Assistant Department Manager

Assistant Division Manager for Budget and Business Operations, WMS2 Recruitment #2026-8-6327 Full-time, Permanent, WMS2, Non-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: $8,574.00 - $9,998.00 Monthly To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,574.00 - $10,526.00 Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/3/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? Want to join a great team and make a difference for Washington’s working forests and forested ecosystems? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Forest Practices Application (FPA) Technical Strategist to support our Forest Practices Program. The Forest Practices Program administers the forest practices rules that protect public safety, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat on the 12 million acres of Washington's state-owned and private forestlands and assists Washington's family forest owners through its Small Forest Landowner Office, which provides technical and financial assistance to help small forest landowners manage their unique lands to meet their individual goals. Responsibilities: Financial and Program Performance Management Coordinate and lead the Forest Practices Division Management Team in developing biennial operating and capital budget requests and allotments Provides excellent employee supervision and serves on the Division Management Team Oversees development and tracking of Division’s fiscal contracts Required Qualifications: You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications. Bachelor’s degree in business management, public administration, or other closely related field; AND three years of experience in the following: Managing an annual budget of $1 million or more. Supervising two or more direct reports. OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Comprehensive understanding and experience in budget development and oversight, organizational development, and employee performance management. Experience developing and/or managing complex contracts. Knowledge of information technology systems and project management. Knowledge of human resource management principles, labor agreements, employment law, and the legislative process. Required Competencies: 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. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence Position Specific Competencies: A high degree of resiliency. Accustomed to functioning well under stress. Strong partnering and relationship-building skills and aptitudes. Accustomed to leading others through periods of uncertainty and change. Strong accountability. Highly productive. Exemplary oral and written communication skills. Strong organizational, time-management, and decision-making skills. Strong problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to think strategically and act assertively while maintaining productive professional relationships. Accustomed to analyzing and thinking critically and creatively to recommend or create solutions. Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: Office setting (Natural Resources Building in Olympia, WA). The building environment consists of a cubicle workstation with a computer in an open area that is subject to noise from nearby conversations, telephones, and ventilation. Occasional travel to Regions and other locations for meetings and field tours (typically, less than 5% of time over a year). Desired Qualifications: Experience developing and/or managing complex contracts. An advanced degree in business management or public administration (or similar discipline). Knowledge of Washington’s forest practices Adaptive Management Program framework. Knowledge of Washington State forest practices laws, rules, and Board Manual guidance. Experience writing and/or managing grants and contracts. Skills and experience with interagency cooperation and negotiation. Knowledge of applicable statutes and rules and purchasing and contracting rules and procedures. Experience working in a natural resources program organized with a centralized headquarters policy/budget organization and program implementation carried out through geographically-dispersed work units. Fully competent using data organization and analysis tools (for example, Excel or Access). At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. Questions? Please contact Brandon Austin at View email address on click.appcast.io/View phone number on click.appcast.io or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. About the Department of Natural Resources 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. DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include: 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 employeesProfessional 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 for more information. Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days. DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress #J-18808-Ljbffr