State of Washington
State Uplands Deputy Supervisor, Exempt
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
State Uplands Deputy Supervisor
Recruitment #2025-12-5844
Full-time, Exempt 5, Non-represented
Location:
Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework
flexibility may be available and considered Relocation Compensation
may be available and considered Salary:
$11,933.00 – $14,650.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) protects Washington State’s heritage of natural resources by sustainably managing millions of acres of state lands in forests, under the sea and across agricultural plains. DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $245 million and has over 1300 permanent employees with approximately 500 additional staff hired during the summer fire season. Each year, state trust forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands generate more than $300 million for public schools, state institutions, county services and aquatic restoration. As stewards of these lands, DNR manages them to also provide the state with fish and wildlife habitat, clean and abundant water and public access to outdoor recreation.
Description The Deputy Supervisor for State Uplands provides executive leadership and oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the department’s programs that manage Washington’s upland assets. This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and serves at the pleasure of the statewide elected Commissioner of Public Lands. Serving as the department’s senior leader for State Uplands, this role is both a steward of a strong existing vision and a catalyst for continued evolution. The Deputy Supervisor is expected to sustain effective programs and practices while also identifying opportunities to modernize, innovate, and adapt to emerging challenges, changing public expectations, and evolving economic and environmental conditions. This position acts as key staff to the Board of Natural Resources, the land management policy‑making authority for the department. Responsibilities include providing strategic and tactical leadership and oversight of all State Uplands programs, which are managed by the Divisions and operationalized by the Regions. The Deputy Supervisor’s primary purpose is to oversee the management and administration of approximately 3.1 million acres of state-owned uplands. The position is responsible for the administration, allocation, and oversight of a biennial budget of approximately $163 million and approximately 355 FTEs.
Additional Responsibilities Include
Oversee and supervise the management of approximately 3.1 million acres of state owned uplands across a broad portfolio of program areas, including Asset Management, Forest Resources, Product Sales and Leasing, Engineering, and Recreation and Conservation.
Advance the vision and mission of State Uplands by not only sustaining successful practices, but also exploring new approaches, policies, and tools that improve outcomes for trust beneficiaries, communities, and the public.
Lead thoughtful innovation in upland management by identifying opportunities to diversify revenue strategies, modernize operational practices, and respond to emerging environmental, economic, and social priorities.
Ensure sustainable natural resource management, transparency, and public processes are grounded in sound science and continuously improved across policies, procedures, and operational practices.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across the agency and with other state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, elected and appointed officials, businesses, and Washington residents.
Review and analyze legislative proposals and actively participate in the development, communication, and representation of agency-sponsored legislation.
Qualifications Ideal Candidate For this critical leadership role, DNR seeks a credible, unifying leader who is deeply committed to the long-term success of State Uplands and who brings both strategic vision and a practical, results‑oriented mindset. The ideal candidate will value the strong foundation already in place while also being energized by opportunities to innovate, diversify, and transform how upland assets are managed to meet future needs.
Core Experience and Skills
Deep knowledge of natural resource management principles and strategies, including ecological forestry and science-based approaches that balance conservation and production.
Skill in navigating the political landscape of working for an elected official and building strong networks with cities, counties, Tribes, and communities across Washington.
Ability to analyze complex, high-profile, and often controversial issues and guide the organization through change thoughtfully and transparently.
Proven capacity to manage competing priorities while delivering timely, strategic recommendations.
Experience with legislative processes, public policy development, and biennial budgeting.
Cultural competency that supports effective leadership and collaboration in cross‑cultural and multi-stakeholder environments.
Labor relations experience within a highly represented workforce.
Strong relationship‑building skills with diverse interest groups, including the timber industry, environmental organizations, Tribes, trust beneficiaries, and local governments.
A demonstrated commitment to workforce equity, diversity, and inclusion.
A collaborative, customer service-oriented leadership style that emphasizes partnership and trust.
A creative problem‑solver with a focus on exploring new and innovative opportunities.
The ability to influence, align, and motivate others to achieve shared goals and move complex initiatives forward.
All employees of the DNR are required to consistently demonstrate the following core competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Desired Qualifications
Successful candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a large, complex, and highly represented organization. An advanced degree is a plus.
Live and Work in a Great State Washington State offers a total work/life package of pay, benefits, flexibility and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life. Washington State is a great place to work, play, and be a part of a community. Washington offers a quality of life that is unsurpassed. From the high‑energy urban center of Seattle, one of the nation’s top-ranked cities, to the more relaxed pace of our rural communities, Washington’s distinctive Northwest lifestyle blends a progressive, creative culture with a casual nature.
