Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Are you interested in managing a team that is driven to protect Washington’s lands and waters? Do you have experience managing teams that work in fast-paced, high-stress environments? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is looking for an individual to fill the Blue Mountains Wildfire and Forest Health District Manager position.

The Blue Mountains Wildfire and Forest Health District Manager is responsible for 2 teams: One that functions in Wildfire Operations, and the other that focuses on the WA DNR’s Landowner Assistance Program. Between these two teams, there are 6 permanent employees, and up to 14 seasonal wildland firefighters. Both teams value the health of Washington’s lands, and both teams work with local communities to create healthier forests and fire adaptable communities. These teams have different strategies of doing this. This position is responsible for 2200 acres of fuels reduction and forest health treatments on small forest landowner parcels per biennium within the assigned district. The Landowner Assistance Foresters provide technical assistance to landowners in areas forest health, wildfire preparedness, and fuel reduction, and wildfire prevention. The Blue Mountains Fire unit is responsible for community fire prevention events, burning regulation, and act as first responders to wildfire incidents.

This District Manager must be able to create a sense of cohesion, and create a culture where both teams recognize and rely on the strengths of each other. This manager needs to be able to not only supervise, but act as a leader and mentor to their district. The individual to fill this role needs to be a quick learner, and able to delegate operational pieces downward, so that they may focus on programmatic schematics, policy analysis, and interagency partnerships.

What we will trust you with:

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:

Desirable Qualifications:

The Location

Nestled at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers in southeast Washington, Clarkston is the gateway to North America’s deepest gorge, Hells Canyon. Clarkston offers a mild climate, which allows for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities such as golf, fishing and walking the trails along the beautiful Snake River provide a glance into the stunning views of southeastern Washington. Area rivers and creeks allow for boating, water skiing, rafting and jet boat rides. World famous steelhead, chinook and trout fishing await you there too. Nearby forests, provide wonderful hunting grounds for deer, elk and game birds. Try award-winning wines at the Basalt Cellars Winery or a topnotch IPA at the Riverport Brewing Company. Across the river, Lewiston Idaho provides even more excitement. Take a trip to Hells Gate State Park or a walk through the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center. Follow the footsteps of famous explorers and explore the natural bounty and small town warmth of Clarkston.

At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.  At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

What makes DNR a great place to work?

• Transitioning to a modern work environment
• Mobile work
• Infants at work program
• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• A comprehensive benefit package that 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.

Application Process

To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

• You must attach the following:
  • A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
  • A resume including the names of three to five professional references

Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions?  Please contact Wyatt Leighton at (509) 925-0959, wyatt.leighton@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.