Real Estate Program Manager (WMS Band 2) Lacey, WA

Real Estate Program Manager (WMS Band 2) Lacey, WA

Salary

$86,880.00 - $115,840.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-07770

Department

Parks and Recreation Commission

Opening Date

09/22/2026

Closing Date

10/6/2026 11:55 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Real Estate Program Manager (WMS Band 2)

Location: Lacey, WA.

Closes: October 6th, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. PDT

Travel: This position may require periodic travel to parks throughout the State Park system.

___

Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced highly skilled real estate leader for the position of Real Estate Program Manager (WMS 02). This position is located at Parks headquarters office in Lacey, Washington. The annual range of compensation is between $86,880 - $115,840 depending upon qualifications, although the expected hiring salary will typically be less than the top of the range.

The Real Estate Program Manager will lead the agencys efforts associated with acquiring and disposing of real property while ensuring agency compliance with any legal and regulatory requirements. They will grant and obtain legal documents as needed for less-than-fee simple property transactions and develop agency policy and programs, to improve the revenue generating capacity from commercial leases and improve sustainability and partner development in the agencys long-term lease program.

In this role, you will be the primary liaison between the Real Estate Program and leadership from other agency programs and divisions, the Commission, and external partners. The positions main purpose is to limit agency risk and legal exposure associated with acquiring and disposing of real property; ensuring agency compliance with any legal requirement of regulation obtained through legal contract; granting and obtaining legal documents as needed for less-than-fee-simple property transactions; developing agency policy and programs as needed to improve the revenue-generating capacity from commercial leases; developing agency policy and programs to improve sustainability and partner development in the agencys long-term lease program; and training, mentoring, and supervising Real Estate Program staff in accomplishing the above.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, highly skilled real estate leader with deep expertise in public-sector real property management, complex land transactions, and policy development. They bring a strong record of managing acquisitions, disposals, exchanges, leases, easements, water rights, and other less-than-fee-simple agreements with precision, sound judgment, and a clear focus on reducing agency risk. They excel at navigating legal requirements, collaborating with the Attorney General's Office and OFM, and ensuring that all instruments, records, and transactions meet the highest professional standards.

This candidate is an experienced people leader who develops and mentors professional staff, builds a positive and accountable team culture, and ensures high-quality work products that support statewide operations. They are adept at representing the agency in high-visibility settings, communicating complex information to diverse audiences, and cultivating productive relationships with tribal partners, public agencies, private-sector entities, and park neighbors. They thrive in a role that requires statewide coordination, strategic planning, and stewardship of public lands, and they bring the analytical, interpersonal, and policy-shaping skills needed to guide the Real Estate Program's long-term direction.

This position offers hybrid telework flexibility, though frequent on-site attendance is required to meet business needs. The default assigned work location of all Parks positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs.

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.

For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Duties

The Real Estate Program Manager is a management position that reports to the Planning and Real Estate Program Manager in the Parks Development Division. This is a leadership role responsible for managing, guiding, and promoting statewide real estate initiatives for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Directs the implementation of all land exchanges, acquisitions by purchase and donations and administers the statewide system by which applications for licenses, permits, leases, and easements are evaluated, processed, implemented, and recorded.
• Directs the program in identification, protection and evaluation of water rights associated with park land and as required for the operation of individual parks.
• Surveys and records the Seashore Conservation line each decade and develops real estate policy regarding the Seashore Conservation Area.
• Identifies and works towards curing trespassing and unauthorized use of state land; assures that park land is legally owned, managed and surveyed and maintains files with the relevant documentation.
• Responds to requests from OFM for specific property information on a routine basis.
• Responsible for identifying and executing large-scale land management agreements with federal, state, and local governments as well as with parties and partners from the private sector.
• Strategically promotes and nurtures mutually advantageous relationships with the private business sector; develops policy as needed to create working-revenue lands as directed by adopted agency strategic initiatives.
• Plans, leads, and determines when surplus properties are disposed of and makes recommendations on how subsequent proceeds from sales are re-invested back into the park system.
• Responsible for a wide variety of specialized real estate services including real property condemnation, tenant relocation or relocation assistance.
• Plans, coordinates, and oversees staff activities related to monitoring and compliance of lease provisions, real property agreements, and deed reservations.
• Responsible for real estate related fiscal notes and bill analyses in response to proposed legislation.
• Manages and leads professional real estate staff including all levels of Property and Acquisition Specialists. Trains, mentors, and assists with the professional development of program leaders and other professional staff. Models agency leadership principles for program staff.
• Manages the lands database and contract management system.

