Natural Resources Natural Areas Manager

NW Region Natural Areas Manager. Natural Resource Specialist 4 (NRS4)
Full-time, Permanent, Represented, position (WFSE)

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $5,398.00 - $7,254.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 11/10/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direction and guidance, lead, organize, and direct work performed in the NW Region Natural Areas program to ensure effective, efficient delivery of Natural Areas and Recreation Program implementation on Natural Areas throughout the NW Region and on San Juan Island Recreation properties.
• Thorough understanding of the Natural Areas program goals, policies, and program to inform management activities in the Northwest Region.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ecological systems, processes and principles, and practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable RCWs, WACs, agency policies and procedures, Natural Areas and Recreation program guidance and management plans.
• Represents the Department to the public, county, other state/federal agencies, and professional organizations by serving as the central point of contact and responding to public concerns, giving presentations, and giving oral or written notifications.
• Seek, establish, and cultivate positive working relationships and develop strategies to collaborate with internal and external customers, including Tribes, other DNR staff, other agency staff, contractors, conservation partners, recreation users, neighboring landowners, and the public to effectively and efficiently implement the Natural Areas program in the NW Region. 
• Guide and work with Natural Areas program staff in the planning and presentation of public hearings and meetings related to Natural Areas establishment, boundary changes, management plan development/updates, public use, and administrative facility restoration and development. 
• Consult the Natural Heritage Program scientists to identify management concerns on existing, newly designated, and potential Natural Areas acquisition properties.
• Conceptualize, plan, prioritize, and obtain funding to manage and implement a variety of legislatively appropriated capital and grant-funded projects to help achieve conservation goals and objectives. Provide for safe, sustainable recreation opportunities on Natural Areas throughout the NW Region and on San Juan Island recreation properties. 
• Develop and manage a variety of A/E, public works, and professional services contracts, ensuring that each is consistent with applicable RCWs, WACs, management plans, and agency policies and procedures. 
• Manage NW Region Natural Areas operations and capital budgets to ensure deliverables are achieved within allotments. 
• Develop operational budget projections, track expenses, and ensure deliverables are achieved within allotments. 

Required Qualifications: 
 

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or conservation-related area of specialty AND four years of work experience in a natural resource-related field; 
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience related to collaborative decision-making on land use/land management activities.
• Experience with outcome-based performance measures, as related to program delivery.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and other professional software.
• Knowledge of ecological systems, processes and principles, and practices.
• Understanding of public land management framework, processes, and topical issues.
• Ability to devise strategies and methods to achieve a wide variety of work in remote locations; comfortable working alone in remote, backcountry locations, including inclement weather conditions.
• Mechanical aptitude is necessary to perform routine maintenance and repairs on administrative facilities, including associated systems and equipment, and to enlist the assistance of qualified technicians for more technical elements of such work.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups, both internal and external.
• Accustomed to working independently and as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.