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

Washington State ESD; Seattle (WA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A state government agency in Chimacum, WA, is looking for an Aquatic Land Manager to oversee aquatic land use authorizations and ensure compliance with contract terms. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience, along with strong negotiation and customer service skills. This full-time position offers a salary range of $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 monthly, and partial telework flexibility may be available.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Relocation compensation may be available

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in natural resource management or relevant field.
• Knowledge of contract and business management.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks and set workload priorities.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and prepare aquatic land use authorizations.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms and resolve unauthorized land use.
• Develop intergovernmental relationships for effective management.

Skills

Natural resource management

Customer service

Contract management

Negotiation skills

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Overview

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

Recruitment #2025-9-7266 — Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA). Location: Chimacum, WA. Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered. Relocation Compensation may be available and considered. Salary: $4,865.00 - $6,539.00 Monthly.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/24/25. 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 Aquatic Resources Division as an Aquatic Land Manager.

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 state-owned aquatic lands (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 the 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, including 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.
• Non-routine work: 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 AND two years of experience in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, business, or other relevant field; OR a combination of education and/or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of contract, business, or property management.
• Knowledge of interpreting and implementing guidelines, regulations, and laws.
• Knowledge of working with natural resource management/environmental protection issues.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks, set workload priorities, and complete tasks on time.
• Ability to provide good customer service.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly, and use typical office software.
• Ability to collaborate on internal and external issues in an active, respectful, cooperative, and professional manner.
• Ability to negotiate 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 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% in a workspace/office and 10% in the field. Most fieldwork involves being on or near the water with the risk of falling in (personal flotation devices are mandatory). Travel may be required to locations within the District or Olympia. Most travel is by car and typically involves less than two concurrent nights away; overnight travel is generally less than two nights a month. A valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience are required. This position requires driving as an essential function; finalists may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of 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 park issues.
• Experience operating small motorboats.

Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact [e-mail]. A note to potential candidates: studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Application Requirements

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward may be contacted via email at [e-mail] with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to receive communications.

Questions? Please contact Sean Carlson at [e-mail] or call 360-301-0422, or email [e-mail]. For accommodations in the application/testing process, call 360-522-2500 or email [e-mail]. Deaf or hard of hearing applicants may use 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 is a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our mission is to 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 include safety and well-being, public service, innovation and creative problem-solving, and leadership and teamwork.

DNR provides excellent benefits, including opportunities for professional development, employee resource groups, loan forgiveness, and a comprehensive benefits package. Details at the provided benefits resources.

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. Veterans preference can be claimed with appropriate documentation. Equal Opportunity Employer: DNR is an equal opportunity employer encouraging applications from diverse groups. For assistance with your application, contact CareersHelp at the provided email or phone numbers.