Our public lands create incredible economic benefit and generate hundreds of millions of dollars for schools, hospitals, and libraries. Under the leadership of Commissioner Franz, the agency is expanding opportunities that protect our lands and benefit our communities. We want you to help us push the agency forward and maximize the social, economic, and environmental value of public lands.

The successful candidate will be motivated, creative, hardworking, and have a successful track record of solving complex policy issues. Writing, researching, analytical thinking, and project management will be areas of expertise. A background in business and/or economic development is preferred.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will provide strategic guidance to agency leadership, including the Policy Director and Commissioner Franz. Expect to bring big, ambitious ideas to life. Expect a fast-paced work environment. Expect to be challenged, but know you will have a team to support you and

The policy team at DNR supports Commissioner Franz by advancing solutions to complex challenges. Recent successes include:

Work for Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop policies that will lift up all Washingtonians. This includes advancing bold, forward-thinking initiatives that boost rural and urban economies, increase the revenue public lands generate, and build stronger, more connected communities.

• Launching a 20-year plan to restore the health of 1.25 million acres of forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
• Advancing 21st century wind and solar energy projects to generate revenue for schools and counties, and help Washington transition to a clean energy future.
• Launching initiatives to reenergize rural economies with keystone projects, including building a facility to recycle derelict boats in Ilwaco, WA, and building out broadband Internet in Northeast Washington, among others.
• Expanding and improving recreation opportunities on public lands.

The Senior Policy Advisor serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner and report directly to the
Policy Director. The Senior Policy Advisor supports the agency with expertise, advice and project leadership on major strategic policy issues.

We are currently hiring for two Senior Policy Advisor positions. One Senior Policy Advisor whose primary focus will be on economic development, and one whose primary focus will be on sustainably increasing revenue generation on state trust lands.
Initial topics for the Senior Policy Advisor, Revenue Generation include:

• Updating the Commercial Real Estate strategy to maximize commercial and transition land opportunities;
• Identifying potential statutory updates and efficiencies for legislative packages;
• Advancing policy goals from the 2020 Trust Land Performance Assessment Report; and
• Promoting innovation around trust management opportunities in order to increase agency’s revenue generation.

Initial topics for the Senior Policy Advisor, Economic Development include:

• Sourcing and scoping economic development/job creation partnership opportunities across the state;
• Building support for local and statewide initiatives that create jobs, stimulate the economy, and meet DNR’s mission to promote community resilience;
• Advancing region-based projects in support of agency priorities; and
• Continuing the work started under the Rural Communities Initiative Partnership (RCPI).

The successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to achieve these outcomes by coordinating with subject matter experts from internal, external and interagency groups, ultimately leading to the development and implementation of plans, policies and strategies that support DNR’s mission.

What we will trust you with:
As Senior Policy Advisor, your colleagues will entrust you to:

• Bring creative thinking to the on-going development and implementation of long-range strategic policy initiatives and issues, and to translate long-range goals into short-term actionable projects.
• Consult with and advise members of executive management on key issues, including gathering and incorporating feedback from Division and program managers;
• Provide internal and external communications to accomplish agency policy objectives and provide consultation and research on policy issues;
• Work with programs to identify information required for policy development, legislation, and recommended priorities;
• Sponsor, coordinate, and lead ad hoc work groups on subjects of agency-wide strategic importance.
• Incorporate key information about external organizations, interests, and issues into the on-going development and implementation of strategic policy priorities.
• Work with diverse and competing interest groups to develop solutions and resolve conflicts surrounding high-profile issues.
• In partnership with the Legislative Affairs team, write, justify, advocate for and support agency request legislation; conduct research on the environmental, economic and political impacts of legislation.

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:

• Demonstrated experience successfully moving a high-priority, high profile project involving multiple, competing interests from start to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to make effective oral presentations to both internal and external audiences, the ability to distill complex concepts into digestible information.
• Ability to develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships and work cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to work as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to public service.
• Strong problem solving skills, creative thinking ability, and vision.
• Innovative mindset and approach.
• Knowledge of public policy theory and principles, research methods, and organizational management theory.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements. 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.

Desirable Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a political science, public policy, business administration, or another field relevant to the position’s responsibilities.
• Write effectively; and communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.
• Knowledge of current economic, social, political and regulatory developments.
• Knowledge of methods and objectives of natural resources planning and management.
• Ability to develop short- and long-range plans.
• Ability to develop and conduct independent research projects.
• Ability to coordinate/facilitate/manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
• Work cooperatively with government officials, agency staff, senior managers, industry representatives and the public at all levels.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts and information.
• Economic development background or experience working closely with businesses and trade associations to develop key policies or accomplish strategic initiatives
• Demonstrated experience successfully working alongside and building relationships with business and private industry partners in the pursuit of broad public policy goals.
• Experience working for an elected official or high-level executive.

The Location

One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Olympia, Washington on the state capitol campus and minutes from downtown and the South Puget Sound.

Why work for DNR?

At DNR, you will join a tight-knit team of skilled policy advisors who work on topics that are incredibly rewarding. You will be empowered to be creative and think boldly, but will always have the support and guidance of the Policy Team. We move fast, and want you to help us make the world a better place. You will work in close proximity to a statewide elected official and will have the opportunity to travel the state and experience our incredible communities. Plus, awesome benefits.

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 Andrea Wagner at Andrea.Wagner@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.