This position is located in Olympia, WA; however, all positions are currently teleworking daily for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is looking for an exceptional leader of a small but mighty state agency with a mission to make Washington state one of the best places to live, work, and play. We say small because our staff numbers 64 and we say mighty because this group of dedicated professionals administer the sixth largest capital budget among state agencies. As our name implies, we have a dual mission–to create outdoor recreation opportunities and to conserve and restore Washington’s rich natural heritage. To accomplish that, RCO administers a suite of grant programs that build outdoor recreation amenities such as parks, trails, firearm and archery ranges, boating facilities, and water access points. Our grants are used to preserve Washington’s working lands by conserving farms, ranches, and forests. In addition, our grants are used to preserve wildlife habitat and restore habitat for Washington’s iconic salmon and orcas. We don’t do this work alone. Our partners number in the hundreds and include tribes, cities, counties, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, outdoor recreation groups, conservation groups, salmon recovery organizations, legislators and congressional members, and the public. If you are someone who values the outdoors and who loves working with and for people, then you will find kindred spirits and a home at RCO.

The challenging work you will enjoy:

The director is the agency’s chief executive officer and reports to the Washington State Governor. This position directs an executive team consisting of the deputy director, the policy and legislative director, and executive assistant, along with a team of 60 additional staff.  Team members support the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, the Washington Invasive Species Council, Habitat and Recreation Lands Coordinating Group and the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. This position is exempt from civil service rules and has an office in the state capital of Olympia, WA.

Responsibilities of the director include:

• Having primary authority for all agency operational decisions, all policy development, and all recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and grant funding boards.
• Leading a team of 64 staff with a biennial operating budget of about $18 million and a capital budget of about $600 million of state and federal funds.
• Overseeing 17 grant programs with numerous sub-categories, covering outdoor recreation, conservation, and salmon recovery administered by state agencies, local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and others.
• Building and supporting a culture of inclusivity whereby team members feel safe bringing their authentic selves to work.
• Leading the charge to be a more equitable, diverse and inclusive agency and a model for others to follow.
• Working closely with the Office of Financial Management, other agencies, and stakeholders to develop capital budget proposals and address other long-term, strategic investment issues.
• Ensuring accountability for public funds, fairness of grants processes, and efficiency in program administration.
• Serving as the “Face of the Agency” by interacting with the public, public officials, tribes, federal agencies, stakeholders, legislators, Congress, and the media.
• Advocating for natural resource programs, policies, strategies, and investment opportunities.
• Interacting and partnering with tribal governments, local municipalities, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and others to achieve agency objectives.
• Representing the agency at state and federal conferences and local events (such as ribbon cuttings) by giving speeches and leading discussions.
• Working directly with elected officials and providing testimony to the Legislature on topics relevant to agency work.
• Overseeing the production of statewide, strategic plans and reports about recreation, conservation, and salmon recovery for the Legislature and federal partners.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

The RCO director will have:

• Experience, knowledge, and passion for RCO’s mission.
• Vision and creativity to build consensus among diverse partners in a political environment.
• Proven effectiveness as a leader with a commitment to equity.

• 8 years of professional level experience and knowledge in parks, natural resource management, salmon recovery, land use, or environmental administration, or other related experience, which should include
• 5 years of managerial level experience supervising other subordinate managers;
• Experience working with elected officials, including governors, legislators, and county commissioners.

Essential skills you will need to be successful:

• Ability to create strategic partnerships with a broad range of organizations and tribal governments.
• Strong understanding of natural resource, conservation, outdoor recreation, and salmon recovery issues.
• The ability to effectively negotiate with and influence others.
• Desire to care for and grow individual staff realizing that this creates a stronger more cohesive agency.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• The ability to resolve complex challenges ranging from personnel matters, to contract disputes, to major policy changes.
• Planning, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• The ability to oversee and manage a fast-paced public agency.
• Familiarity with the work of boards and councils and what it takes to support and manage an effective group of individuals.
• Experience with state and federal grant processes and contracts.
• An understanding of and commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and a willingness to serve as a champion for these principles.
• Strong political acumen, sound judgement, and understanding of public sector structure and legislative and congressional processes.

Compensation

The annual range of compensation is between $120,000 – $133,900 depending upon qualifications.   Information about Washington State employee benefits can be found here.

The screening and hiring process

The first screening of applicants will take place on January 11, 2021.  The RCO reserves the right to close this recruitment any time after that date without notice.  Only candidates who have submitted a complete application and meet the required qualifications will be considered.

As noted, the director reports to the Governor of Washington State. By state law, the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, supported by the Recreation and Conservation Office, is responsible for recruiting and interviewing the first round of candidates. This process will result in a list of three finalists that will be submitted to the Governor’s Office for additional consideration and final selection.

How to apply:

In addition to completing the online application (select the APPLY button above), applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter (no more than two pages please) explaining how you have prepared yourself for this director position.  Include in your letter a brief statement about why you are passionate about Washington’s outdoor spaces.
• A current resume, detailing your experience and education; and
• A list of at least five professional references with current phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Questions?

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office 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 disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the RCO at (360) 789-7889. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

If you are interested in this opportunity or have other questions please contact Leslie Frank at leslie.frank@rco.wa.gov or (360) 789-7889.