The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and wildlife, viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. Working throughout the state, WDFW’s employees: field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, customer service representatives and others – manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species, maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recruiting to fill one full time, permanent, Property and Acquisition Specialist 6 position located in the Wildlife Program, Lands Division. The duty station is located at 600 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501.

The mission of the WDFW is to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish and wildlife and provide fish and wildlife related commercial and recreational opportunities. In support of this mission WDFW manages over a million acres of owned and controlled lands including hatcheries, shellfish beds, wildlife areas and public fishing access areas. The incumbent provides expertise and leadership to accomplish real property transactions and property management activities such as acquisitions, dispositions and the necessary due diligence processes including management of appraisal and environmental assessment contracts within a team environment.

• Coordinate and prioritize critical timelines for real property project’s to ensure transactions are managed to completion;
• Assist with complex negotiations for acquisition of real property interests.
• Develop guidelines to assist region and other agency staff with determining properties to be surplused, funding sources and timelines.
• Coordinate disposition of prioritized property with Lands Agents including development of criteria for appraisals, auction process, etc.;
• Review title reports and legal descriptions, request surveys when necessary;
• Coordinate strategies to select contractors for appraisals, reviews and environmental assessments; Oversee process to distribute fee requests and notices to proceed; manage contracts to completion.
• Supervise preparation of all forms of real estate instruments and coordinate with AAG when necessary to develop new or update complex purchase and sale options.
• Coordinate with RES staff to ensure timely closings for transactions involving WDFW’s land directly or through escrow; coordinate close-out meetings with RES staff.
• Develop and edit documents, maps and PowerPoint materials for Real Estate Services Manager to present at Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings.
• Supervise, mentor, and train staff supporting land acquisitions and dispositions.

• Project management experience demonstrating ability to effectively prioritize multiple issues/tasks
• Ability to read and interpret maps, surveys and legal descriptions
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Knowledge of appraisal processes and requirements
• Knowledge of title research and escrow procedures
• Knowledge of grant application procedures and funding restrictions
• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills and problem solve
• Ability to supervise the work of subordinate personnel
• Computer proficiency in MS Office suite of software

Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

• Work is performed indoors in an office environment with occasional field visits
• Work Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.. to 5 p.m..
• Position requires some travel. Travel includes traveling between the Department’s work locations as well as other state agency locations. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary. The incumbent will conduct site visits, coordinate with other staff as necessary, and attend meetings and conferences away from the duty station.  Up to 15% of time out of the office.
• Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g., desk, computer, printer/copier, telephone, etc.)
• Daily email and telephone correspondence with the agency staff regarding status progress.  Regularly speaks with public, staff and other professionals as necessary

How to Apply:
To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.

Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.