Westside Operations Manager- Special Use and Commercial Leasing, NRS4

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Product Sales and Leasing Division as the Westside Operations Manager – Special Use and Commercial Leasing. DNR manages 3 million acres of state-owned uplands for revenue to specific public beneficiaries, including the Common Schools, CEP&RI, and counties. Under the direction of the Product Sales and Leasing Assistant Division Manager, this position serves as the western Washington leasing specialist responsible for the coordination and administration of special use leases and associated trust assets on State trust lands throughout the four western Washington regions (1.575 million acres). The Westside Operations Manager has the most varied workload of the leasing program specialists. Leases for housing, special population groups, commercial recreation, and correctional facilities are some of the many authorized uses. This position is responsible for providing programmatic guidance and streamlining business practices as well as the development of special use leasing policy and procedure, and implementation of those policies and procedures on State trust lands. This position also works under the direction of the Commercial Real Estate program manager and supports the Commercial Real Estate program and management of its portfolio across the entire state. Supportive activities include, but are not limited to, assistance with lease management, lease compliance, and completion of due diligence on leasing transactions such as lease amendments, rental adjustments, and extensions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree involving major study in business, real property, or other natural resource-related field, AND (5) five years of professional leasing or land management experience; OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
Experience in negotiating legal contracts.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, or similar database management, and the ability to learn new software programs as needed.
Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
Proficient in responding to shifting deadlines/priorities.
Implementation of program improvements and resource allocation.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention requirements, and ensure requests for public records are followed.
A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices).
This position requires driving as an essential function.
Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Nice To Haves

Experience drafting policies and procedures.
Experience conducting financial analysis for identifying fair market values on leases.
Working knowledge of DNR leasing programs, functions, and business needs.
Experience using GIS to prepare, view, and print maps.
Working knowledge of DNR’s NaturE system or LAMs.
Experience developing and managing a budget, preferably a state agency program budget.

Responsibilities

Designated expert for all aspects of lease administration for special use leases in Western Washington. Independently performs all aspects of lease administration and compliance, including negotiating new and expiring contracts, inspections, rent adjustments, payments, and insurance.
Determines fair market rental values either independently or in consultation with the department's Chief Appraiser.
Consults with the Office of Attorney General, Department, and other agency specialists as necessary.
Resolves any leasing disputes in a prompt and professional manner.
Regularly informs and updates Westside Region management on the status of the leases in their geographic area and ensures their concerns are addressed.
Serves as the information source for questions and identifies concerns relating to the acquisition, disposition, transfer, or exchange of Western Washington Trust Lands under lease.
Evaluates state lands to establish best use, management improvements, and to initiate development actions and priorities.
Responsible for providing support to the Commercial Real Estate program.
Performs all aspects of lease administration and compliance under the direction of the Commercial Real Estate Program Manager.
Assists with maintaining and updating the CRE property list and status of leases.
Drafts and completes lease assignments, lease amendments, and rent adjustments.
Assists with resolving any leasing disputes in a prompt and professional manner.
Provides support for new lease negotiation and manages due diligence process and lease procedures pursuant to DNR CRE policy and procedures.
Identifies the need for Special Use Leasing program guidance and training, and works with the Assistant Division Manager and Commercial Real Estate Program Manager to develop a plan for providing guidance, training and implementation.
Develops and updates programmatic policies and procedures.
Develops Special Use leasing document templates.
Performs other duties as assigned for Special Use Leasing development.
Coordinates with Division and Region staff to develop operating and capital budget proposals and assists in monitoring Region and Division expenditures.

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.