Natural Resources Region Manager

Northeast Region Manager, Exempt
Full-time, Exempt 4, Non-represented position

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $10,627.00 - $12,396.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $10,627.00 - $13,048.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/17/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Northeast Region as a Region Manager. 

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, belonging, and environmental justice as important values 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 DNR, and we are looking for the right person to lead the team of approximately 454 permanent, non-permanent, and seasonal employees who comprise DNR’s Northeast Region.

What we will trust you with:

• Lead the team that delivers DNR’s mission in Northeast Region: manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
• Safeguard the health, wellbeing, and productivity of the Region staff.
• Demonstrate safety as the Region’s highest operational priority.
• Infuse principles and practices of equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and environmental justice into all aspects of Region operations.
• Support, inspire, and guide the Region staff as they work to accomplish DNR’s strategic goals.

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 approximately 187 permanent, 45 non-permanent, and 222 seasonal employees.
• Oversee 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 implementation of DNR’s equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, 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.

Required Qualifications: 
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience.  Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications. 

• A bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Business Management, or related field AND ten (10) years of professional-level experience with a demonstrated progression in leadership responsibilities related to land and resource management and personnel management;
  OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Key Knowledge:
  • Organizational leadership principles and practices.
  • Continuous improvement and change management practices and processes.
  • Principles and practices of natural resource management.
  • Wildfire prevention and suppression practices, including the Incident Command System (ICS).
  • Familiarity with Washington’s Forest Practices Act and Rules.
  • Familiarity with Washington State’s legislative process.
  • Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) as these apply to the Department of Natural Resources.
• Key Skills:
  • Experience-based ability to lead a large organization.
  • Strong commitment to ethical leadership and the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • 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.

Required Competencies: 

• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
• Position Specific Competencies: 
  • Decisiveness
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • External Awareness
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Risk Management
  • Political Savvy

Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Knowledge of natural resource management issues in the Pacific Northwest.
• Knowledge of Washington’s Indian Tribes, tribal sovereignty, and treaty rights.
• Familiarity with principles and practices of labor unions and collective bargaining.