Strategic Advisor to the State Forester, Exempt

Strategic Advisor to the State Forester, Exempt Recruitment #2025-5235 Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented position. 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: $110,280.00 - $128,628.00 Annually To allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is: $110,280.00 - $135,396.00 Annually Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is Washington State's primary wildland fire agency serving the citizens of our state through safe and effective wildland fire prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and suppression. Working with interagency partners, the DNR embraces an "all hands all lands" vision. To be successful in this position you need to demonstrate a strong commitment to the agency, forest resilience, and wildland fire program vision, mission, and goals. This position must be articulate and skilled to address current matters, as well as anticipate unforeseen issues as they arise. This position reports to the State Forester and Deputy Supervisor for Wildland Fire Management and provides strategic-level management analysis of issues related to wildfire and forest resilience at the state and federal levels. This includes serving as a subject matter expert, strategic planner, and project manager for various initiatives involving wildfire and forest resilience issues. The position consults or coordinates with applicable Wildland Fire Management and Forest Resiliency Division Managers and their staff, region staff, other members of the executive management team, legislators and legislative staff, and local, state, and federal agencies to gather and synthesize highly complex information related to wildfire and forest health/resiliency policy and programs.Responsibilities: * Provides direct support to the State Forester and Deputy Supervisor by carrying out specific projects and issue analysis. Develops reports and other information to assist the Deputy in making internal and external policy and management decisions. Represents the Deputy upon request in meetings with internal staff, external stakeholders, and advisory commissions. * Supervises staff to develop policies and programs that achieve the strategic mission of the department related to wildland fire management, community resilience, and landscape resilience. * Works directly with Division and Region staff, legislators and legislative staff, and external stakeholders in the development of policy and fiscal decision packages to be presented to the Deputy and Commissioner for approval. * As the Strategic Advisor to the State Forester, this position identifies new policy initiatives and/or programs that serve to advance wildland fire or forest health programs in the state. This includes analyzing the potential impacts and risks of any change. This position requires an expert understanding of the potential risks associated with policy changes related to wildland fire, community resilience, and landscape resilience. * Facilitates and supports the Electric Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Committee. This includes developing the ongoing strategic objections of the Committee for ultimate approval of the Commissioner of Public Lands. It also manages all the functions of the Committee, including logistics for meetings and internal and external communication of the Committee. Required Qualifications:  * Seven years of professional experience in natural resources management, or closely related field. * Demonstrated progression in responsibility in managing people, projects, and budgets over that time. * Demonstrated experience in working with people with diverse interests to find solutions to complex problems. * Knowledge of wildland fire, community resilience, and forest management policies and operations at the local, state, and federal levels. * Knowledge of the legislative process in Washington State.  * Demonstrated ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen critical partnerships inside and outside the organization. * Possess the necessary verbal, non-verbal, listening, and writing skills to effectively convey complex thoughts and information persuasively at all levels of the agency as well as externally to the organization * 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, and regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed. * DNR Core Competencies: * Personal Accountability * Value Others * Compassionate Communication * Inspire Others * Commitment to Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: * Typical government office setting. * Occasional overnight and single-day travel can be expected. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!Application Requirements: * Apply online: at (Click on the APPLY button above). * Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements. * Resume: that details your experience and qualifications. * References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers- 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.). * Complete all supplemental questions. * Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@ 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. Questions?  Please contact George Geissler at /360-902-1684 or e-mail us at  Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email . 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 that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit for more information. Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days. DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. 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 of 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 NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email . Check us out on: DNR's website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Created: 2025-02-16