Federal Lands Special Project Manager, WMS1

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Federal Lands Special Projects Manager to join its Forest Resilience Division’s Federal Lands Section in a non-permanent appointment. This position supports three programs: Field Operations, Engineering Services, and Environmental Planning, providing critical senior-level expertise and capacity to existing long-term projects and emerging priority projects, primarily through the department’s Good Neighbor Authority agreement. Projects overseen by this position directly support goals and strategies outlined in the DNR’s 20 Year Forest Health Strategic Plan: Eastern WA, 2025 Forest Action Plan, and the Western Washington Forest Health Strategic Plan.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in forestry, natural resource management, or other closely related field AND five (5) years of relevant professional experience in forest land management, natural resource planning, and/ or program development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Experience performing the following functions: performance management, organization planning, budgeting, contract management, resource planning, and public/ partner relations.
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration, business administration, budgeting, economics, and management.
Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of natural resource management and skills to identify and mitigate current issues and conflicts in natural resource management.
Knowledge and skills in timber and land management planning and practices.
Knowledge and competency in contract development and administration.
Knowledge and skills to manage multiple programs and projects.
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 ensure requests are followed.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s of Science degree or above in Forestry AND five (5) years of practical experience in forest management-related functions.
Certification as a Project Management Professional.
Knowledge of Product Sales and Leasing and general timber sale or non-commercial forestry project processes, and goods and services contract development and compliance.
Knowledge of project management principles.
Experience and knowledge of budget process and function using multiple fund sources.
Previous work experience with the federal government, implementing federal contracts, or other interagency agreements.

Responsibilities

Independently and as part of the team, provide oversight and management of the section’s existing long-term project portfolio, including section and program policy and procedure development
Provide project field assistance, including compliance, monitoring, and/or technical support
Complete drafting, review, and compliance of federal and state agreements and contracts
Conduct forward-facing, strategic development of emergent project types, including piloting new mechanisms
Provide federal and state grant research, development, and management
Coordinate with internal and external partners on current and future projects
Provide division support for cross-programmatic function and outcomes

Benefits

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
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.