors.
- Approachable and comfortable working as a convener and collaborator with public and private sector partners.
- Skilled at navigating the political landscape of working for an elected official and developing a network of contributors that connect DNR to WA State cities, Tribes, and communities.
- Knowledge of public service culture and proven ability to develop public and private partnerships.
- Awareness of external impacts of DNR’s actions and decisions while providing stable management of internal aspects of the organization.
- Able to cultivate a team that strengthens collaboration and cooperation and builds leadership with staff and external contributors.
- Experience taking visionary ideas and concepts, breaking them down into realistic, actionable steps, and ensuring they are executed efficiently.
- Capable of analyzing complex issues and handling controversial and sensitive issues that come with implementing statewide initiatives.
- Manage competing priorities and deliver strategic recommendations on a timely basis.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to seek solutions that achieve results.
- Financial competency.
- Work will be a combination of office setting and telework.
- Some travel is expected, including to field sites, region offices, meetings with state, federal, and tribal partners, and other external partners, and to represent DNR at official meetings or other forums. This includes occasional out-of-state travel.
- Knowledge of natural resources management issues in the Pacific Northwest, including the Northwest Forest Plan, Washington’s Forest Practices Rules, and the Forest Practices Board and Adaptive Management Program.
- Knowledge of Washington’s Indian Tribes, tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and DNR’s responsibilities under the Centennial Accord and the agency’s Government-to-Government policy.
- Familiarity with aquatic resource management issues in the Pacific Northwest.
- Labor relations experience in a highly represented organization.
- Knowledge, skills, or experience of revenue-producing natural resource assets.
- Experience with legislative and budgeting processes.
- Advanced degree.
Supplemental Information
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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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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