Federal Lands Operations Manager, Environmental Planner 5 (EP5)

Description

Duties

Responsibilities:

• Lead Operational coordination and implementation for restoration projects on federal lands, primarily through Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) agreements and other federal partnerships and mechanisms.
• Supervise and provide guidance to District Managers in the planning, implementation, and administration of restoration projects, ensuring alignment with statewide program goals and standards.
• Oversee end-to-end project lifecycle management, from planning and contract development to field operations, compliance, and reporting.
• Develop and implement long-term vision and operational strategies for the Federal Lands Operations Program, aligning with state and federal restoration goals.
• Serve as the principal liaison and subject matter expert on NEPA-related environmental implementation documents and restoration activities, engaging regularly with USFS, BLM, and other federal partners.
• Manage program budgets and perform financial planning, including cost estimation, federal agreement development, and oversight of public contracts in compliance with agency and federal requirements.
• Facilitate internal and external workflows across divisions and agencies to ensure effective and timely implementation of restoration projects statewide.
• Provide policy guidance and training to staff on evolving state and federal regulations, ensuring compliance and operational readiness.
• Represent the department at public and interagency forums, fostering collaboration and delivering exceptional service to partners and the general public.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field.
• (7) Seven years of professional experience in natural resources, biological sciences, land use, urban, environmental planning, and/or management, which includes a minimum of 3 three years of demonstrated application of theory and principles of Good Neighbor Authority.
• (5) Five years of demonstrated experience applying theory, policy, principles, and practices of the forestry profession, preferably in the Northwestern United States (all aspects of commercial harvest operations, contract design and administrations service contract operations, program planning including staffing resource and financial management principles, application of procedures and policies).
• (2) Two or more years of Supervisory Experience.
• (2) Two years of experience in strategic and operational program development, including official development of policies and procedures, fiscal and budget design, and creation of state-wide management plans.
• (2) Two years of experience with interstate and interagency coordination and consultation on natural resource-related policy and environmental planning.
• Demonstrated history of positive, responsive, cooperative, and collaborative interaction with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
• Knowledge of planning principles associated with forest land management planning, planning and stewardship techniques, associated environmental laws, policies, and programs at the state and federal levels.
• Knowledge of methods and objectives of natural resource planning.
• 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 requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• This position is based out of Olympia, WA, and the Natural Resource Building, and is authorized to telecommute under a current agency telework agreement policy.
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting and other meeting locations or field environments. Field work may require walking over steep and rugged terrain and in inclement weather.
• Position requires travel for meetings and field visits. This requires travel to regions, national forests, and other locations statewide. Interstate travel may be required at times.
• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license and two years of driving experience. 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.

• Master’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field.
• (5) Five years of professional experience in natural resources, biological sciences, land use, urban, environmental planning, and/or management.
• Advanced knowledge of GNA and 4 years of experience drafting and implementing projects under Supplemental Project Agreement,s including commercial harvest projects, non-commercial restoration projects such as aquatic organism passage and habitat design, hazardous fuels reduction, bridge design, transportation
  system maintenance, invasive species management, terrestrial wildlife habitat design, and any other restoration projects typically accomplished on federal, state, or private landscapes.
• Working Knowledge of:
  • Advanced environmental planning principles, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies, and programs concerning all phases of Federal and State resource development;
  • Governmental administrative structure at the Federal, state, and local levels;
  • Current and historical environmental, social, and other challenges affecting the development of local, federal, and State environmental resource programs;
  • Current and historical NEPA process and requirements;
  • Methods and objectives of urban and natural resources planning.
• Ability to:
  • Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities;
  • Coalesce and develop a broad array of independent work plans and long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions
  • Maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, agency partners, and other relevant groups engaged in federal land management ;
  • Provide a consistent message and a positive attitude about the program’s development and program projects.
  • Interpret federal policy and procedures;
  • Frequently communicate with federal employees through their agency's policies and procedures;
  • Address large groups and write effectively.
  • Work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
• A demonstrated knowledge of federal policies and procedures implemented under the USFS and other federal agencies, including the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA), the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S. Farm Bill), and other federal policies typically associated with the implementation and planning of federal projects.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts. If you have questions regarding attaching this document, please contact dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. If you do not attach your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcript, your application will not move forward in the application process.
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• 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.

• 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.