For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3368013/director-washington-state-parks-00113

Salary- $146,000.00 – $165,840.00 Annually

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking an exceptional leader for one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country.
 
Experiencing the outdoors is more important than ever and Washing State Parks is committed to finding ways to introduce more Washingtonians, of every background, to the beauty of our parks and properties.
 
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, inspiring, and effective leader – one who can demonstrate their ability to guide a team of committed professionals towards a clear vision, and creating an environment that fosters inclusivity, respect, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
 
The next director should be a visionary with a passion for finding ways to connect all Washingtonians to our parks and the various experiences they provide visitors. The Commission continues to put significant focus on equity and inclusivity for visitors, particularly for groups that traditionally access the system less than others. The next director should be a visionary with a passion for finding ways to connect all Washingtonians to our parks and the various experiences they provide visitors.
 
For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

About the Organization 
Outdoor Recreation is a priority in Washington state. State Parks are visited more than 38 million times annually, generating $1.4 billion to the state economy.  People are drawn to our parks because of the wide range of activities available. Whether it is camping, hiking, boating, horseback riding, skiing, or snowshoeing, Washington State Parks offers something for everyone.  Our system covers more than 120,000 acres and includes 125 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers, and approximately 500 miles of long-distance trails.  Visitors find our parks a healthy and affordable way to explore and enjoy nature, create memories, and connect with the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage through interpretive centers, events, and exhibits.
 
About Washington State
Washington State is incredibly diverse in geography, habitat, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From Alpine glaciers to rain forests and ocean shoreline to rich grasslands Washington offers an outdoor experience for everyone. In addition, the state is thriving as an international business destination and the Capitol, Olympia, is situated roughly halfway between the Seattle and Portland metropolitan areas and yet still within easy access of the outdoors.
 
In the last legislative session Washington State Parks received the largest operating and capital construction budgets in its history. The agency continues to receive solid financial support from both the Governor and the state legislature on funding, staffing and policy matters.  

Duties and Responsibilities
The Director reports to a seven-member Commission appointed by the Governor and serves as the Chief Executive Officer.  Together, the Commission and Director create the vision, mission, and strategic plans for the agency.  The Director is responsible for executing those plans by managing the political and external relations and leading a team of up to 1,000 employees. Responsibilities of the position include:
 

  • Establishes, with the Commission, the priorities and direction of the agency.
  • Oversees the management of all elements of the state park system, applying the most efficient and effective uses of staff and financial resources to create an inclusive and engaging parks system for everyone.
  • Leads the organization with vision and integrity. Works closely with the agency senior leadership to support their efforts and build trust with all agency staff and park system users. 
  • Looks for ways to increase equity and inclusion across the agency while connecting with park users and helping to grow new users of the park system.
  • Ensures the overall financial health and security of the system. Oversees funding strategies for the agency, including a necessary focus on methods for increasing earned revenue.  Current operating budget is $200 million; Capital budget is $113 million. The Agency is responsible for generating a large majority of its operating budget from earned revenue.
  • Manages the citizen-based governance system, facilitating the Commission meeting process, ensuring thorough evaluation of the issues before the Commission and public access and participation.
  • Commissions all Law Enforcement Officers (approximately 170) and provides training and equipment needed to perform their jobs.
  • Strengthens and maintains relationships with the Governor’s Office, state legislators and legislative committees, congressional members, tribes, county and city officials, community organizations, special interest groups, advisory groups, and constituents.
  • Negotiates complex agreements and partnerships with tribes, local municipalities, state and federal agencies and others.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Five (5) years of experience leading and directing senior level managers.


 PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Leadership and management experience in natural resources or public lands and facilities (parks, outdoor recreation, land conservation, historic preservation, related).
  • Leadership experience in an organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
  • Leadership and management experience in government or non-profit organizations. 
  • Experience in the government or non-profit sector in any of the following areas:  policy making, public engagement, regulatory, working with elected officials, working with an elected or appointed governing board.
  • Leadership and management experience in organization(s) with employees working from widely dispersed locations.
  • Experience working with Native American tribal governments and their representatives, such as representing your organization in meetings with tribes, or responsible for tribal consultation and/or relations. 

Location
The position is exempt from Civil Service rules and is located in Olympia.
 
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is up to $165,840, depending upon qualifications. Information about Washington State employee benefits can be found here.

Condition of Employment
Per Governor Inslee’s Emergency Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), all Washington State Parks employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time of hire. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. If you have any questions, please contact the recruitment team at HR.Recruitment@parks.wa.gov.