• Launching our Plan for Climate Resilience in February 2020 and 3-year Report in 2023 to address our climate risks and challenges and lay out achievable steps we can take in every corner of Washington to increase our resilience to lands, communities, waters, and our beneficiaries.
• Incorporating environmental justice into high-priority agency request legislation, including our landmark Forest Health and Reduction of Wildfire Dangers bill (2SHB 1168), the Evergreen Communities Act update (E2HB 1216), and Cascading Impacts of Wildfire (2SHB 1578).
• Launching and securing critical ongoing funding for a 20-year plan to restore the health of 1.25 million acres of forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
• Advancing 21st century wind and solar energy projects to generate revenue for schools and counties, and help Washington transition to a clean energy future.
• Launching our Watershed Resilience Action Plan in support of salmon recovery in the Snohomish Watershed.
• Updating DNR’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan to address the ever-changing challenges of our time and beyond and ensure that our solutions to these challenges equitably serve all Washingtonians.

• Leading the development of an all-lands reforestation strategy, in coordination with internal subject matter experts, Tribes, external stakeholders, and contractors.
• Coordinating an assessment and prioritization of private forestlands at the highest risk of permanent conversion out of forestry. Based on the assessment, lead the development of an avoided conversion strategy, in coordination with internal subject matter experts, Tribes, external stakeholders, and contractors.
• Advancing the agency’s legislative priorities through Tribal and stakeholder engagement, bill and fiscal analyses, and creative problem-solving.
• Representing the agency at stakeholder workgroup meetings related to older forests, natural and working lands carbon sequestration, and other topics relevant to the agency’s forest management.
• Working with agency science advisors and technical experts to advance a science-based policy approach to natural resources, environmental justice, and climate resilience.
• Developing policy solutions that increase the resilience of our forests, improve water quantity and quality, and the restoration of habitat across local, state, federal, Tribal, and private lands.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a variety of projects from inception to completion, including scope and schedule development, stakeholder engagement, and determining implementation priorities with partners.
• Be proficient in environmental justice practices and policy development and speak directly to how policy can reduce disparities.
• Bring creative thinking to the development and implementation of long-range strategic policy initiatives and issues, and translate long-range goals into short-term actionable projects.
• Leading and facilitating complex discussions, building coalitions, and working with diverse and competing interest groups to develop solutions and resolve conflicts surrounding high-profile issues.
• Provide internal and external communications to accomplish agency policy objectives and provide consultation and research on policy issues.
• Work with programs to identify information required for policy development, legislation, and funding opportunities.
• Write proposals, memos, talking points, grants, and other communication materials.
• Coordinate, and support work groups on subjects of agency-wide strategic importance.
• Incorporate key information about external organizations, interests, and issues into the ongoing development and implementation of strategic policy priorities.
• In partnership with the Legislative Affairs team, write, justify, and support agency request legislation.
• Conduct research on the environmental, economic, social, and political impacts of legislation.
• Provide support across agency divisions, working groups, and executive leadership on diversity, equity, inclusion, environmental justice, and Tribal consultation priorities.

The ideal candidate has: 

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, forestry, environmental science, or a related field, OR four years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Pacific Northwest forest management and forest ecology. An understanding of the associated supply chain and economic dynamics.
• Working knowledge of environmental policy and the legislature, politics, state government, and legislative timelines and protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organization, and time-management capabilities.
• Ability to gain an in-depth familiarity with the organizational structure of the Department of Natural Resources and a broad understanding of its programs.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and vision.
• Innovative mindset and approach.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, and receive and convey ideas and information.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively write and communicate for all levels of targeted internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated experience successfully moving a high-priority, high-profile project involving multiple, competing interests from start to completion.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside, building, and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as business and private industry partners, government officials, agency staff, senior managers, and/or the public in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Ability to apply a racial equity and justice lens to the work.
• Ability to understand the larger historical, social, economic, and political context of natural resources and resilience issues in Washington.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple short-term and long-term projects.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
• Flexibility to handle high-pressure situations and challenging deadlines with professionalism.
• Project management skills are preferred, but not required.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Typical office setting, this position mainly works at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, or in a shared workspace in Seattle. May include limited time outdoors for field trips.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel required.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
• 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 your 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 it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits 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.