Working Title – Lands Division Manager
Classification – WMS Band 3
Job Status – Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program – Wildlife Program
Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Remote Employment – Approved for hybrid flexibility up to 3 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Posting Timeframe – This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until February 9, 2025 with a goal to begin interviews on February 25, 2025.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

As our Lands Division Manager, you will oversee the acquisition, operation, stewardship, planning, and management of WDFW’s conservation and recreation lands.

This critical leadership role involves directing operations, maintenance, planning, and habitat conservation priorities while advancing land acquisition, disposal, and real property management strategies.

Your guidance and leadership will advance the mission of protecting fish, wildlife, and their habitats while providing the public with recreational opportunities and access to these vital natural resources.

What to Expect- 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Lands Division Manager will, 

• Oversee and direct real property transactions and real property management for department lands statewide.
• Advise and administer real property management strategies and polices for the agency's 1,000,000+ acres of owned and controlled lands to achieve fish and wildlife resource management and recreation goals and assure protection-and enhancement of the state's-real property-asset-value.
• Oversee and direct operation, stewardship, and maintenance of the department’s 33 wildlife area complexes and 450 boat launch sites for species and habitat conservation and wildlife related outdoor recreation.
• Guide the development of statewide strategies for land management planning for fire suppression/management/prescribed burning, forestry, agricultural and grazing practices, recreation management, habitat restoration and preservation, cultural resource protection, and public/recreational access and conduct.
• Manage and allocate a $90 million biennial operating and capital budget.
• Direct the operating and capital budget for and supervise work efforts of Division staff to ensure adequate funding for statewide land management staffing needs, short and long-term work plans, strategic and tactical projects, and assignments.
• Supervise and support professional section managers and ensures appropriate interagency coordination related to Lands Division activities and core competencies.
• Supervise and lead professional senior level staff in real property management, acquisition/ disposal, conservation and recreational planning, integration of science into land management, and statewide land management practices for forestry, range, and arid lands, weed control, operations including facility maintenance, habitat restoration and preservation, and cultural resource protection.
• Represent the agency as the expert on lands real property transaction/management, planning, stewardship, operation, and maintenance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: Work is mostly performed in an office/meeting-based setting.  Occasional fieldwork (5%) which may include working in in rough weather conditions, traveling throughout the region, or participating in evening meetings.   

Schedule: 40 hours per week, schedule adjustments are expected to meet business demands and deadlines.

Travel Requirements: Field visits to wildlife areas and water access areas to meet with land management staff, legislators, other stakeholders, and willing sellers.   Will require travel across the state for meetings, developing and fostering partnerships and showcasing the Wildlife Programs activities.  Periods of overnight travel may be required.  

Customer Relations: Address questions and concerns regarding policies related to the use of WDFW public lands, land transactions, real property management, and private lands partnerships.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles of comprehensive management. 
• The development, analysis, and implementation of policy. 
• Both capital and operating budget development and management. 
• Program evaluation, strategic planning and development, project management, conflict resolution, negotiation, supervision, and leadership of managers. 
• Personnel and merit system regulations. 
• State and federal laws and agencies pertaining to lands management, advanced principles of lands management, natural resource economics, ecology, and the -management of fish-and wildlife and their habitat. 
• Equipment needs of lands management. 
• Winter feeding of big game and upland birds. 
• Emergency procedures under state and federal authorities. 
• Contract negotiations, leases, and agreements specific to land management.

Competencies: 

• Communicate effectively across an extremely broad spectrum of professional and managerial levels within local, state, and federal government, Tribes, industry, stakeholders, and the public. 
• Translate and present complex material and concepts to clientele, as well as executive level management, the Governor's office, and the Legislature. Manage (lead, coach, mentor, and train) supervisors and professional staff. 
• Balance tactical and strategic planning to accomplish organization objectives. 
• Ability to do contract administration and budgeting for a large operating and capital budget from 16 different funding sources.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• A degree in wildlife science, range science, or other natural resource related field AND five (5) or more years of professional experience managing public lands. 
• Working knowledge of the Department and understanding of the laws, policies and mandates related to fish and wildlife resources. 
• Proven ability and demonstrated success solving problems and resolving issues in a dynamic environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and accurately in a timely manner. 
• Proven success building teams and facilitating partnerships in a diverse environment - leadership ability based on trust and integrity.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.  To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to kaila.daudt@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00211.

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