Forest Habitats Section Manager - Environmental Planner 5 - Permanent

Description Title: Forest Habitats Section Manager Classification: Environmental Planner 5 Job Status: Full-Time / Permanent WDFW Program: Habitat Program – Ecosystem Services Division Duty Station: Olympia, Washington – Thurston County Hybrid/Telework: While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed. Posting Timeframe: This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until August 2, 2026. The first review of applications will take place on July 24, 2026. Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time. Role Summary As the senior planning consultant for the Forest Habitats Section, the Forest Habitats Section Manager will play a key leadership role in shaping the future of Washington’s forest habitats. The position works alongside state and federal agencies, local governments, and land managers to develop and implement strategies that protect, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats. The manager represents the agency on technical and policy committees, builds strong partnerships, and coordinates cross-program efforts to advance major forest habitat restoration initiatives. Key Responsibilities Identify and resolve major forest health and management issues: Forest Practices: Serve as the department representative on forest practices, collaborating with the state natural resource caucus, tribal governments, and other partners through the Timber, Fish, and Wildlife Policy Committee to advance fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation and enhancement. Forest Health: Serve as the department representative in inter‑agency forums addressing forest health and management issues, promoting solutions that support fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with federal and state agencies, tribal and local governments, and private landowners to strengthen support for forest management plans, policies, and actions that conserve fish, wildlife, and habitat, particularly when decisions involve negotiations, appeals, or other legal proceedings. Manage the Habitat Program’s Forest Habitats Section: Establish Section priorities in collaboration with staff, aligning work with the department’s Strategic Plan and Ecosystem Services Division priorities. Deliver Section priorities by managing budgets, grants, contracts, and projects while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and contractual obligations. Provide strong leadership and supervision by setting clear performance expectations, supporting professional development, and fostering employee recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction. Deliver training and technical assistance to Section staff and the department’s regional biologists by developing and sharing guidance, technical resources, and best practices that promote consistent conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat, and exceptional customer service. Coordinate with Forest Habitats Section staff and Regional Habitat Program Managers regarding forest work priorities to ensure statewide effectiveness of forest management services. Expand awareness and use of WDFW data, tools, and technical assistance through outreach, customer engagement, and communication efforts that improve fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation outcomes. Develop and recommend forest management strategies: Test and implement forest management approaches that advance fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation through coordination with managers and policy staff within the department and with other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as tribes and landowners. Review proposed legislation and respond to legislative assignments that would affect forest management in order to identify potential effects on the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitats. Assemble, organize, and oversee multidisciplinary and multi‑agency teams to achieve proactive forest habitat conservation and management and the objectives of the Forest Habitats Section. Coordinate with the Wildlife and Fish Programs to develop landscape and site‑specific forest management approaches that achieve inter‑program and agency goals and objectives for fish and wildlife protection and recovery. Working Conditions Work Setting: Primarily office-based with occasional field work. Field activities may include off‑road travel, working in inclement weather, and exposure to a variety of outdoor environmental conditions and hazards. This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments. Schedule: Standard office hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm. Minimum of 20% of time is in person at the NRB in Olympia, in the field, or outside of the home office. Occasional evening or weekend work may be needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs after completion of probation/trial service period. Travel Requirements: Approximately 10% travel (about two days per month) for meetings, site visits, workshops, and forums throughout Washington State. Customer Interactions: Responsible for legislative matters, resolving contentious issues, and engaging with leaders and major stakeholders. Requires exceptional interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills. Provide technical direction to internal and external program and agency professional staff on complex or controversial studies and projects. May represent the agency in policy‑level negotiations, discussions, and coordination with state and federal agencies. Qualifications Required Qualifications: A bachelor‑degree with a major emphasis in natural resource science and/or planning, fisheries or wildlife management; land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; landscape architecture; geography; land use or environmental law; public administration with an environmental emphasis; or a closely related field. Five (5) years of professional experience in natural resource science and/or planning, fisheries or wildlife management; land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; landscape architecture; geography; land use or environmental law; public administration with an environmental emphasis; or a closely related field. Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year‑by‑year basis. Valid driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications: A master’s degree with a major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning; landscape architecture; geography; land use or environmental law; public administration with an environmental emphasis; or a closely related field. One (1) year or more of leadership or supervisory experience, including conflict resolution, employee training and development, work planning and assignment, and performance evaluation. Experience interpreting and applying department and state policies to recommend effective courses of action while leading major program activities and staff toward successful outcomes. Experience applying knowledge of fish and wildlife biology and forest ecology to anticipate fish and wildlife habitat needs and mitigate potential impacts of forest management. Experience interpreting technical information for inclusion in support of policies and management strategies. Experience working with or for forestry proponents, stakeholders, or regulators to develop and implement forest management plans that protect fish and wildlife habitats while maintaining working forests. Experience building partnerships and facilitating cooperative activities with diverse teams. Experience developing and managing budgets. 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 (3) professional references with current contact information. Other Information All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9 Form) on their first day of work. For a list of acceptable documents, see 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, notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Veteran applicants must attach a copy of DD‑214 (member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please redact any PII data such as social security numbers. Requests for accommodations: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format should 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. Other questions regarding this position: contact View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job #2026‑05719. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington Department of Natural Resources