Wildlife Program Budget Manager - WMS Band 2 - Permanent

Salary : $120,264.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04515
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
Title - Wildlife Program Budget Manager

Classification - WMS Band 2

Job Status - Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program - Financial Services Program, Budget Office Duty Station - Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Remote Employment - This position may include telework options up to 2 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.

Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until June 14, 2026. Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW !
Photo Caption: Bull Elk at Sunset - Photo Credit: Patrick Young
As the Wildlife Program Budget Manager, you will provide strategic leadership in the development, coordination, and oversight of the Wildlife Program's operating budget and financial systems, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources in support of WDFW's mission and statewide priorities.

Serving as a key advisor on budget strategy, fiscal policy, and operational planning, you will lead agency-wide coordination of control totals, spending plans, allotments, and fund balance projections for an operating budget exceeding $400 million per biennium.

In this role, you will drive continuous improvement of financial systems and statewide business processes by developing tools, training, and procedures that strengthen budget development and monitoring across the agency.

Through data-informed decision-making and strong fiscal oversight, you will help ensure public trust, legislative credibility, and the financial stability needed to sustain Washington's fish and wildlife resources.

Photo Caption: Bohemian Waxwing - Photo Credit: Keith Nelson
What to Expect -

In this role, you will support development and oversight of the Wildlife Program's spending plans and state financial system entries. Key responsibilities include:

• Serving as the key budget advisor to the Wildlife Program on the development of agency control totals and the development and maintenance of agency allotments.
• Leading your team in budget monitoring and reporting for the Wildlife program.
• Developing and coordinating with the Wildlife program for timeline, content, and collaboration for budget packages for the department.
• Coordinating the development of internal program allotments in the Contracts and Project System (CAPS) database and monitors their accurate upload into TALS.
• Providing technical assistance to programs as needed to help them interpret Office of Financial Management (OFM) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) rules and principles.
• Improving and maintaining coordination between the Fiscal, Human Resources, Contracts, and Budget divisions to ensure the agency reports accurate data in state financial systems.
• Focusing on process improvements between divisions and developing working relationships and periodic meetings to improve coordination and quality of information provided to budget and programs.
• Working directly with the other Budget Managers, developing, drafting and presenting standard operating procedures to the Budget Officer to ensure budget management principles are consistent throughout the agency.
• Training and mentoring budget staff on internal agency budget processes and internal and external financial systems.

Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards: Work environment is a busy office setting.
Schedule: Standard business hours - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., may be required to work more than 40 hours per week or on weekends to meet deadlines during peak periods and/or to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule can be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements: Some travel may be required throughout the State to attend training, meetings, and conferences.
Qualifications:
Closely related professional experience may substitute, year for year, for the education requirement if this experience is in accounting, budgeting, finance, or public administration.
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in accounting, economics, business or public administration, statistics, or a closely related field.
AND all of the following experience (may be gained concurrently):

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in budget development, monitoring, and administration.
• Analyzing complex budget and revenue issues.
• Conducting administrative and operational studies.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Meeting deadlines and determining priorities.
• Manipulating data in Excel using pivot tables and X-Lookup/V-Lookup, creating charts and graphs.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices related to the development and administration of operating budgets.
• Applicable laws and regulations.
• Techniques and methods in interpreting reports and statistical data.
• Basic functions of a state or local government.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in accounting, economics, business or public administration, statistics, or a closely related field
• Experience supervising and providing leadership to professional staff, including workload management, performance oversight, and staff development.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in budget development, monitoring, and administration.
• Professional experience in budget development, monitoring, and administration within a state or local government.
• Working knowledge of the statewide budgeting and accounting systems:
  • Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS), The Allotment System (TALS), Salary Projection System (SPS), Novatus, Agency Budget System (ABS), Capital Budget System (CBS), Enterprise Reporting, and Web Intelligence (AdHoc).
• Experience with WDFW's Contracts System and Centralized Accounting and Processing System (CAPS) Financial.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information
In addition to and other , there are other that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the "Benefits" tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at View email address on click.appcast.io.
• Veterans only - Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 - Biologist 1 - Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW's efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job #2026-04515.
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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 (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 (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 , 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Are you currently an employee of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife? This includes permanent, non-permanent, intern, project, and career seasonal.

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires working on-site at least 60% of the time. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03


Please select the option below that best describes the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Some College.
• Vocational Degree or Certificate.
• Associate's Degree.
• Bachelor's Degree.
• Master's Degree.
• Ph.D.
• None of the above.

04


What is your major area of study? If you possess multiple degrees, please list each degree and major. (If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.) This includes both vocational and college education.
05


Please select the option below that best describes your progressively responsible professional experience in budget development, monitoring, and administration.

• Less than 3 years of experience.
• 3 years - 7 years of experience.
• 7 or more years of experience.

06


Please briefly describe your progressively responsible experience in budget development, monitoring, and administration, including your role in managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, forecasting, or financial reporting. Include the size and complexity of the budgets you have supported. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.)
07


Do you have experience analyzing complex budget and revenue issues?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have experience conducting administrative and operational studies?

• Yes
• No

09


Please briefly describe your experience using Microsoft Excel to manipulate and analyze data, including the use of pivot tables and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP (or similar functions), and creating charts or graphs. Include an example of how you have used these tools in a professional setting to analyze, summarize, or present data. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.)
10


Please describe your experience supervising and providing leadership to professional staff. Include your leadership style and how it supports team effectiveness and accountability. ("See Resume" is not a valid response. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A.)
11


Please indicate which of the following systems you have working knowledge of (select ALL that apply):

• Agency Financial Reporting System (AFRS)
• The Allotment System (TALS)
• Salary Projection System (SPS)
• Novatus
• Agency Budget System (ABS)
• Capital Budget System (CBS)
• WDFW's Budgeting System: Contracts and Procurement System (CAPS) Financial
• Enterprise Reporting
• Web Intelligence (AdHoc)
• None of the above.

12


How did you hear about this job posting? (Select all that apply).

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Community Based Organization
• Community/Technical College
• Conservation Job Board
• El Informador
• Facebook
• Four W's Fishing Team, LLC - Willard Franklin III, LinkedIn
• Handshake
• Hiring Event/Workshop
• Hydraulic Institute (HI)
• Indeed.com
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Mount Hood Community College (MHCC)
• Newspaper
• Other
• Other State Agency
• Other Website
• Professional Association
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Texas A&M
• University Job Board
• UW College of the Environment
• WDFW Employee
• WDFW Recruiter
• WDFW Website
• Word of Mouth
• WorkSource
• X (formerly Twitter)

13


Tell us more - kindly share which website, organization, person, or other source led you to this job posting.
Required Question