Natural Resources Program Manager (WMS Band 3) Lacey, WA

Job Title:Natural Resources Program Manager
Location: Lacey WA
Closes:October 4th 2026 at 11:55p.m. PDT

Are you a visionary conservation leader capable of balancing ecological preservation with public recreation

TheWashington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking a dynamic forward-thinking Natural Resources Program Manager to champion statewide natural resources stewardship initiatives across our magnificent 138000-acre park system. The Natural Resources Program Manager is a leadership position responsible for leading managing guiding and promoting statewide natural resources stewardship initiatives for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. They educate and inspire park visitors agency staff and the general public to ensure the highest level of natural resources stewardship occurs in Washingtons state parks.

In this high-profile leadership role you will bring strategic vision and deep technical expertise to protect enhance and interpret the diverse native habitats found within our 200 state parks. From the rugged coastlines to arid shrub-steppe ecosystems you will have a profound lasting impact on the natural heritage of Washington State for generations to come.

We are looking for a collaborative executive and an expert scientist who thrives in complex matrixed environments. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background integrating multiple environmental fields including ecology forestry conservation biology recreation resource impacts and advanced GIS/spatial data systems. With the ability to translate complex highly technical environmental data into compelling management prescriptions and high-stakes presentations for executive leadership the public and the Commission.

Washington State Parks offers a collaborative culture focused on public service environmental preservation and outdoor equity. We offer a competitive salary an outstanding state benefits package (medical dental and retirement plans) a generous leave policy and the unique opportunity to spend your career protecting the most beautiful landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information on Washington State Parks click here.

This position reports to the Stewardship Program Manager and initiates actions that protect the health and integrity of the agencys natural resources in a cost-efficient manner. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Promotes the highest quality stewardship of the agencys natural resources by bringing new ideas and technologies to the agency; builds partnerships in the agency and with local state Federal and regional agencies organizations and stakeholders to enhance agency capacity and professionalism; assesses agency natural resources stewardship capabilities and performance; and seeks to elevate the agencys core commitment to exceptional stewardship through training programs expert professional service strategic planning and policy guidance.
• Manages a professional staff engaged in natural resources management and a wide range of governmental and non-governmental contractors working on local to statewide conservation efforts. Ensures current work plans employee evaluations and program specific contracts/agreements are in compliance with all human resources and agency policies/procedures rules laws and collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides expert technical assistance/leadership and training to staff related to natural resources stewardship. Reviews and synthesizes complex/technical material into management prescriptions and presentations before the public executive staff and the Commission.
• In consultation with the Stewardship Director develops and updates the Commissions Comprehensive Natural Resources Policy and associated procedures and management guidelines; initiates new and revised RCW and WAC language to advance agency natural resources stewardship goals; and develops and oversees major new natural resources stewardship initiatives in the agency. Reviews natural resources-related stewardship legislation for impacts to the agency.
• Develops cost-effective budgetary strategies to rehabilitate restore protect and monitor the long-term health of the natural resources across the entire park conjunction with the Stewardship Director this position develops and administers the natural resources stewardship-related operational budgets and grants. Reviews capital budget scoping and prioritization. Leads staff to develop and administer natural resources stewardship-related contracts and grants.
• Develops and implements plans to advance the agencys strategic plan (especially statewide Natural Heritage Initiatives) and core values Commission and Director priorities and emerging natural resources issues (risk management resource protection). Develops annual agency natural resources stewardship work plan identifying performance objectives and measures.
• In consultation with the Stewardship Director composes revises and presents agenda and work session items to the Commission.
• Establishes and promotes effective working relationships with all agency staff leaders of stakeholder groups and organizations local/state/federal agency staff and park visitors. Works in a cooperative and supportive fashion with senior agency managers to coordinate and advance key management and policy issues in the state park system.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Mastersdegree with major studies in natural resources ecology natural resources management and conservation biology or a closely related field from an accredited institution. (The advanced studies are essential in a small agency managing a large land base to ensure best available science is applied to natural resources planning and management decision-making by executivestaff and the Commission and agency interactions with governmental and non-governmental institutions tribes and the public.)
  • *A Bachelors degree with major studies in natural resources ecology natural resources management and conservation biology or a closely related field from an accredited institution AND two years of general natural resource experience may substitute for the Masters degree.No substitution is permitted for the additional five (5) years of progressive experience in the area of resource protection and management experience below.

• Five (5) yearsof progressive experience in the area of resource protection and management that involved working:
  • in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments
  • on biological and social issues influencing resource protection and restoration
  • with stakeholder and partner groups
  • as a supervisor and mentor to professional and non-professional resource managers
  • in both a strategic and tactical capacity to identify and advance agency resource management goals.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to make oral presentations to large groups and the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS).
• Ability to serve as the agencys senior scientist and lead on natural resources issues.

• Strategic Leadership: Spearhead tactical and strategic actions associated with the agencys Natural Heritage Initiative. Champion innovative ideas and technologies to elevate stewardship capabilities agency-wide.
• Personnel Management: Lead mentor and inspire a highly dedicated team of professional staff including natural resource stewards foresters a professional arbor crew and diverse specialized on-call staff and contractors.
• Policy & Governance: Develop update and implement the Commissions Comprehensive Natural Resources Policy. Draft and refine statutory language(RCW and WAC) to advance state conservation goals and step in with full delegated authority in the absence of the Stewardship Director.
• Risk & Climate Resilience: Protect state parks and surrounding communities by developing proactive strategies to mitigate environmental threats including wildfire risks and hazardous tree conditions within developed landscapes.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Architect cost-effective budgetary strategies. Oversee operational and capital budgets while aggressively securing and managing grants and inter-agency contracts to fund priority habitat protection.
• Partnership & Collaboration: Cultivate deep collaborative relationships with Tribes local state and federal agencies non-governmental organizations and executive stakeholders to align and advance state park priorities.
• Commitment to Learning and Growth:Experience considering and incorporating new information and different perspective; and practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths growth areas and biases.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others:Experience adapting communication and approaches to different communities and individuals welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of co-workers and customers.

• PhD degreewith major studies in natural resources ecology natural resources management and conservation biology or a closely related field.
• Experience mentoring and training professional and non-professional staff consulting with Tribes on complex natural issues and managing staff and program-level activities (e.g. budget).

To ensure consideration please complete the online job application and profile at . You must attach in your application the following:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing how you meet the qualifications and competencies listed in this announcement.
• Current resume in chronological order.
• Fiveprofessional references.
  

**All requested materials must be submitted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.**

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

To take advantage of veteran preference please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy) NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in .
• For more information on Veterans Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility click here.

WHO WE ARE:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest most diverse and most beautiful park systems in the country. With more than 120000 acres the system includes 125 developed parks including 19 marine parks 11 historical parks 35 heritage sites 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (during peak season - summers) who are some of the most passionate employees youll find anywhere from law enforcement park rangers park managers and field staff who take care of our parks (construction maintenance customer service to planners engineers managers administrative professionals and central support staff. We love caring for Washingtons most treasured lands waters and historic places; connecting all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage; and providing memorable recreational and educational experiences. For more information on Washington State Parks click here.

Diversity Policy Statement

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply including but not limited to women Black Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) individuals with disabilities neurodivergent individuals disabled and Vietnam era veterans persons over 40 years of age and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.

For information about this recruitment or Parks hiring process please contact Wendy Vandel ator .

For information about this position please contactthe Stewardship Manager Andrea Thorpe ator .

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.