Natural Resources Program Manager (WMS Band 3) Lacey, WA

Natural Resources Program Manager (WMS Band 3) Lacey, WA

Salary

$106,678.00 - $131,813.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07757

Department

Parks and Recreation Commission

Opening Date

09/17/2026

Closing Date

10/4/2026 11:55 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Job Title: Natural Resources Program Manager

Location: Lacey, WA

Closes: October 4th, 2026, at 11:55p.m. PDT

Position Status: This is a permanent position.

___

Are you a visionary conservation leader capable of balancing ecological preservation with public recreation?

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Natural Resources Program Manager to champion statewide natural resources stewardship initiatives across our magnificent 138,000-acre park system. The Natural Resources Program Manager is a leadership position responsible for leading, managing, guiding, and promoting statewide natural resources stewardship initiatives for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. They educate and inspire park visitors, agency staff, and the general public to ensure the highest level of natural resources stewardship occurs in Washingtons state parks.

In this high-profile leadership role, you will bring strategic vision and deep technical expertise to protect, enhance, and interpret the diverse native habitats found within our 200+ state parks. From the rugged coastlines to arid shrub-steppe ecosystems, you will have a profound, lasting impact on the natural heritage of Washington State for generations to come.

We are looking for a collaborative executive and an expert scientist who thrives in complex, matrixed environments. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background integrating multiple environmental fields, including ecology, forestry, conservation biology, recreation resource impacts, and advanced GIS/spatial data systems. With the ability to translate complex, highly technical environmental data into compelling management prescriptions and high-stakes presentations for executive leadership, the public, and the Commission.

Washington State Parks offers a collaborative culture focused on public service, environmental preservation, and outdoor equity. We offer a competitive salary, an outstanding state benefits package (medical, dental, and retirement plans), a generous leave policy, and the unique opportunity to spend your career protecting the most beautiful landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

Dosewallips State Park

For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Please Note: This position is eligible for flexible schedule or hybrid telework subject to supervisory approval. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions is within the State of Washington.

Duties

This position reports to the Stewardship Program Manager and initiates actions that protect the health and integrity of the agencys natural resources in a cost-efficient manner. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Promotes the highest quality stewardship of the agencys natural resources by bringing new ideas and technologies to the agency; builds partnerships in the agency and with local, state, Federal, and regional agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to enhance agency capacity and professionalism; assesses agency natural resources stewardship capabilities and performance; and seeks to elevate the agencys core commitment to exceptional stewardship through training programs, expert professional service, strategic planning and policy guidance.
• Manages a professional staff engaged in natural resources management and a wide range of governmental and non-governmental contractors working on local to statewide conservation efforts. Ensures current work plans, employee evaluations, and program specific contracts/agreements are in compliance with all human resources and agency policies/procedures, rules, laws, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides expert technical assistance/leadership and training to staff related to natural resources stewardship. Reviews and synthesizes complex/technical material into management prescriptions and presentations before the public, executive staff and the Commission.
• In consultation with the Stewardship Director, develops and updates the Commissions Comprehensive Natural Resources Policy and associated procedures and management guidelines; initiates new and revised RCW and WAC language to advance agency natural resources stewardship goals; and develops and oversees major new natural resources stewardship initiatives in the agency. Reviews natural resources-related stewardship legislation for impacts to the agency.
• Develops cost-effective budgetary strategies to rehabilitate, restore, protect, and monitor the long-term health of the natural resources across the entire park system. In conjunction with the Stewardship Director, this position develops and administers the natural resources stewardship-related operational budgets and grants. Reviews capital budget scoping and prioritization. Leads staff to develop and administer natural resources stewardship-related contracts and grants.
• Develops and implements plans to advance the agencys strategic plan (especially statewide Natural Heritage Initiatives) and core values, Commission and Director priorities, and emerging natural resources issues (risk management, resource protection). Develops annual agency natural resources stewardship work plan identifying performance objectives and measures.
• In consultation with the Stewardship Director, composes, revises, and presents agenda and work session items to the Commission.
• Establishes and promotes effective working relationships with all agency staff, leaders of stakeholder groups and organizations, local/state/federal agency staff, and park visitors. Works in a cooperative and supportive fashion with senior agency managers to coordinate and advance key management and policy issues in the state park system.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Masters or PhD degree with major studies in natural resources ecology, natural resources management, and conservation biology or a closely related field. The advanced studies are essential in a small agency, managing a large land base, to ensure best available science is applied to natural resources planning and management, decision-making by executive staff and the Commission, and agency interactions with governmental and non-governmental institutions, tribes, and the public.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in the area of resource protection and management, that involved working:
• in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments,
• on biological and social issues influencing resource protection and restoration,
• with stakeholder and partner groups,
• as a supervisor and mentor to professional and non-professional resource managers,
• in both a strategic and tactical capacity to identify and advance agency resource management goals.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to make oral presentations to large groups and the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS).
• Ability to serve as the agencys senior scientist and lead on natural resources issues.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Leadership: Spearhead tactical and strategic actions associated with the agencys Natural Heritage Initiative. Champion innovative ideas and technologies to elevate stewardship capabilities agency-wide.
• Personnel Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a highly dedicated team of professional staff, including natural resource stewards, foresters, a professional arbor crew, and diverse specialized on-call staff and contractors.
• Policy & Governance: Develop, update, and implement the Commission's Comprehensive Natural Resources Policy. Draft and refine statutory language (RCW and WAC) to advance state conservation goals, and step in with full delegated authority in the absence of the Stewardship Director.
• Risk & Climate Resilience: Protect state parks and surrounding communities by developing proactive strategies to mitigate environmental threats, including wildfire risks and hazardous tree conditions within developed landscapes.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Architect cost-effective budgetary strategies. Oversee operational and capital budgets, while aggressively securing and managing grants and inter-agency contracts to fund priority habitat protection.
• Partnership & Collaboration: Cultivate deep, collaborative relationships with Tribes, local, state, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and executive stakeholders to align and advance state park priorities.
• Commitment to Learning and Growth: Experience considering and incorporating new information and different perspective; and practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others: Experience adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals, welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives, and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of co-workers and customers.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience mentoring and training professional and non-professional staff, consulting with Tribes on complex, natural issues, and managing staff and program-level activities (e.g. budget).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office and in parks across the state. Field work requires hiking off-trail and over water, in inclement weather, day and night, and during all seasons of the year. This work requires a working knowledge of scientific methodologies and the tools/equipment to carry out natural resources management prescriptions.

