Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Elected in 2016, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz leads the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in accomplishing its mission to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

The policy team at DNR supports Commissioner Franz by advancing solutions to complex challenges toward a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive. Recent successes include:

• 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 the Rural Communities Partnership Initiative to reenergize rural economies with keystone projects, including reopening a hardwood mill in Raymond, building a facility to recycle derelict boats in Ilwaco, and building out broadband Internet in Northeast Washington, among others.
• Expanding and improving recreation opportunities on public lands.

The Executive Policy Advisor serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner and reports to the Policy Director. The Executive Policy Advisor supports the Senior Strategic Advisor, Policy Director, and the Executive Team with expertise, advice and project leadership on major strategic issues.  This position’s primary focus is to develop solutions to significant public policy challenges facing the agency. Initial topics may include:

• Advancing new, innovative opportunities to generate revenue on state trust lands;
• Fostering higher labor standards for clean energy projects and other department opportunities;
• Improving urban development opportunities, such as affordable housing, in support of public needs and DNR’s trust responsibilities;
• Promoting new approaches to equity and environmental justice through wildfire preparedness and urban forestry; and
• Creating rural economic development projects such as cross-laminate-timber infrastructure.

The successful candidate will achieve these outcomes by coordinating with subject matter experts from internal, external and interagency groups, ultimately leading to the implementation of plans, policies and agreements that support DNR’s mission. Your office will be located in the Natural Resource Building in Olympia, Washington but ability to work from home or other DNR facilities when compatible with job responsibilities. Travel may be required, including occasional overnight trips.
What will we trust you with?

As Executive Policy Advisor, your colleagues will entrust you to:

• In partnership with the Policy Director and Legislative Affairs team, write, justify, advocate for and support agency request legislation; conduct research on the environmental, economic and political impacts of legislation; assist in the management of the legislative process;
• Consult with and advise members of executive management on environmental and operational 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, issues, and analysis;
• Work with diverse and competing interest groups to develop solutions and resolve conflicts around high-profile issues;
• Bring creative thinking to the on-going development and implementation of long-range strategic initiatives and plans; and translate long-range goals into short-term actionable projects.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a field relevant to the position’s responsibilities.
• Experience working with diverse and competing interest groups to develop solutions on high profile projects.
• Ability to develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships and work cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and respectfully manage differences, opposing perspectives, opinions, and interests to 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.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts and information.
• Write effectively; and communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.
• Knowledge of state personnel and budgeting practices; policy theory and principles; and organizational theory.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, with demonstrated experience effectively working with diverse groups of colleagues and stakeholders.
• 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 implement management systems; conceive 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.

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 on the state capital campus and minutes from downtown and the South Puget Sound.

DNR manages 5.6 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. DNR generates revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. DNR also protects public resources such as fish, wildlife, and water quality, and provides public access to outdoor recreation. In addition, DNR leads wildland fire prevention and suppression for much of the state and administers the state’s forest practice rules. 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.

We have some of the most talented people in the industry.  We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust.  We invite you to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.