Forest Resources Division Manager, NR Division Manager

Forest Resources Division Manager, NR Division Manager
Recruitment #2022-4-1674
This is a Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented position.

This recruitment will remain open until an adequate pool of candidates is established. We encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible, Review of applications ongoing. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit material as soon as possible or close this recruitment at any time.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Are you passionate about natural resources and the benefits they bring to the public? Do you love a good challenge that leads the complicated work of silviculture, forest modeling, research and monitoring, strategic projects and planning? If you love this type of work, then this is the job for you.

Duties

Under the supervision of the Deputy Supervisor for State Uplands, you will oversee the Forest Resources Division. The division manager is responsible for managing one of four state uplands divisions governing the management of state trust lands in Washington and the Meridian Seed Orchard, Seed plant and the Webster Nursery.

The Forest Resources Division is responsible for the development and implementation of land management policy on state trust lands, which have the prime objective of meeting the Department's fiduciary responsibility to the trust beneficiaries. This position supports the agency's mission by providing leadership for sustainable management on approximately 3 million acres of natural resource lands, 2.1 million acres of which are forested trust lands. These lands are managed through programs that provide innovative silviculture, scientific consultation, forest informatics, strategic planning, and adaptive management for the entire state. These activities result in the production of approximately $200M to $240M annually in revenue to the specific trust beneficiaries, stewardship and protection of the natural resource land base, and numerous other recreational and environmental benefits for Washington citizens.

Additionally, this position is responsible for:

• Program development and direction for forest management practices on forested state trust lands
• Research and monitoring of forested state trust lands, accomplished by numerous scientists (geologists, archaeologists, wildlife biologists, fish biologists, forest ecologists, wetlands/soil scientists, silviculturists, etc.)
• Scientific consultation for all state trust asset classes (forestry, agriculture, commercial leasing, etc.)
• Federal habitat conservation plan implementation and forest certification for forested trust lands
• Management of state uplands corporate data for all state trust asset classes, including forest inventory, forest modeling, and geographic information systems
• Strategic projects and planning, including development of complex, multi-year sustainable harvest calculations, environmental impact statements, and other plans subject to considerable regulatory scrutiny and extensive stakeholder participation

This position also:

• Oversees a biennial operating budget ranging from $30-35 million and facilities valued at $72 million
• Directly supervises four assistant division managers and one administrative assistant
• Indirectly manages 75-100 permanent and seasonal staff
• Allocates an additional $20-25 million biennial budget, provides operational support, and gives direction to six region offices that are responsible for implementing hundreds of thousands of acres of forest management activities biennially on DNR trust lands
• Oversees management of DNR’s reforestation operations, including seed orchard production, cone collection and processing, and seedling growing needed to produce 16-18 million seedlings biennially for planting on DNR, other public, and private forest lands
• Communicates and presents directly with the DNR Board of Natural Resources and Executive Management including the Commissioner of Public Lands, informing and responding to Agency direction and projects.
• Communicates with trust beneficiaries and stakeholders including forest products industry and environmental groups.

The right candidate has:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a natural resource science or related field of study.
• At least 10 years experience working in a natural resource based program or business. 
• At least 3 years experience leading and managing professional staff, developing budgets, and reviewing legislative bills.
• Must have highly functioning leadership skills, including demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, strategic thinking, situational awareness, effective problem solving, and emotional intelligence.
• Must be able to effectively and efficiently manage staff and teams towards desired outcomes through:
• Leading by example
• Creating a work culture that seeks diversity and equity and encourages authenticity
• Reinforcing and demonstrating effective work-life balance
• Creating a culture of inquisitiveness, creativity and open-mindedness
• Investing in the success of others
• DNR Core Competencies: 
• Personal Accountability 
• Value Others 
• Compassionate Communication 
• Inspire Others 
• Commitment to Excellence
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position is based in an office/fieldwork setting and requires in-person attendance/interactions with no option for full-time telework. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. No start date will be approved until you verify your status.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of natural resources programs and land management objectives, including:
• Forestry and forest management
• silviculture and innovative forest management
• wildlife habitat management and resource protection
• adaptive management and the use of science in decision-making
• Forest inventory, forest estate modeling, GIS and other analytical techniques
• Strategic planning and large project management
• Knowledge and understanding of research methods and statistics
• Demonstrated competencies for managing a large organization:
• Knowledge of organizational management and development
• Knowledge of public policy development
• Skills to develop and manage a complex budget
• Skills to represent the department in the legislative process
• Skills to transition program and policy direction to field implementation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex issues
• Ability to create and support a diverse and equitable workforce

Supplemental Information

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

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. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

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.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• 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, 
• 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 benefit 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.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position. 
• 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 with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions. 

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The 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 of 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.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions? Please contact Duane Emmons at duane.emmons@dnr.wa.gov, 360-902-1355 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.