Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3

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

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Chief Appraiser who will lead the Appraisal Unit at Olympia, overseeing land-use and real estate strategies and coordinating with divisions and programs. This role emphasizes staff development, performance feedback, and ensuring effective use of resources.

Required are a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, state certification as a General Real Estate Appraiser, and at least three years as a professional appraiser with leadership experience.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, organize, and supervise the Appraisal Unit.
• Ensure appropriate use of resources and provide timely directions and feedback.
• Mentor staff and develop training plans; encourage professional development.

Skills

Staff supervision

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Spreadsheets & word processing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

State General Real Estate Appraiser certification

Three years professional appraiser experience

Tools

GPS units

GIS usage

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 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.

Responsibilities

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.

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

• 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.

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].

About the Department of Natural Resources

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.