Forest Resilience Policy and Planning Manager, Environmental Specialist 5

Forest Resilience Policy and Planning Manager, Environmental Specialist 5


Recruitment #2025-1-A309


Full-time, Permanent, 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: $6,077.00 - $8,170.00 Monthly


Review of applications is ongoing.

We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 01/23/2025. Interviews will be conducted the week of January 27th, with an expected start date of Feb 16th. 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 Forest Resilience Division for professionals interested in natural resources policy. This position focuses on those who have background, expertise, or a strong interest in forest health - the condition of a forest ecosystem reflecting its ability to sustain characteristic structure, function, and processes; resilience to fire, insects, and other disturbance mechanisms; adaptability to changing climate and increased drought stress; and capacity to provide ecosystem services to meet landowner objectives and human needs.


This policy position focuses on forest health-related activities and policy issues that we are facing across all lands that work to restore and sustain the ecological function of the entire landscape such as solutions to conserve, protect, and enhance forests that people and wildlife depend on; forest restoration and wildfire risk reduction; mitigation treatments; opportunities that guide current and future management actions; promote wildlife habitat; monitor insect and disease; educate and decision-makers about the economic, environmental, psychological and aesthetic benefits of trees; and other critical components as we maneuver through our forested ecosystem.


The work of the

Forest Resilience Policy and Planning Manager

is guided by the Forest Action Plan, 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan, and Shared Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding. This position uses sound judgment as well as background and knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, programs, and procedures. It is responsible for both proactively identifying and developing internal policy needs as well as responding to existing and emergent policy where decisions will impact our division and its ten programs operational effectiveness on a strategic level.


This position works closely with not only our division’s management team but other divisions that coordinate closely on the delivery of our shared goals, particularly Forest Resources and Wildland Fire Management Division, as well as regional staff and numerous collaborators, other state and federal agencies, tribes, and private forest landowners on our execution of RCW 76.06 and 76.15. This position is responsible for providing leadership and execution on both internal and external policy, and strategic plans, and helping to facilitate a culture of strong cross-programmatic information exchange, awareness, and collaboration towards shared goals.


Responsibilities:


Recommends and implements policies and procedures directed at effective and fiscally responsible investments into implementing RCW 76.06 and 76.15 as well as our Forest Action Plan and 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan. May solicit and manage professional contract services.


Ensures interpretation, documentation, and implementation of policy related to the successful implementation of the Division’s programs of work are consistent with existing laws, rules, policies, and Department principles. Identifies and leads coordination of areas where potential conflicts may occur and require attention.


Leads Division coordinated review, analysis, and response to forest health state and federal forest health-related legislation.


Assumes lead status for the preparation of plans, reports, documents, and other informational material. This includes leadership of coordination and delivery of required legislative reports.


Fosters and sustains positive relationships contributing to the overall resilience of Washington’s forested ecosystems and landscapes in a changing environment.


Serves as the lead in managing and coordinating legal services requests; involving researching the issue requiring legal support, drafting the legal services request forms to include questions requiring legal analysis and responses, tracking the issue to ensure responses are received within the necessary timeframe, providing briefings to staff management, and ensuring that all communication is handled professionally and consistently.


Supports new rulemaking efforts, as related to forest health and resiliency programs of work.


Serves on and represents DNR on interagency committees.


Responds to public, legislative, and other information requests.


Required Qualifications:


A Bachelor’s degree in forestry, forest management, forest ecology, natural resources, environmental policy, or related field;


AND at least four years or more of applied experience and knowledge of natural resource management, policy, regulations, principles, and practices;


OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.


Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including substantial public speaking experience, to convey complex natural resource issues to technical and non-technical audiences.


Experience participating with and leading multi-collaborative natural resource groups and understanding of how to effectively communicate and represent both science and agency policy to external partners.


Leadership experience and collaboration skills including the ability to listen, understand, facilitate, negotiate, and work skillfully in those settings to support a wide array of interests and objectives.


Experience working with diverse and competing interest groups to develop solutions and resolve conflicts around high-profile projects or issues.


Knowledge of major forest health and forest management policy in the Pacific Northwest and Washington State at multiple scales from regional to state to local across land ownerships.


Knowledge of major forest health issues in the Pacific Northwest and management strategies to address those.


Ability to develop policy and procedures for teams to achieve an objective.


Familiarity with US Forest Service State and Private Forestry programs, authorities, and typical areas of work. Degree and experience provide the knowledge necessary to provide expert consultation and lead a dynamic statewide portfolio of urban forestry work.


Strong organizational skills, including administrative and data management skills.


Ability to lead internal and external working groups as needed to further agency projects and initiatives.


Ability to function largely independently, making sound decisions in a complex, diverse operating environment.


Strong project management skills.


Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors , equity, , 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:


Most work is performed indoors in office environments but may occasionally include other settings.


Infrequent travel is expected for meetings and consultations provided to partners around the state, away from the position’s main duty station. Such travel may be multiple days in length and require overnight stays. Additional opportunities to travel may include attendance at meetings, conferences, and other activities within and outside of the state.


Desired Qualifications:


Ability to convey messages correctly, clearly, and persuasively using effective written, verbal, and public speaking skills to a variety of audiences.


Ability to understand complex planning and policy issues and apply understanding to accomplish agency goals and objectives.


Understanding and experience effectively communicating and representing both science and agency policy to external partners.


Highly inspirational and engaging with other natural resource professionals – the ability to mobilize people and to find synergy in work.


Visionary and adaptable to changing organizational and natural environments - the ability to identify/anticipate future needs to increase successful outcomes for our state forests.


Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position -

If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your past 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 (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value and 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 to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.


Resume:

that details your experience and qualifications.


References:

at least three professional references with current telephone numbers and email– 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 Lislie Sayers at

Lislie.Sayers@dnr.wa.gov

/ (360) 280-6104 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 , equity, and .


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 .


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 (, Equity and 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 prior to 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, , , and . Women, racial and minorities, persons of , persons over 40 years of , veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all orientations and 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

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