Schedule: Generally, Monday through Friday with core work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Incumbent may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs- occasional evening or weekends work may be required. A flexible or hybrid work schedule will be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Work Setting: This position works primarily in an office or home office environment.

Travel: Periodic travel will be required for statewide site visits, meetings, or public engagement with occasional overnight or multiple-day trips. You must have the ability to operate a state vehicle.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree* in real estate, property management, business, geography or another closely related land use field. AND
• Five (5) years of experience in real estate or property management that includes experience supervising professional staff.
• Additional qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for education.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in water rights laws, regulations and adjudication procedures. Ability to research, interpret, explain and address water rights issues as they relate to individual parks and the park system.
• Experience working with a wide range of interested second parties in granting to them or obtaining from them land-use rights through legal instruments as provided for by statutory law, regulation and Commission authority.
• Advanced level knowledge of processing, implementing or removing liens, property defaults, restrictive covenants, and other forms of property encumbrances.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Technical Expertise - expert knowledge of all standard real property use agreements or legal instruments necessary in managing real property; ability to minimize risk to the agency by exercising sound, independent, professional judgement in implementing all real property transactions, records management responsibilities.

Strategic Leadership & Program Management- provides statewide leadership and direction for real estate program. Develops and implements agency-wide policies, standards, and best practices.

Manages and leads professional real estate staff including all levels of Property and Acquisition Specialists. Trains, mentors, and assists with the professional development of program leaders and other professional staff. Models agency leadership principles for program staff.

Land Surveying and Mapping Principles - Knowledge of the procedures and practices pertaining to the establishment, locating, and defining of corners, monuments, lines, and boundaries. Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and professional-level ability to understand, interpret and communicate technical information related to legal property descriptions (metes & bounds) to nontechnical staff.

Legal Compliance & Risk Mitigation - expert knowledge of all standard real property use agreements or legal instruments necessary in managing real property; ability to minimize risk to the agency by exercising sound, independent, professional judgement in implementing all real property transactions, records management responsibilities.

Public Representation & Communication - expert level skills in communicating, verbally and in writing, with diverse audiences about technical and complex information (e.g., subordinates, peers, superiors, legislators, government officials, tribal members, corporate officials, the media and the general public.) Highly effective working with diverse audiences and in potentially hostile formats (e.g., public hearings, commission meetings). Sensitive to political and public-relations aspects of agency issues and decisions.

Ability to Learn and Grow - Takes responsibility for knowing own strengths and weaknesses and uses learning to make programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.

Ability to Take Action to Meet the Needs of Others - Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of co-workers and customers.

OTHER CRITICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSPECTIVES:

• Advanced-level knowledge of natural resource and asset management, conservation and highest-and-best use property principles, including knowledge of state and federal laws relating to resource lands and waters, and of governmental structures, policies, and processes.
• Ability to research, interpret, explain and address water rights issues as they relate to individual parks and the park system.
• Expert knowledge of all standard real property use agreements or legal instruments necessary in managing real property; ability to minimize risk to the agency by exercising sound, independent, professional judgement in implementing all real property transactions, records management responsibilities.
• Advanced level knowledge of processing, implementing or removing liens, property defaults, restrictive covenants and other forms of property encumbrances.

To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• Letter of Interest- specifically addressing the competencies and qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.

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.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to 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.

Supplemental Information

About Parks:

Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state's winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washingtons most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. 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 the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.Vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688.

For information about this position, please contact Nikki Fields at Nikki.Fields@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8658.

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

Do you have (at least) a bachelors degree in real estate, property management, business, geography or another land use study?

• Yes
• No
• I am substituting additional years of experience for education requirement.

02

Please list the field of study your college degree(s) are in. If this does not apply, enter "N/A".

03

Please rate your competency level with real estate property and asset management.

• I worked as an agent where I reviewed simple residential rental applications and filed property deeds under direct supervision.
• I independently process standard, routine utility easements and temporary construction permits. I coordinate with title companies and record documents. When a transaction involves complex multiple owners or property swaps, I hand it off to a senior specialist.
• I manage complex, multi-million dollar public land acquisitions and permanent conservation easements from start to finish. I lead negotiations for properties with multiple encumbrances, review professional appraisals, and execute land disposals. I routinely present completed transaction packages to executive management for approval.
• I am the program lead or supervisor overseeing a regional public real estate division. I design and launch new commercial leasing programs to maximize public land revenue. I am the designated final authority on complex property condemnation and tenant relocation strategies, and I establish the technical standards used by other real estate staff.
• I have none of this type of experience.

04

Please briefly describe your real estate and property management experience. If this does not apply, enter "N/A".

05

Please rate your competency level with supervising professional staff while working in real estate or property management environment.

• I have never formally supervised staff. I have occasionally helped onboard a new team member by showing them how to use our basic real estate software or explaining our scanning and archiving workflows.
• I have served as a project or team lead on specific land projects, assigning tasks to 2-3 junior specialists and reviewing their completed files for data accuracy before submittal.
• I am a full supervisor who manages, trains, and evaluates a team of professional Property and Acquisition Specialists. I write annual work plans, conduct formal performance evaluations, and manage staff workloads under strict civil service guidelines and collective bargaining agreements.
• I manage an entire division of supervisors and professional specialists. I am responsible for organizational restructuring, workforce planning, and building a collaborative culture. I regularly handle complex labor relations issues, grievance resolutions under union contracts, and executive-level recruitment initiatives
• I have none of this experience.

06

Please briefly explain your experience supervising professional staff while working in real estate or property management. Please include where you received your experience and how many employees you supervised. If this does not apply, enter "N/A".

07

How much experience do you have working with water rights laws, regulations and adjudication procedures?

• I have none of this experience.
• I have 1 to 2 years of experience.
• I have 3 to 4 years of experience.
• I have 5 to 6 years of experience.
• I have 7 to 8 years of experience.
• I have 9 years of experience or more.

08

How much experience do you have with legal compliance and risk mitigations (processing, implementing or removing liens, property defaults, restrictive covenants, and other forms of property encumbrances)?

• I am familiar with the public agencys database and know how to look up property records to check if a parcel is state-owned. I understand that water rights exist but have never researched a water claim or handled an illegal trespass case.
• I perform regular field inspections and compliance monitoring on existing property leases to ensure tenants are paying on time and meeting contract terms. If I discover a minor trespass or a boundary issue, I document it and bring it to legal counsel for direction.
• I independently investigate and legally resolve complex property encroachments and historic trespasses by collaborating with title experts and survey crews. I actively research, evaluate, and defend complex water rights claims for public lands, ensuring compliance with state water laws and adjudication frameworks.
• I serve as the primary expert who establishes risk-mitigation frameworks and legal compliance policies for an entire agencys land holdings. I work directly with the Office of the Attorney General to handle high-risk litigations, and I design the systems used to audit and secure state property rights on a macro scale.
• I have none of this experience.

09

How much experience do you have working with a wide range of interested second parties in granting to them or obtaining from them land-use rights through legal instruments as provided for by statutory law, regulation and Commission authority?

• I have 1 to 2 years of experience.
• I have 3 to 4 years of experience.
• I have 5 to 6 years of experience.
• I have 7 to 8 years of experience.
• I have 9 years of experience or more.
• I have none of this experience.

10

Please rate your competency level with financial stewardship and contract administration.

• I track basic expenses, process invoices for appraisal services, and make sure vendor payments match contract values. I do not manage or build program budgets.
• I manage individual project budgets for local land acquisitions, ensuring spending stays within the allocated funds. I assist in drafting standard contracts for surveying or environmental consulting services.
• I develop, monitor, and administer multi-million dollar capital and operating budgets for real estate programs. I design strategy to restructure commercial lease portfolios to increase revenue, and I structure and oversee complex public grants and procurement contracts.
• I hold final accountability for the entire agency real estate budget. I strategically prioritize capital budget scoping across statewide projects. I testify before legislative committees regarding program funding needs and design the agencys overall revenue-generation models for public lands.
• I have none of this experience.

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