Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Olympia, WA seeks a Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3 to lead the Asset Management Division's Appraisal Unit and advise senior management on land-use and real estate matters.

The role plans and supervises staff, develops training, and ensures USPAP-compliant appraisals meet legal standards; occasional statewide travel and possible relocation compensation are noted.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• State certification as a General Real Estate Appraiser.
• Three (3) years of experience as a professional appraiser.
• One (1) year of experience supervising professional staff and guiding on land use and appraisal issues.
• Experience in resolving complex appraisal issues.
• Proficient computer skills in spreadsheets and word processing.
• Experience in negotiation and conflict resolution.

Responsibilities

• Advise department managers on transactions and land-use real estate matters and assist in long-term asset strategies and diversification.
• Plan, lead, organize, and supervise the Appraisal Unit; mentor staff and develop training plans.
• Prepare and review USPAP-compliant narrative appraisals and ensure legal standards are met.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Computer skills (spreadsheets/word)

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

State certification as General Real Estate Appraiser

Job description

Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3

Recruitment #2026-9-5381

Full-time, Permanent, WMS3, Non-represented position

Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Relocation Compensation may be available and considered

Salary: $9,176.00 - $10,700.00 Monthly

To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $9,176.00 - $11,262.00

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/29/26. 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 Asset Management Division as Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3.

Responsibilities:

The Chief Appraiser is responsible for providing advice and counsel to all department managers on transactions and issues relating to land use and real estate matters, including assistance in developing long term strategies and planning on asset diversification, enhancement of the commercial property portfolio, and maximization of transition land values. Work projects come in from a variety of Divisions and programs, including Product Sales and Leasing Division, Aquatics Division, and the Regions; work is determined in coordination with the Division Manager and agency priorities.

The Chief Appraiser plans, leads, organizes, and supervises the work performed by the department’s Appraisal Unit. The Chief Appraiser assures appropriate and optimum use of the group’s resources and enhances the effectiveness of staff through clear and timely directions, appraisals, and feedback. The Chief Appraiser assists staff development through mentoring, development of training plans, and encouraging staff to pursue appropriate professional development opportunities.

As the department’s delegated Chief Appraiser, the position is responsible for the preparation and review of narrative USPAP-compliant appraisals for the department, including appraisals and reviews conducted by consultants and third-party appraisers as well as those conducted by Appraisal Unit staff. This position also develops procedures to ensure appraisals meet appropriate legal standards.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• State certification as a General Real Estate Appraiser.
• Three (3) years of experience as a professional appraiser.
• One (1) year of experience supervising professional staff and providing advice and guidance on land use and appraisal issues to project managers and top management within a local, state, federal, or corporate institution.
• Experience in resolving complex and potentially contentious appraisal issues.
• Proficient computer skills in the use of spreadsheets and word processing.
• Experience in conflict resolution.
• Experience in negotiation.

Required Competencies:

• 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:

• Office setting, with 5 to 10% field work that at times requires walking on uneven terrain, driving on forest roads, and entering buildings.
• Occasional statewide travel is required.
• 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:

These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Professional designations such as the MAI, SRA, AI-GRS (Appraisal Institute) and the ARA (American Society of Farm Managers and Real Estate Appraisers) are desirable.
• Experience appraising vacant land, appraising in rural areas, appraising or dealing with issues such as gravel or mineral values, aquatic lands, timber values, and experience appraising agricultural properties.
• Familiarity with functioning GPS units and ability to read maps to identify location in rural areas, and GIS usage ability.
• Ability to maintain a heavy workload and changing priorities, and strong organizational skills are also desirable. Strong written and verbal skills, including the demonstrated ability to write narrative reports, ability to work cooperatively as a team member while serving as a mentor and leader, and high ethical standards.
• Experience in developing and maintaining respectful relationships with people of differing backgrounds and perspectives.

If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at [e-mail].

Questions?

Please contact Susan Beall at [e-mail] / 564-250-3868 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.