Agriculture Field Operations District Manager
Recruitment #2021-01-7299
This is a Full-time, Permanent, WMS, non-represented, position. 

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Agriculture State Lands unit in Southeast Region is looking for an individual to step into the role of the Agriculture Field Operations District Manager. You may be wondering, how does a District Manager contribute to the success of DNR? Well, revenue from the 1.1 million acres of state trust lands that DNR leases for agriculture and grazing helps fund public school construction across Washington State. We work with lessees to assure that our lands are productive and sustainably managed while public resources such as water, fish, and wildlife are protected.

This position is responsible for managing the five Land Managers who work directly with our agricultural lessees. As part of that management, the District Manager works with the Land Managers through difficult leases, and steps up to answer difficult questions that the Land Managers may not know the answer to. It is important as the manager to go out into the field and see the work and the relationships the Land Managers have built, so that the individual in the DM role can give stronger council and advice to not only lessees, but to Division counterparts who can advocate for policy. This position also plays a big role in determining long-term leasing goals and objectives for Southeast Region agricultural lands.

Responsibilities:

• Interacts with other state, county and federal agencies
• Implements programmatic policy, procedures and guidance while attaining tangible deliverables
• Supports effective communications for all leasing activities with staff and management
• Develops and implements staffing structure and program processes
• Develops strategies and methods to increase revenues while remaining fair and reasonable within private sector boundaries
• Sets priorities and manages staff adherence to policy, procedures and guidelines
• Recommends restructure of business operations, as needed, to maintain current and state of the art business practices
• Recommends changes for better policy and procedure guidelines with the Division arm of the agency
• Effectively communicates activities to the State Land Assistant
• Effectively communicates potential agricultural acquisitions for the state
• Responsible for setting standards and evaluating performance to ensure successful accomplishment of section goals

 Required Qualifications:

• 5 years of professional land management and/or agricultural operational experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Agricultural practices (all facets)
• Advanced knowledge of agricultural principles,
• Familiarity with federal and state farm programs.
• Knowledge of agricultural water resources, complexities and issues.
• Knowledge of agricultural lease documents and their preparation.
• Productive negotiation skills.
• Skills in personnel management including performance, training, motivation and discipline.
• Skills in budgeting and tracking.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and follow through.
• General computer skills.
• Facilitation Skills.
• Effective communications, both verbal and written.
• Ability to build and maintain agriculture-related industry relationships.
• Ability to make solid program recommendations.
• Ability to negotiate solutions to complex issues.
• Ability to influence staff to be creative, tactical and strategic with their work.
• Ability to think, plan ahead, and manage staff.
• Ability to influence future direction for the program.
• Demonstrated flexibility in dealing with people and program needs.
• Willingness to work alongside and support field staff.
• This position requires driving as an essential function. Essential means that driving is a fundamental, crucial part of this position and not a marginal function.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field.
• Three (3) years’ experience supervising field or professional-level staff.
• Competent in MS Office Application in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Competent with GPS operations.
• Experience with agricultural land leasing, fair market rents and the economics of farm plans
• Ability to assess agricultural properties for highest-and-best use, ideal crop rotations, and water needs.
• Ability to develop strong lessee relationship while still maintaining loyalty to the agency and the trust mandate. 

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 Pasco.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, the incumbent is expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. 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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits a few of those include:

• 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.

How to Apply: 
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.

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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing you experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veteran’s wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

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