Schedule: Typically five 8 hr. days; however, it is essential to have flexibility to address time-sensitive and emerging issues. This position is eligible for an alternate work schedule or hybrid option at the employees request, subject to supervisory approval. Daily contact with internal and external customers, including some contact with those that may be angry, distraught, and/or frustrated.

Travel Requirements: Frequent travel with occasional overnight stays may be required to perform the duties of this position, statewide, and during varying hours, days, and seasons. When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; or provide alternate transportation while on state business.

How to Apply:

To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. You must attach in your application the following:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing how you meet the qualifications and competencies listed in this announcement.
• Current resume in chronological order.
• Five professional references.

All requested materials must be submitted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veterans Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

Supplemental Information

WHO WE ARE:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse and most beautiful park systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 125 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (during peak season - summers), who are some of the most passionate employees youll find anywhere - from law enforcement park rangers, park managers, and field staff who take care of our parks (construction, maintenance, customer service, to planners, engineers, managers, administrative professionals and central support staff. We love caring for Washingtons most treasured lands, waters, and historic places; connecting all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage; and providing memorable recreational and educational experiences. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Diversity Policy Statement

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about this recruitment or Parks hiring process, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688.

For information about this position, please contact the Stewardship Manager, Andrea Thorpe at Andrea.Thorpe@parks.wa.gov or 360-902-8641.

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

Job Alerts to receive a list of new job postings at Parks

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

I have a Masters or PhD degree with major studies in natural resources ecology, natural resources management, and conservation biology or a closely related field.

• Yes
• No

02

If you indicated "Yes", to question number one (1), please provide additional information to support your answer. The following information is needed: Highest level of education and degree received, education field of study, number of years of professional experience and brief summary of duties. *An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.

03

How much experience do you have in the area of resource protection and management, that involved working a) in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments, b) on biological and social issues influencing resource protection and restoration, c) with stakeholder and partner groups, d) as a supervisor and mentor to professional and non-professional resource managers, and e) in both a strategic and tactical capacity to identify and advance agency resource management goals.

• none
• some, less than 1 year
• 1- 3 years
• 3- 5 years
• more than 5 years

04

Please briefly describe how your experience has given you the ability to serve as the agencys senior scientist and lead on natural resources issues.

05

Please describe how you meet the required position competencies. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

06

Rate your experience translating complex, technical natural resource data into clear, persuasive prescriptions and presentations for executive leadership and governing boards.

• I have assembled raw field data into basic status updates or internal technical memos.
• I have basic experience co-presenting environmental data or delivering educational presentations to the public and field staff.
• I have delivered technical presentations to senior managers and written formal management summaries on resource conditions.
• I have composed, revised, and presented high-stakes agenda items, briefings, and strategic prescriptions directly to executive staff and governing commissions.
• I have acted as the authoritative agency spokesperson on highly complex or controversial environmental issues, successfully inspiring and aligning public opinion, executive staff, and the Commission.
• I have none of this experience.

07

How much experience do you have mentoring and training professional and non-professional staff, consulting with Tribes on complex, natural issues, and managing staff and program-level activities (ex: budget)?

• none
• Some, less than 1 year
• 1- 3 years
• 3- 5 years
• More than 5 years

08

Please select all that apply to your experience synthesizing cross-disciplinary sciences (ecology, conservation biology, forestry, GIS spatial data) to solve complex land management or public-use conflicts.

• I have collected field data or utilized basic GIS software maps to support localized resource assessments.
• I have applied baseline principles of a single discipline (e.g., ecology or forestry) to manage straightforward field assignments.
• I have integrated multiple disciplines to solve field-level natural resource issues, such as evaluating localized recreation impacts.
• I have synthesized complex data across ecology, forestry, and conservation biology to write detailed management prescriptions for sensitive species or plant communities.
• I have designed agency-wide frameworks that utilized advanced spatial data architectures to balance ecosystem preservation with intensive statewide recreation and public use.
• None of the above.

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