The position is located in Olympia, the capital city of Washington State. Olympia is a vibrant city with a small‑town feel conveniently situated between Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Mount Rainier and the rugged Cascade Mountains provide majestic scenery to the east while Washington’s Pacific Coast is just an hour’s drive to the west. Olympia enjoys the benefits of an engaged and educated community and a well‑supported school system, augmented by two universities and a community college.
Supplemental Information Application Requirements Persons interested in this position must submit a cover letter and a current resume. In order to be considered for the first round of interviews, please submit your application materials no later than February 6, 2026 by visiting www.karrasconsulting.net and clicking on “view open positions.” If you have questions regarding this announcement, please call Marissa Karras at 360‑956‑1336.
The maximum annual salary for this position is $175,800. The starting salary may be less than the maximum.
EEO Statement The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. We will provide assistance in the recruitment, application and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance.
Benefits Overview Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. The Benefits package includes medical (including vision), dental, basic life insurance, a medical flexible spending account, basic life and long‑term disability insurance, auto, boat, home and renter insurance via payroll deduction, and Washington Wellness program through the Health Care Authority. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account and receive assistance to enroll. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes health and well‑being. In addition, Washington State employee benefits include a retirement plan through the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), Social Security, and potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Leave Policies Full‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays, a personal holiday, sick leave, vacation (annual leave), bereavement leave, parental leave, FMLA, and leave without pay. Part‑time employees accrue leave on a pro‑rated basis. Military leave: 21 days paid per year. Additional leave policies and details are available on the State HR website.
Application Questions
Describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
Describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
Have you attached a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts? This is a required attachment. 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. Yes
No
Do you have a valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience? Yes
No
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H‑1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States? Yes
No
Unsure
Where did you originally hear about this job posting? www.dnr.wa.gov
www.careers.wa.gov
WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
Governmentjobs.com
Monster
Indeed
LinkedIn
Twitter
College/university website/career fair
Handshake
Newspaper
Direct Email Notification
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
Professional/Personal Network
Job Board
Job Fair
Zip Recruiter
Diversity Jobs
Facebook
Other (please specify below)
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below. Required Question
Updated 07‑21‑2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA Work Hours and Partial Telework
flexibility may be available and considered Relocation Compensation
may be available and considered Salary:
$11,933.00 – $14,650.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) protects Washington State’s heritage of natural resources by sustainably managing millions of acres of state lands in forests, under the sea and across agricultural plains. DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $245 million and has over 1300 permanent employees with approximately 500 additional staff hired during the summer fire season. Each year, state trust forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands generate more than $300 million for public schools, state institutions, county services and aquatic restoration. As stewards of these lands, DNR manages them to also provide the state with fish and wildlife habitat, clean and abundant water and public access to outdoor recreation.
Description The Deputy Supervisor for State Uplands provides executive leadership and oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the department’s programs that manage Washington’s upland assets. This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and serves at the pleasure of the statewide elected Commissioner of Public Lands. Serving as the department’s senior leader for State Uplands, this role is both a steward of a strong existing vision and a catalyst for continued evolution. The Deputy Supervisor is expected to sustain effective programs and practices while also identifying opportunities to modernize, innovate, and adapt to emerging challenges, changing public expectations, and evolving economic and environmental conditions. This position acts as key staff to the Board of Natural Resources, the land management policy‑making authority for the department. Responsibilities include providing strategic and tactical leadership and oversight of all State Uplands programs, which are managed by the Divisions and operationalized by the Regions. The Deputy Supervisor’s primary purpose is to oversee the management and administration of approximately 3.1 million acres of state-owned uplands. The position is responsible for the administration, allocation, and oversight of a biennial budget of approximately $163 million and approximately 355 FTEs.
Additional Responsibilities Include
Oversee and supervise the management of approximately 3.1 million acres of state owned uplands across a broad portfolio of program areas, including Asset Management, Forest Resources, Product Sales and Leasing, Engineering, and Recreation and Conservation.
Advance the vision and mission of State Uplands by not only sustaining successful practices, but also exploring new approaches, policies, and tools that improve outcomes for trust beneficiaries, communities, and the public.
Lead thoughtful innovation in upland management by identifying opportunities to diversify revenue strategies, modernize operational practices, and respond to emerging environmental, economic, and social priorities.
