Federal Lands Special Project Manager, WMS1

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Washington; Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Department of Natural Resources in Olympia, WA is seeking a Federal Lands Special Projects Manager to lead the Forest Resilience Division’s Federal Lands Section in a non-permanent appointment. The role focuses on senior-level oversight of long-term projects, contract administration, and cross-program collaboration.

The position requires a strong background in forestry and natural resource management, plus experience in budgeting, planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a major emphasis in forestry, natural resource management, or other related field and five years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with performance management, planning, budgeting, contract management, resource planning, and public/partner relations.
• Knowledge of public administration, budgeting, economics and management.
• Knowledge of natural resource management, timber and land management planning and practices.
• Knowledge and competency in contract development and administration.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and projects.

Responsibilities

• Independently and with the team, oversee the section’s long-term project portfolio and policy development.
• Provide project field assistance including compliance, monitoring, and technical support.
• Draft, review and ensure compliance of federal/state agreements and contracts.
• Develop emergent project types and pilot new mechanisms.
• Support federal/state grants research, development, and management.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners on current and future projects.
• Provide division support for cross-programmatic outcomes.

Skills

Performance management

Organization planning

Budgeting

Contract management

Resource planning

Public/partner relations

Public administration knowledge

Business administration knowledge

Natural resource management

Timber and land management

Contract development

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or Natural Resource Management

Bachelor’s of Science in Forestry

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Job description

Description

Federal Lands Special Project Manager, WMS1

Recruitment #2026-9-7640

Full-time, Non-Permanent, WMS1, Non-represented position

Anticipated employment is October 2026 - March 2027

Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Work Hours and Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $7,220.00 - $8,419.00 Monthly

To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $7,220.00 - $8,862.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/1/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Want to join a high-performing team focused on making a difference on Washington’s forests and natural landscapes? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Federal Lands Special Projects Manager to join its Forest Resilience Division’s Federal Lands Section in a non-permanent appointment.

The Federal Lands Section partners with federal lands managers across Washington, focused on forestland, watershed, and rangeland restoration work through a broad portfolio of project types under 3 distinct programs: Field Operations, Engineering Services, and Environmental Planning. This position supports the three programs, providing critical senior-level expertise and capacity to existing long-term projects and emerging priority projects, primarily through the department’s Good Neighbor Authority agreement. Projects overseen by this position directly support goals and strategies outlined in the DNR’s 20 Year Forest Health Strategic Plan: Eastern WA, 2025 Forest Action Plan, and the Western Washington Forest Health Strategic Plan.

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Independently and as part of the team, provide oversight and management of the section’s existing long-term project portfolio, including section and program policy and procedure development
• Provide project field assistance, including compliance, monitoring, and/or technical support
• Complete drafting, review, and compliance of federal and state agreements and contracts
• Conduct forward-facing, strategic development of emergent project types, including piloting new mechanisms
• Provide federal and state grant research, development, and management
• Coordinate with internal and external partners on current and future projects
• Provide division support for cross-programmatic function and outcomes

Qualifications

Required 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 with a major emphasis in forestry, natural resource management, or other closely related field AND five (5) years of relevant professional experience in forest land management, natural resource planning, and/ or program development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience performing the following functions: performance management, organization planning, budgeting, contract management, resource planning, and public/ partner relations.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration, business administration, budgeting, economics, and management.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of natural resource management and skills to identify and mitigate current issues and conflicts in natural resource management.
• Knowledge and skills in timber and land management planning and practices.
• Knowledge and competency in contract development and administration.
• Knowledge and skills to manage multiple programs and projects.

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:

• Work is performed primarily in an at-home setting as a hybrid telework-designed position. May come into an office location on occasion. Trips to project sites may be required, involving walking on uneven ground, in all-weather conditions.
• Occasional travel may occur for this position to the Natural Resource Building or other locations around the state may require overnight travel.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s of Science degree or above in Forestry AND five (5) years of practical experience in forest management-related functions.
• Certification as a Project Management Professional.
• Knowledge of Product Sales and Leasing and general timber sale or non-commercial forestry project processes, and goods and services contract development and compliance.
• Knowledge of project management principles.
• Experience and knowledge of budget process and function using multiple fund sources.
• Previous work experience with the federal government, implementing federal contracts, or other interagency agreements.

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].

Supplemental Information

Questions? Please contact Trevor McConchie at [e-mail]/360-688-0321 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.

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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