The Baker Recreation Manager position provides professional level recreational expertise and leadership on DNR uplands managed for our trust beneficiaries in beautiful Northwest Region. Sustaining long-term ecosystem protection and productivity is achieved through professional level long-range and short-range planning and by managing and enhancing public use while maintaining realistic expectations about site carrying capacities, available resources and budgets. This position helps Northwest Region achieve its mission through strong leadership, thoughtful decision making, and excellent planning. The incumbent coordinates the recreation program, including landscape level recreation planning, volunteer coordination and event permitting and management and the coordination and oversight of Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew projects within an assigned geographic area. In addition, the incumbent anticipates the need for grant funding and seeks those funding opportunities as they arise. This includes preparation of grant applications, presentations before grant funding committees and ensuring successful implementation, including meeting all necessary budgetary and financial tracking requirements. This position operates under a multitude of DNR policies and Washington State laws including the Habitat Conservation Plan (1997), Policy for Sustainable Forests (2006), relevant WAC’s, and the Multiple Use Concept (RCW 79.10.120).

Responsibilities:

Recreation Planning

• Research, analyze, define and interpret public use patterns and issues, including needs and impacts on developed recreation sites as well as from dispersed recreation.  Consult with region and division staff as well as user groups and community members and make informed recommendations for the recreation program.
• Provide analyses and recommendations for changes to statewide recreation and public use program policies and procedures.
• Lead the district staff in holistic landscape planning efforts as they relate to public use and recreation on state trust lands within assigned areas. Special emphasis is needed for public use planning within a working forest context.  This requires a tremendous amount of knowledge about the environmental impacts generated from public use and coordination with DNR forestry staff and organized user groups, neighbors and the general public.
• Create a plan and make recommendations to the district manager for decommissioning of unsanctioned recreational infrastructure, including outreach to organized user groups and the public.
• Responsible for all aspects of planning associated with the trail systems and trail heads at developed recreation sites.  Assess the carrying capacity of the landscape and available funding mechanisms to create new trails, maintain existing trails and improve trail head facilities.  Communicate and coordinate with unit foresters as timber sales are planned and active timber operations occur across these working forest landscapes.
• Assess complex issues and problem areas associated with public use, identify solutions and seek funding to resolve concerns, as needed. Communicate to higher level managers and complete documentation for damage and coordinate with appropriate staff (including LEOs) to resolve issues.

Grant Development and Project Management

• Identify, analyze and justify potential grant projects for recreational infrastructure development and maintenance within assigned geographic areas and make prioritized recommendations of projects to pursue to the district manager and assistant region manager. Determine project eligibility, build cost estimates and create professional, competitive grant applications and presentations. This includes: identifying projects and determining project eligibility, build cost estimates, and develop and deliver professional, formal recreation grant applications to external governmental organizations and stakeholders to secure funding and other forms of support (e.g. volunteer match commitments and letters of support).
• Draft, review and complete grant applications. Create professional level documentation including SEPA environmental analyses, maps, project specifications, and graphics, etc. to meet grant application requirements. Assist region and division staff with compiling, reviewing, and editing project information needed to complete grant applications. Effectively communicate and coordinate with appropriate agency staff to successfully complete grant applications and present before grant funding committees.
• Identify potential capital projects for recreation infrastructure within the district.  This includes working with outside engineering consultants under A&E services contracts such as for bridge designs or new trail head development projects, developing purchase agreements with external product suppliers (e.g. for bridge package purchases or CXTs), doing cultural resource reviews for review by division archaeologists, contacting local tribes for feedback on project proposals under Governor’s order 05-05, creating professional level documentation including SEPA environmental analyses, maps, project specifications, and graphics.
• Perform as a project manager for successful project implementation. This includes planning for permits, negotiating contract requirements and costs, overseeing implementation, performing contract compliance as needed, and tracking volunteer match for grants. Accurately track grant and capital budgets and oversee cost effective implementation of funds and comply with timelines.

Supervision

• Supervise, evaluate and mentor the district’s recreation staff.  Staff may include recreation stewards, technicians and education and enforcement wardens.  Coordinate, prioritize, and assign work projects within biennial budget parameters throughout the district.
• Oversee WCC or other contracted resources as necessary to complete projects.
• Maintain a safe working environment for employees and self.

Facilities Maintenance and Operations 

• Responsible for overseeing and supervising maintenance of developed recreation facilities and infrastructure within assigned geographic area utilizing all available resources.
• Within budget authority, develop and monitor contracts for services and products, including but not limited to: sanitation services, noxious weed control and construction materials at developed recreation sites.
• Evaluate, recommend, plan and address current needs and improvements and create plans to address future needs.  Schedule and implement repairs and maintenance as needed.
• Ensure public access to facilities and trails and maintain and/or improve their condition in a sustainable and safe manner.

Outreach and Volunteers

• Build and maintain public/private partnerships with regional recreational and outdoor interest groups.  Work collaboratively with local recreation groups on common issues and programs.  Provide information and education to groups about the department and its programs and issues.
• Coordinate the creation and distribution of recreation information to the public through placement of signage, outreach to user groups, and broadcasting information using division communication staff.
• Work with unit foresters as timber sales are planned and active timber operations occur across these working forest landscapes, serving as a point of contact between timber operations and the recreating public.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, outdoor recreation, planning or related field; and two years of professional related experience. OR

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation management including planning for recreation development and improvements within a working forest context and how public involvement fits into landscape planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grants, including the application process and the administration of awarded grants.
• Demonstrated highly developed planning, writing, oral communication, and public presentation skills, including ability to communicate effectively in both small and large group settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community and advisory groups and make effective public contacts.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and manage contractors and infrastructure and development projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to budget and track spending patterns for grants and capital projects.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• Must obtain a Department of Ecology (DOE) certification as a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead within 1 year of hire.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience maintaining Department of Natural Resources recreation infrastructure.
• Background in recreation trail and facility maintenance and construction techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of DNR and USFS trail design standards, maintenance standards and various maintenance activities associated with recreation facilities, including trails, trailheads, campgrounds and day-use facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and perform physical labor, including the design, installation and/or construction of recreation facilities such as trails, bridges, tables, small buildings, signs and the like.
• Familiarity with Washington Department of Natural Resources public use, natural areas, and trust land management responsibilities and practices.
• Conflict resolution, negotiations, and committee participation experience
• Supervision of staff and/or volunteers.

The Location
One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Sedro Woolley.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. The incumbent must have internet access and connectivity.  When approved to return, the incumbent is expected to report to the duty station for work activities.

Why work for DNR?
At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.  At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

What makes DNR a great place to work?

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Process
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
Required Attachments:

• A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
• Attach your Resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
• The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.

Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions?  Please contact Chris Hankey at (360) 854-2811, chris.hankey@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.