Ensure sustainable natural resource management, transparency, and public processes are grounded in sound science and continuously improved across policies, procedures, and operational practices.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across the agency and with other state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, elected and appointed officials, businesses, and Washington residents.
Review and analyze legislative proposals and actively participate in the development, communication, and representation of agency-sponsored legislation.
Qualifications Ideal Candidate For this critical leadership role, DNR seeks a credible, unifying leader who is deeply committed to the long-term success of State Uplands and who brings both strategic vision and a practical, results‑oriented mindset. The ideal candidate will value the strong foundation already in place while also being energized by opportunities to innovate, diversify, and transform how upland assets are managed to meet future needs.
Core Experience and Skills
Deep knowledge of natural resource management principles and strategies, including ecological forestry and science-based approaches that balance conservation and production.
Skill in navigating the political landscape of working for an elected official and building strong networks with cities, counties, Tribes, and communities across Washington.
Ability to analyze complex, high-profile, and often controversial issues and guide the organization through change thoughtfully and transparently.
Proven capacity to manage competing priorities while delivering timely, strategic recommendations.
Experience with legislative processes, public policy development, and biennial budgeting.
Cultural competency that supports effective leadership and collaboration in cross‑cultural and multi-stakeholder environments.
Labor relations experience within a highly represented workforce.
Strong relationship‑building skills with diverse interest groups, including the timber industry, environmental organizations, Tribes, trust beneficiaries, and local governments.
A demonstrated commitment to workforce equity, diversity, and inclusion.
A collaborative, customer service-oriented leadership style that emphasizes partnership and trust.
A creative problem‑solver with a focus on exploring new and innovative opportunities.
The ability to influence, align, and motivate others to achieve shared goals and move complex initiatives forward.
All employees of the DNR are required to consistently demonstrate the following core competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Desired Qualifications
Successful candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a large, complex, and highly represented organization. An advanced degree is a plus.
Live and Work in a Great State Washington State offers a total work/life package of pay, benefits, flexibility and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life. Washington State is a great place to work, play, and be a part of a community. Washington offers a quality of life that is unsurpassed. From the high‑energy urban center of Seattle, one of the nation’s top-ranked cities, to the more relaxed pace of our rural communities, Washington’s distinctive Northwest lifestyle blends a progressive, creative culture with a casual nature.
The position is located in Olympia, the capital city of Washington State. Olympia is a vibrant city with a small‑town feel conveniently situated between Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Mount Rainier and the rugged Cascade Mountains provide majestic scenery to the east while Washington’s Pacific Coast is just an hour’s drive to the west. Olympia enjoys the benefits of an engaged and educated community and a well‑supported school system, augmented by two universities and a community college.
Supplemental Information Application Requirements Persons interested in this position must submit a cover letter and a current resume. In order to be considered for the first round of interviews, please submit your application materials no later than February 6, 2026 by visiting www.karrasconsulting.net and clicking on “view open positions.” If you have questions regarding this announcement, please call Marissa Karras at 360‑956‑1336.
The maximum annual salary for this position is $175,800. The starting salary may be less than the maximum.
EEO Statement The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. We will provide assistance in the recruitment, application and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance.
Benefits Overview Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. The Benefits package includes medical (including vision), dental, basic life insurance, a medical flexible spending account, basic life and long‑term disability insurance, auto, boat, home and renter insurance via payroll deduction, and Washington Wellness program through the Health Care Authority. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account and receive assistance to enroll. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes health and well‑being. In addition, Washington State employee benefits include a retirement plan through the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), Social Security, and potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Leave Policies Full‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays, a personal holiday, sick leave, vacation (annual leave), bereavement leave, parental leave, FMLA, and leave without pay. Part‑time employees accrue leave on a pro‑rated basis. Military leave: 21 days paid per year. Additional leave policies and details are available on the State HR website.
Application Questions
Describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
Describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
Have you attached a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts? This is a required attachment. 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. Yes
No
Do you have a valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience? Yes
No
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H‑1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States? Yes
No
Unsure
Where did you originally hear about this job posting? www.dnr.wa.gov
www.careers.wa.gov
WA WorkSource office or WorkSourceWA.com
Governmentjobs.com
Monster
Indeed
College/university website/career fair
Handshake
Newspaper
Direct Email Notification
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups (BRG)
Professional/Personal Network
Job Board
Job Fair
Zip Recruiter
Diversity Jobs
Other (please specify below)
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below. Required Question
Updated 07‑21‑2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr