Working Title – Wildlife Program Deputy Director 
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 2 days per week, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until December 1, 2024.  The first review of applications will take place on November 4, 2024 with a goal to begin interviews on November 15, 2024.  Application review is ongoing, submit your application materials as soon as possible, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Take on a key leadership role as the Deputy Director for the Wildlife Program, guiding efforts to conserve and manage Washington's diverse wildlife populations and enhance WDFW’s lands.  

In this critical role, you’ll be at the forefront of directing policy and operations to ensure science-driven management of Washington's natural resources.

With responsibility for a biennial budget of approximately $136 million and a $75 million capital budget, you’ll lead regional operations and collaborate with Tribes and key stakeholders to fulfill the program’s mission.

If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, land management, and creating recreational opportunities for Washington’s citizens, this role offers the opportunity to make a long-lasting impact.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wildlife Program Deputy Director will, 

• Direct operational functions in budget, personnel, wildlife areas, staff, outreach strategies, regulations, and contracts. 
• Plan, lead, organize, and control the work performed by the Program.
• Represent the Department in international, national, and tribal arenas as part of councils, management forums, and stakeholder groups as delegated by the Director or Program Director.
• Assure appropriate and optimum use of the organization's resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and pursuing professional development opportunities.
• Support effective communications throughout the organization. 
• Maintain the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct and support the state's goal for a diverse workforce.
• Represent the Program on legislative issues and capital budget development and prioritization, which is a $75-100M budget for Wildlife Program.
• Collaborate with communities, organizations, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategic initiatives to advance the conservation and management of the wildlife resources and Department lands of Washington State.
• Represent the Program Director at Executive Management Team or Coordination Team meetings, on management and legislative committees, and at other functions as assigned in their absence.
• Effectively facilitate and resolve cross-regional or cross divisional operational issues within the Wildlife Program and across programs within the agency.
• Provide management expertise and policy guidance on Wildlife Program issues to field supervisors (Regional Wildlife Program Managers).
• Resolve operational issues that elevate above regional or division manager level of comfort.
• Work with Regional Directors (RD) to ensure Wildlife Program objectives are coordinated with RD needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards: Primarily office work, driving/traveling, and occasional field work – field work includes working outdoors in adverse weather conditions.  

Schedule: 8 hours per day, 5 days per week - additional hours as necessary to accomplish tasks; including some weekends and evenings.

Travel Requirements: Approximately 25 percent of the time is spent traveling, about 5 days a month.

Customer Relations: Excellent personal interaction and diplomatic skills.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Science, or a related field.

And all of the following:  

• Ten (10) years of progressive management experience.
  • At least two (2) years of this experience must be at a senior management role, such as a Program Manager, Division Manager, or similar experience. 
• Experience managing large diverse budgets and professional resources. 
• Performance-based management experience. 

Knowledge of:

• Strategic and tactical planning.
• Strong budget and project management skills.
• Principles of Management including staff supervision, leadership, organizational development, conflict resolution, personnel and rules and regulations, policy development and implementation.
• Professional staff development and career coaching and mentoring.
• Ability to prioritize and make decisions on diverse issues.
• Position must have a working knowledge of merit system rules, state and federal wildlife rules and regulations, and agency policy.

Please Note: Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Master's degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, or a related field and/or Public Administration.
• Experience with Washington State government systems, processes, and policies.
• Expertise and personal interest in natural resource management.
• Understanding and experience in government-to-government relationships with tribes.
• Experience working and collaborating with stakeholders, communities, and other government entities.
• Experience working and collaborating with unions.

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 #2024-11958.

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