Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, WMS3

State of Washington; Pasco (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Natural Resources seeks a Chief Appraiser, Assistant Division Manager, to advise on land use and real estate matters, lead the Appraisal Unit, and ensure USPAP‑compliant appraisals. The role includes directing staff, mentoring, and developing training plans across divisions.

The position requires a Real Estate Appraiser certification, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and several years of supervisory experience, with occasional statewide travel and field work.

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 advising on land use and appraisal issues to project managers and top management.
• Experience in resolving complex and potentially contentious appraisal issues.
• Proficient computer skills in spreadsheets and word processing.
• Experience in conflict resolution.
• Experience in negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and counsel to department managers on transactions and issues relating to land use and real estate matters.
• Leads, organizes, and supervises the Appraisal Unit and ensures optimal use of resources.
• Prepares and reviews USPAP‑compliant narratives and oversees appraisals by staff or third‑party appraisers and consultants.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

General Real Estate Appraiser certification

Tools

Spreadsheets

Word processing

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

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.

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.

Qualifications

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and 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.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please 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 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].

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Contact

Questions? Please contact Susan Beall at [e-mail]/564-250-3868 or email us at [e-mail].

Updated 01-07-2026