Director for Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights (EEJCR), Exempt

Director for Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights (EEJCR), Exempt

Salary

$131,604.00 - $153,504.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-6-7931-04971/06951

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date

06/16/2026

Closing Date

9/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Director for Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights, Exempt

Recruitment #2026-6-7931

Full-time, Exempt 4, Non-represented position

Location: Olympia, WA

Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $10,967.00 - $12,792.00 Monthly

To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $10,967.00 - $13,464.00

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED! Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 6/23/26. 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 Executive Management Division as the Director for Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights.

The Director of Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights serves as the Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights Officer for DNR, supporting review of program policies supporting equity, inclusion, belonging, civil rights, and environmental justice. This position is responsible for recommending, elevating, and leading changes at the agency, state, and federal policy levels where DNR has authority and will serve as the executive responsible for documenting and assessing the impact of all environmental justice and equity actions taken by the agency. The incumbent will lead the HEAL account for DNR, will manage the agencys compliance with and implementation of the HEAL Act requirements, including leading the teams tasked with completing Environmental Justice Assessments, reporting on HEAL investments, tribal consultation, and equitable community engagement. The incumbent works to protect the rights of the residents of Washington to utilize our state lands without discrimination based on protected characteristics. The position will develop protocol and identify responsible parties to receive complaints and investigate problems to mitigate risk and ensure the civil rights of the public are met.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the leading Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights Officer for DNR, supporting review of program policies supporting equity, environmental justice, and civil rights.

• Serve as the executive responsible for documenting and assessing the impact of all environmental justice and equity actions taken by the agency

• Serve as the executive responsible for developing a protocol to ensure the rights of Washington State citizens who utilize our state lands are protected from discrimination.

• Identify and oversee responsible parties to develop policy and protocol to receive and process complaints of discrimination to ensure the civil rights of the public who utilize DNR state lands are met.

• Regularly review agency practices of DNR state lands public access to identify potential areas of non-compliance with civil rights laws.

• Recommend, elevate. and lead changes at the agency, state, and federal policy levels where DNR has authority.

• Assess and design interventions into agency operations where improvements in equity, environmental justice, and DEIB outcomes can be improved or implemented.

• Represent DNR on the statewide Environmental Justice Council and on other statewide and national councils, task forces, and workgroups related to Equity and Environmental Justice.

• Co-create and lead processes in service to Overburdened Communities and Vulnerable Populations to mitigate environmental harm.

• Partner with DNRs Workplace Culture and Development office and Human Resources to design, propose, and implement best practices to address biases in recruitment, hiring, retention, and promote a workforce that reflects the diversity of Washington state.

• Support the implementation of the agencys CAIP Plan in partnership with the Workplace Culture and Development office.

• Create and implement relevant training and programs focused on environmental justice and equity across the agency.

• Lead the HEAL Act implementation for DNR.

• Serve as the Chair of the Committee on Geographic Names.

• Supervise the staff of the Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights team.

• Proactively engage with overburdened communities, vulnerable populations, and Tribes.

Qualifications

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. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• A bachelors degree or higher in sociology, public policy, urban planning, business administration, environmental science, cultural studies, or another field relevant to the positions responsibilities AND 4 years experience or a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• A strong history of engaging with disproportionately impacted and historically marginalized communities, including Tribal governments, on natural resource management or environmental issues.
• A deep understanding of the HEAL Act and its application within a state agency.
• Experience leading a team to produce meaningful change.
• Experience conducting public hearings, meetings, and Town Halls in diverse communities and regions.
• Experience working with or applying policy decisions using data-driven equity tools.

Required Competencies:

• DNR Core Competencies:

• Personal Accountability

• Value Others

• Compassionate Communication

• Inspire Others

• Commitment to Excellence

• 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 requests are followed.

• Experience working for an elected official, a government agency, or a high-level executive.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Experience leading policy and system change or managing in a large agency or organization to advance equity initiatives.

• A strong understanding of the legislative process and the ability to develop and/or analyze legislation.

• Strategic planning experience, including development of annual plans with demonstrated ability

to conceptualize and articulate future direction and measurable goals.

• Policy development or program implementation related to environmental justice and/or civil rights.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners and collaborators to cultivate an environment of engagement, belonging, respect, empathy, active listening, and trust.
• A successful track record working with state agencies, city, county, and federal governments, and tribal and public entities.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and evaluate complex research using mixed methods in qualitative and quantitative measurements.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking abilities, and an innovative mindset and approach.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts, and information.

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Typical office setting. This position mainly works in the Natural Resources Building in Olympia.
• Some travel, including overnight travel, will be required.

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.

• The ability to communicate in languages other than English.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us atDNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email atinfo@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact Diana Phibbs at diana.phibbs@dnr.wa.gov /360-915-3317 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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.

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 which 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, 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 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.

Additional Information:

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

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

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 before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

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 disabilities, 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.

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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.

02

Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.

03

Please describe what environmental justice means to you.

04

Please select which of the following best describes your education and/or experience:

• I have a bachelors degree or higher in sociology, public policy, urban planning, business administration, environmental science, cultural studies, or a related field AND 4 years experience.
• I have a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelors degree or higher in sociology, public policy, urban planning, business administration, environmental science, cultural studies, or a related field AND 4 years experience.
• None of the above.

05

Do you have experience leading a team to produce meaningful change?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience conducting public hearings, meetings, and Town Halls in diverse communities and regions?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience working with or applying policy decisions using data-driven equity tools?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience working for an elected official, a government agency, or a high-level executive?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have experience leading policy and system change or managing in a large agency or organization to advance equity initiatives?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have strategic planning experience, including development of annual plans, with a demonstrated ability to conceptualize and articulate future direction and measurable goals?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have a demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners and stakeholders to cultivate an environment of engagement, belonging, respect, empathy, active listening, and trust?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you have a successful track record working with state agencies, city, county, and federal governments and tribal and public entities?

• Yes
• No

13

Do you have a demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and evaluate complex research using mixed methods in qualitative and quantitative measurements?

• Yes
• No

14

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

15

Where did you originally hear about this job posting?

• www.dnr.wa.gov
• www.careers.wa.gov
• WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
• Governmentjobs.com
• Monster
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• College/university website/career fair
• Handshake
• Newspaper
• Direct Email Notification
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
• Professional/Personal Network
• Job Board
• Job Fair
• Zip Recruiter
• Diversity Jobs
• Facebook
• Other (please specify below)

16

If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov