Aquatic Land Manager, Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington in Tacoma is seeking an Aquatic Land Manager / PAS3 to manage state-owned aquatic lands, negotiate uses, and ensure public access and environmental protection. This role requires coordination with Tribes and other governments, and travel within the district.

You will draft contracts, review permits, and foster intergovernmental relationships. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience; MS Office proficiency; strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, science, engineering, or related field; and two years of related experience.
• Knowledge of contracts, business, or property management.
• Knowledge of interpreting and implementing guidelines, regulations, and laws.
• Experience with natural resource management/environmental protection issues.
• Proficiency with typical office software (MS Office).

Responsibilities

• Negotiating and preparing aquatic land use authorizations (leases, licenses, easements).
• Ensuring compliance with contract terms, site inspections, and resolving unauthorized uses of SOAL.
• Developing and maintaining effective intergovernmental relationships.
• Providing information regarding department laws, policies, and guidance to the public and to other government entities pertaining to SOAL.
• Reviewing and commenting on project designs and regulatory permits.
• Incorporating environmental conservation measures into use authorizations by working with Habitat Stewardship Specialist.
• Evaluating land ownership and completing historical record searches related to past authorizations.

Skills

Contract management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resource management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Aquatic Land Manager, Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3)

Recruitment #2026-9-5403

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location: Tacoma, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $5,641.00 - $7,592.00 Monthly

Aquatic Land Management often includes the questions “How?” and “Why?” as well as the phrase “It depends.” If you enjoy problem solving and balancing public benefits for all citizens of Washington, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity to fill one Property & Acquisition Specialist 3 (PAS3)/Aquatic Land Manager position within the Shoreline District, Aquatic Resources Division. Come help us manage state-owned aquatic lands (SOAL), so that people and orcas thrive, businesses and eelgrass meadows grow, and waterfront public access and salmon are preserved in perpetuity.

Responsibilities

• Negotiating and preparing aquatic land use authorizations (including leases, licenses, and easements).
• Ensuring compliance with contract terms, performing site inspections, and resolving unauthorized uses of SOAL.
• Developing and maintaining effective intergovernmental relationships.
• Providing information regarding department laws, policies, and guidance to the public and to other government entities pertaining to management of SOAL.
• Reviewing and commenting on project designs and regulatory permits.
• Incorporating appropriate environmental conservation measures into use authorizations by working closely with the district Habitat Stewardship Specialist.
• Evaluating land ownership. This may include completing historical record searches related to past authorizations and ownership of SOAL.

If you are captivated by the DNR’s mission, you may be the ideal candidate

• Mastering unusual, often technical topics such as property legal descriptions, property rights, and environmental protection statutes and rules.
• Drafting strong contracts that meet the goals of the state – ensuring environmental protection, promoting public use and access, and minimizing risk – and meeting the goals of our customers (lessees/grantees/licensees).
• Working with individual citizens, private industry, Tribes, other governments, and partners.
• Providing excellent customer service both internally and externally.
• Works well independently.
• Enjoys being part of a team, working with and learning from his/her colleagues at all levels.
• Eager to become highly proficient in all aspects of the position and welcomes feedback and coaching.
• Enjoys work that is non-routine, frequently complex, and always detail-oriented: even experienced staff learn something new nearly every day.
• A natural curiosity – someone who appreciates the “how” and the “why”, and who embraces new challenges.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, science, engineering, or other related field;
  AND two years of experience in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, business or other related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of contracts, business, or property management.
• Knowledge of interpreting and implementing guidelines, regulations, and laws.
• Knowledge of working with natural resource management/environmental protection issues.
• Experience using typical office software (such as Microsoft Office Suite).

Required Competencies

• Competent in managing multiple complex tasks, setting workload priorities, and completing tasks on time.
• Accustomed to providing effective customer service.
• Written and verbal communication skills addressing diverse audiences.
• Competent in collaborating on internal and external issues in an active, respectful, cooperative, and professional manner.
• Skills in negotiating contentious issues in a respectful, responsive, and informed manner.
• 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.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• The work environment is approximately 90% at a workspace/office and 10% in the field. The Tacoma office is located on the 7th floor of the Commerce Building and is accessible by elevator. The office has three separate rooms with doors, each with two desks with monitors that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most fieldwork involves being on or near the water with the risk of falling in (use of personal flotation devices is mandatory in such locations). Most fieldwork involves driving.
• Travel may be required to locations within the District or Olympia. Most travel is by car. Most travel requires less than two concurrent nights away. Overnight travel is generally less than two nights a month.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with land use authorizations (leases, easements, licenses, etc.) and other legal instruments associated with land management.
• Experience working for or with other resource agencies, tribes, or local governments.
• Knowledge of environmental permitting/regulatory processes and rules.
• Experience working in commodity industries (e.g., shellfish, minerals, timber, or agriculture).
• Experience working on public access, recreation, or parks issues.
• Experience operating small motorboats.

Questions?

Please contact Jessica Olmstead at [e-mail] / [phone] or email us at [e-mail].

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. 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