Natural Resources Region Manager

Position Overview

Would you like to be part of an organization committed to a bright future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive? Are you ready to meet the challenges of a changing climate and ever-increasing demands on our natural resources? Do you hold equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice as important values that are vital to mission accomplishment? Do you enjoy helping others grow and reach their full potential? Well, this may be your dream job! We are the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), looking for the right person to lead the 427 permanent, non-permanent, and seasonal employees who comprise DNR’s Northeast Region.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Serve as the Commissioner of Public Lands’ chief representative within the geographic boundaries of the Northeast Region.
Serve as a member of DNR’s Senior Leadership Team.
Provide outstanding leadership for a Region staff of 184 permanent, 21 non-permanent, and 222 seasonal employees.
Oversee the implementation of DNR’s natural resource management and protection programs within the Region.
Implement a proactive workplace safety program to improve employee safety awareness and reduce accidents and injuries.
Lead and coach the implementation of DNR’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice initiatives by Region staff.
Establish and maintain excellent working relationships and communications with elected officials, local governments, Indian Tribes, regional offices of other state and federal agencies, and stakeholder groups.
Develop and ensure proper utilization of a $49 million biennial operating budget.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

A bachelor’s degree AND 10 years of professional-level experience with a demonstrated progression in leadership responsibilities in the areas of natural resource management and personnel management;OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
Key Knowledge:
Knowledge of organizational leadership principles and practices.
Knowledge of continuous improvement and change management practices and processes.
Knowledge of principles and practices of natural resource management.
Knowledge of wildfire prevention and suppression practices, and the Incident Command System (ICS).
Familiarity with Washington's Forest Practices Act and Rules.
Familiarity with Washington State‘s legislative process.
Key Skills:
Experience-based ability to lead a large organization.
Strong commitment to ethical leadership and the goals of equity, diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
Experience-based ability to create a positive work environment, build morale, and elicit sustained superior job performance.
Excellent communication skills.
Experience-based ability to guide a team through deadline and workload pressures, and to resolve competing workload demands.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to solve tough problems.
Experience-based ability to develop and implement large budgets.
Strong safety awareness and orientation.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

Preferred Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree

Benefits Offered

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.

Compensation/Salary

Salary: $125,021 - $145,823 Annually To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $125,021 - $153,499 annually

How to Apply

Visit careers.wa.gov to view a full position description and the application instructions.

Application deadline: July 16, 2025

About Washington State Department of Natural Resources

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
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.

Learn more about Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources 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 disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.