Assistant Division Manager – Asset Management, WMS2

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington, Department of Natural Resources, invites applications for the Assistant Division Manager – Asset Management in Olympia. You will lead the Asset Management Section, directing derelict vessel removal, restoration projects, sediment quality, and aquatic reserves while fostering an inclusive, high-performing team.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, partner relations, and ensuring efficient, lawful program delivery across statewide aquatic lands management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resource management, forestry, geography, marine science, engineering, public policy, or related field; plus five years of related supervisory experience.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and implementing statutes/regulations; drafting legislation and testimony.
• Experience negotiating contentious issues respectfully and effectively.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Act as principal assistant to the Aquatic Resources Division Manager and oversee the Asset Management Section (Derelict Vessel Removal, Restoration and Derelict Structure Removal, Sediment Quality, Aquatic Reserves).
• Build and lead a team that advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging while promoting innovation and collaboration.
• Provide oversight of derelict vessel removals, aquatic restoration, and management of aquatic reserves and sediment quality programs.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Legislation interpretation

Microsoft Office

Policy & public process

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resources or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Assistant Division Manager – Asset Management, WMS2

Recruitment #2026-9-6601

Full-time, Permanent, WMS2, Non-represented position

Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $8,574.00 - $9,998.00 Monthly

To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $8,574.00 - $10,526.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/24/26. 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 Aquatic Resources Division. Come help us manage state-owned aquatic lands so that people and fish and wildlife thrive, businesses and eelgrass meadows grow, and waterfront public access and salmon are preserved in perpetuity.

We are looking for an experienced supervisor to be the Aquatics Assistant Division Manager for Asset Management, leading an amazing team of professional staff who manage, protect, and restore aquatic lands across Washington State.

The Assistant Division Manager serves as a leader in both Asset Management and the Aquatic Resources Division in developing and maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming work environment for all. The position also works directly with individual citizens, private industry, Tribes, other governments, and partners to ensure resources are managed to preserve ecological and economic viability, including cleanup, pollution prevention, habitat conservation and protection, restoration, and assessment of the proper use of state-owned aquatic lands.

If you are fascinated by and enjoy the following, you may be an ideal candidate:

• The DNR mission
• Encouraging and supporting diversity, innovation, collaboration, and creativity within your team and in partnership with DNR staff across the state
• Mastering unusual, often technical topics such as sediment quality standards, SEPA, legal descriptions, scientific research, and environmental protection statutes and rules
• Helping your staff, colleagues, and senior managers solve complex public policy, environmental, and real property management problems
• Fostering water-dependent uses, encouraging direct public use and access, and managing natural resources in a sustainable manner by developing and supporting implementation of habitat stewardship measures
• Supporting further development of programs that use boats, ROVs, drones, and other innovative approaches to managing Aquatic Reserves and other aquatic lands
• Supporting a successful, growing Derelict Vessel Removal team that operates statewide
• Managing Non-routine work; even experienced staff learn something new nearly every day
• Providing excellent customer service both internally and externally

Responsibilities:

This position acts as a principal assistant to the Aquatic Resources Division Manager. This position is responsible for management of the Asset Management Section, which includes: Derelict Vessel Removal Program, Restoration and Derelict Structure Removal Program, Sediment Quality Program (including Port Management), and Aquatic Reserves Program.

Specific objectives of the ADM are to:

• Build and lead a team that encourages and supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in concert with innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
• Maintain and foster an inclusive and welcoming culture in the Aquatic Resources Division.
• Develop respectful relationships characterized by clear communication with our partners, lessees/grantees, and applicants.
• Provide oversight of derelict vessel removals and guide further enhancement of the program.
• Provide oversight of the development and implementation of aquatic restoration and removal of derelict structures.
• Provide oversight of the creation and management of aquatic reserves.
• Provide oversight of sediment quality management.
• Protect, restore and enhance aquatic ecosystems through management actions.
• Provide expert guidance and oversight to facilitate consistent and lawful application of programs managed by the ADM.
• Ensure business practices lead to an increase in efficiency, accountability and responsiveness.

These issues require a high level of critical thinking and political awareness. Coordinating with division experts, executive management, external interest holders, legislators, and legislative staff is critical as these groups are often concerned with fundamental changes of statewide significance. Generally, these issues and any changes that result have legal, political, and financial implications for all of these groups.

This position directly supports all of DNR’s Strategic priorities, in particular, Make DNR a Great Place to Work and Serve Washington’s Lands and Communities and Protect our Lands and Waters and the Aquatic Resources Division Strategic Framework.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in natural resource management, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, public policy, or other relevant field; AND five (5) years of related professional and/or project management work experience, including supervisory experience, in one of the aforementioned specialties; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and implementing statutes and regulations, drafting legislation, reviewing and analyzing legislation, and preparation of legislative testimony.
• Experience negotiating contentious issues in a respectful, responsive, and informed manner.
• Experience using Microsoft suite such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Required Competencies:

• Knowledge of natural resources laws and practices.
• Skills managing staff time and expenditures to meet budgets.
• Knowledge of contracts, business and/or property management.
• Customer service oriented.
• Collaboration skills in resolving issues in an active, respectful, cooperative and professional manner.
• Skills in managing complex issues in a politically sensitive manner.
• Skills in managing relationships and team-building.
• Communicates using both verbal and written forms to guide teams and support organizational goals.
• Anticipates potential obstacles, adjusts plans proactively, and communicates priorities to maintain workflow efficiency.
• 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:

• Position's assigned duty station is the Natural Resources Building in Olympia. The large majority of work is performed in an office or meeting setting with some field work. Field visits involve transport by motor vehicle or small boat and include working on or around flowing water (rivers) and marine waters.
• Periodic travel for meetings, field visits, and other business related to statewide planning initiatives is required, with very occasional evening meetings or overnight stays.
• 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:

• Master’s or higher degree in natural resource management, real estate, forestry, geography, marine science, other science, engineering, land use or environmental planning, public policy, business or other relevant field.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing staff time and expenditures to meet budgets.
• Experience with real estate management, including commercial real estate practices, appraisal, and lease/contract management and development.
• Experience negotiating with governments including Tribes and local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Experience in giving testimony to legislative bodies and public presentations.
• Experience working with natural resource management/environmental protection issues.
• Knowledge of state legislative and political processes.
• Knowledge of the marine, estuarine, and riparian ecologies of the Pacific Northwest.

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 at [e-mail].

Questions? Please contact Thomas Gorman at [e-mail] / 360-902-1081 or email us at [e-mail].

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call 360-522-2500 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 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 E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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 disability, 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 [e-mail].